Similar to humans, cats also require dental care, but most individuals don't consider brushing their cat's teeth in the same way that they do with their own. Toys and meals that require chewing offer some tooth care, but frequently not enough to stop dental problems from arising.
Items Required to Clean Your Cat's Teeth
Items Required to Clean Your Cat's Teeth
Some cats seem to like having their teeth brushed, but others will require more attention from you or help remaining calm.
1: Finger Toothbrush: You can brush your cat's teeth with a finger toothbrush, a dry Q-tip, or anything else. Cats often find it difficult to use a full-sized toothbrush because of their small mouths and tiny teeth.
2: Pet toothpaste: Toothpaste intended for human use typically contains flavors that are not appetizing to cats' taste buds, in addition to substances that may be poisonous to cats. If your cat enjoys the flavor, cat toothpaste can not only be healthy for them to ingest, but it can also make it more fun.
3: Treats: If your cat isn't used to or doesn't appreciate having its teeth brushed, tasty treats like cheese, tuna, packaged cat food, shrimp, or other stinky options provide excellent rewards.
4: Calming Assistance: Many cats experience dread, worry, and anxiety when it comes time for their teeth to be cleaned. Anxiety-lowering medications, sedatives, soothing pheromones, and calming vitamins can all help lessen these sensations. The struggle that many people encounter while trying to confine their cat can be avoided with these additions to their tooth-brushing routine.
5: Towel: You can cover your cat in a towel or blanket so it can wash its teeth. In addition to providing a sense of security and serenity, the feline burrito wrapping method prevents paws from batting the toothpaste away.
How to Clean Your Cat's Teeth
You can truly clean the teeth of your cat once we have all the supplies required to brush them. If the cat is slightly wiggly, a buddy might be helpful, but if it is struggling and weeping, you should give up trying to confine it. It will therefore be necessary to use supplements or medications to soothe it. Even if your cat isn't having any trouble, covering it with a towel can help prevent accidents and provide an extra layer of comfort. It is no longer advised to restrict a cat by brushing them because this really makes them more stressed.
When your cat is ready, give it some treats, and then, while you gently keep its head steady, wash its teeth by swiping the toothbrush without toothpaste underneath the gum line. After giving your cat a few swipes with the toothbrush, give them extra treats and carry on brushing as needed. Don't hesitate to intervene if your cat starts to struggle or cry.
Is it bad if I've never brushed my cat's teeth?
Similar to other animals with teeth, cats may have oral inflammation and infection if food particles and germs accumulate on their teeth. If the infection is severe enough, it may subsequently impact a cat's internal organs by entering the bloodstream through the gums' blood supply. Diseased gums and teeth can have a detrimental effect on the kidneys, liver, and even the heart.
Not only may dental disease harm a cat's internal organs, but it can also cause the teeth to become so unhealthy and contaminated that they break, require extraction, or even fall out. If left untreated, dental disease can be excruciating, result in major health issues, foul breath, drooling, or permanently damage a cat. The simple act of brushing the teeth of your cat can help avert these issues.
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