Cat's Dental Care | ||
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You may not know it but just as you brush your teeth daily to keep your teeth in good condition, your cute cat also needs the same dental care. So to implement this you need the right tools exclusively designed for cats.
Use only toothpaste specifically designed for cats. Never use your own toothpaste as it can upset your cat's stomach. Cat toothpastes may contain several different active ingredients; those that contain chlorhexidine or hexametaphosphate are recommended.
Cat Rinses are also available that destroy the bacteria which leads to plaque and gum disease. Some can be placed directly in the mouth and used with a fingertip brush or dental sponge for effective cleansing. Others are mixed in your pet's water bowl and helps dissolve plaque and tartar.
We also have cat breath drops or sprays that can be used to remove the odors of tartar build up and gum disease until teeth can be professionally cleaned by a veterinarian. After a professional cleaning you can clean your cat’s teeth at home, daily.
Note: But breath drops or sprays are no substitutes for daily dental care.
Tooth brushes, sponges, and pads are also available which are designed for cat mouths. The choice of what to use depends on the health of your cat's gums, your ability to clean the teeth and the cat’s cooperation.
Dental cleaning pads are a substitute for brushes and are designed for cats with sensitive gums - and also for cat owners who cannot hold a cat brush because of arthritis or some other reason.
Frequency of Cleaning
The more often you clean your cat's teeth the healthier its teeth and gums will be. But if you do not have the time to clean on a daily basis, you can do so once every alternate day. Even this frequency of cleaning is sufficient to prevent the buildup of plaque.
Of course, you need to first get used to doing this with your cat; and your cat too need to get used to this process. In fact, the last one can be a difficult process depending on disposition of your cat. But I am sure, once you’ve got the hang of it, cleaning your cat’s teeth will become second nature for you.
NOTE: Never feed your cat sweets frequently as this can lead to the buildup of tar and plaque.
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