What You Need to Know About Caring for Your Cat’s Teeth

Caring for your cat’s teeth should be an essential part of your regular care routine. However, dental hygiene is often overlooked. Felines rarely enjoy having their mouths handled, and no paw parent likes being on the receiving end of an irritated claw swipe.

But dental disease can cause some serious issues for your furry friend, so preventive care is a must. Luckily, just a few small steps in caring for your cat’s teeth can make a huge difference. Not sure where to start, or how to recognize poor dental health? Cat in a Flat is here to tell you everything you need to know about caring for your cat’s teeth. 

Is caring for my cat’s teeth important?

Is caring for my cat’s teeth important? Yes, it’s incredibly important to look after your kitty’s teeth. Dental disease can cause pain, tooth loss, severe infections and other health issues. And while your furry friend can communicate with you in a lot of ways, Mr Whiskers may not always be able to tell you when they’re in pain due to dental problems. The good news is that most dental problems are preventable as well as treatable. Hence, caring for your cat’s teeth should be one of your priorities as a great paw parent! 

Causes of poor dental health in cats

Dental disease in cats is usually caused by the build up of bacteria. This can affect your fur friend’s teeth and gums. In some cases, poor dental health can be a genetic problem. Brachycephalic cat breeds—those with short skulls and flat faces—are at higher risk of poor dental health. For example, breeds like Siamese cats and British Shorthairs are more likely to develop dental disease than other types of felines.  

Another leading causes of plaque build-up is a poor diet. Feeding Mr Whiskers a healthy diet is one of the key steps in not only caring for your cat’s teeth, but being preventive about future issues. To help prevent bacteria build-up, feed your kitty a combination of wet and dry food. Wet food will help your furry friend to stay hydrated, while chewing dry kibbles helps your kitty remove some of the plaque from their teeth. However, for optimal tooth health be sure to pair a good diet with frequent brushing.

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How can you tell when your cat has dental problems?

How can you tell when your cat has dental problems? Felines can be mysterious, and it’s not always obvious when something might be wrong. Your kitty may not be able to communicate when they’re uncomfortable or in pain, so it’s up to you to watch for any changes in behavior. There are a variety of symptoms that can point to possible dental disease including loss of appetite, weight loss, and changes in eating habits. 

The primary symptoms that could point to dental disease are:

• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums or loose teeth
• Difficulty swallowing or slow eating
• Facial swelling
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Pawing at the mouth
• Drooling or runny nose

Paw Parent Tip: If you notice Mr Whiskers not eating, try small liquid portions over the course of a few days and make sure your kitty drinks plenty of water. Sometimes cats develop lesions in the mouth that may need a little time to heal. Mouth infections can be particularly common in felines who spend time outdoors hunting. However, if after a few days your kitty is still not eating, or they’re exhibiting any other symptoms, take them to the vet immediately. 

Caring for and brushing your cat’s teeth

If possible, begin caring for your cat’s teeth while they are still young. It will be easier for a kitten to adjust to a daily brushing routine. But even if you have an older kitty, it’s not too late to start. If you take the right approach, your kitty can still get used to having their teeth touched.

Not sure what’s the right way to brush your cat’s teeth? Follow these steps to ease your fur friend into a daily dental care routine: 

• Purchase a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for cats. NEVER use a human-sized toothbrush or toothpaste meant for humans on your feline. Not only do you risk hurting Mr Whiskers, but you could make them sick, too. 
• Choose a time of day for caring for your cat’s teeth, and stick to it. Felines love routine, so you should aim to make brushing their teeth a normal part of your fur friend’s daily life.
• Pick a quiet location so your feline stays calm.
• Begin by putting a little of your cat’s toothpaste on your finger and letting them lick it off. You can find a variety of toothpaste flavors your feline will love! 
• Once you’re ready, gently pull back your kitty’s lips. Touch their teeth with the toothbrush, then let go and reward your cat with a cuddle or treat. Repeat this for several days until you’re sure Mr Whiskers feels comfortable with the toothbrush. 
• To brush your cat’s teeth, turn their head to a 45-degree angle and pull back their lips. Gently rub the toothbrush along the area where your feline’s teeth and gums meet. 
• Don’t be discouraged if your kitty only tolerates this for a few seconds the first time around. Gradually increase the time you spend brushing your fur friend’s teeth until you’re able to do it for around 30 seconds or so each session.

Paw Parent Tip: If you’re going away on a trip, be sure to check with your cat sitter to see if they’re comfortable following your fur friend’s dental care routine while you’re gone. Once you hire a cat sitter, invite them over for a meet and greet and demonstrate the best way to brush your kitty’s teeth. If possible, have them do it so you can observe. And if your cat sitter doesn’t feel comfortable with task, don’t worry! A short time without daily brushing won’t harm your kitty—as long as you restart the routine once you’re back home. 

Caring for your cat’s teeth isn’t always easy, but it can go a long way toward helping your furry friend live a long, healthy life. Are you looking for more great tips to help you care for your kitty? Check out the Cat Care section of our blog with useful articles about whether or not vegan diets are healthy for cats, how to know if your feline is happy, and safety tips for first-time paw parents!