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The impact of food on your cat’s teeth
As is the case with humans, a cat’s diet will show in their teeth. If you feed your cat too much sugary wet food, plaque will build up on their teeth, which can cause gum disease and dental loss. To keep your cat healthy, it’s important to serve them cat food that meets all their nutritional needs and to keep treats for special occasions. Did you know that cats can be trained using treats as a reward, just like dogs?
Keeping your cat’s teeth clean
Though pet dental care used to be focused on dogs, you can now also find some clever products that help you take care of your cat’s teeth. Chew toys with a special texture can remove some of the plaque build-up while also providing entertainment. In addition, you can try brushing your cat’s teeth. Always use toothpaste specifically developed for cats and an ultra-soft brush or a gauze swab. Start brushing your pet’s teeth when they are still young, so they won’t mind this routine later.
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Cats without teeth
Even when you do everything you can to keep your cat’s teeth in great shape, they might still deteriorate as a part of the natural aging process or genetic predisposition. Some cat breeds, like the British Shorthair and the Persian, are known to carry a larger risk of dental problems than most cats. Luckily, domestic cats can live a happy life without teeth. Just think of toothless internet sensation Lil Bub, who unfortunately passed away in 2019 due to a bone infection.
Warning signs of pain
If your cat has a toothache, chances are you won’t notice right away because cats are experts at hiding pain. Keep an eye out for warning signs like a low appetite, an exceptionally bad breath, bleeding or inflamed gums, drooling, and of course blackened, broken, or missing teeth. In case you notice these symptoms, make sure to contact your vet. In extreme cases, dental problems can lead to heart conditions, so make sure to stay vigilant.
