How to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces Does My Cat Need to Have Their Teeth Cleaned?
As humans must brush their teeth and see the dentist regularly, cats must also do so. So, does that mean you will be brushing your cat’s teeth? The answer is yes, if possible! Brushing your cat’s teeth at home can help prevent dental disease. Along with checkups and professional teeth cleanings by your veterinarian, this can help protect your cat’s teeth, gums, and overall health. Why cat dental care is important Caring for your cat’s teeth, including teeth cleaning and dental care, can help to prevent many serious health issues. Dental health affects your cat’s overall health in many ways. For example, plaque and tartar buildup on teeth and underneath gums can lead to gum disease and gingivitis. It can also cause:
How often should you clean your cat’s teeth? To minimize plaque and tartar, brush your cat’s teeth at home daily. However, like any new activity, teeth brushing requires patience and training. You may need to work up to daily brushing. In addition to brushing your cat’s teeth at home, your cat will need periodic veterinary dental cleanings. Veterinary cleanings are performed at a clinic or hospital while your cat is asleep under anesthesia. During a cleaning, your vet can provide a more thorough cleaning than what you can accomplish at home. How to brush your cat’s teeth It is best to introduce teeth brushing when your cat is a kitten. Even adult cats can learn to have their teeth brushed, in any case. You will need to be patient. Be prepared to get your cat used to the experience gradually. Before you brush your cat’s teeth, you will need the right toothpaste and toothbrush. You should only use cat-specific toothpaste. Human toothpaste is toxic for cats. You can buy pet toothbrushes or fingerbrushes from pet stores. A human baby toothbrush works well, too. Approach the process of brushing your cat’s teeth in steps:
While many cats can learn to have their teeth brushed, some just never get used to the process. Regular checkups and cleanings with your veterinarian can help protect your cat’s dental health. Do cat teeth-cleaning toys or cat teeth-cleaning treats work? You may have seen dental treats, foods, or supplements for sale. Many companies claim their products can help your cat’s dental health. But do a little research before you buy. Check the Veterinary Oral Health Council for products that can help your cat’s dental health. Your vet can also help you choose the right product for your cat. Some of the products included on the list are:
How often should you see your vet for a professional cat teeth cleaning? Dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning are also important for your cat. Cats should have a dental checkup at least once a year. During that checkup, your vet will carefully examine your cat’s teeth and look for any emerging dental issues. They may also recommend a professional teeth-cleaning How often your cat may need their teeth cleaned will depend on multiple factors. Your vet will recommend professional teeth cleaning based on your cat’s:
How much does cat teeth cleaning cost? The cost of your cat’s teeth cleaning can vary considerably. The cost will depend on many factors like:
Teeth cleanings can easily reach several thousands of dollars. We recommend getting an estimate from your veterinarian to consider your cat’s circumstances. You should also budget for a pre-operative exam to ensure your cat is healthy and ready for anesthesia.
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