Did you know that our feline pals can develop many different dental issues? These problems are just as painful for kitties as they are for us. A Roanoke, VA discusses caring for Fluffy’s teeth in this article.
Common Problems
Cats can develop many different dental issues. Some of the most common ones include gum disease, abscesses, misalignments, and broken teeth, and stomatitis, which is an extremely painful oral infection. Tooth resorption is also quite common for kitties.
Red Flags
It’s important to know the warning signs to watch for. Bad breath is a common one. Other signs of dental trouble include drooling, swelling, bleeding, and visible tartar buildup. Your furry buddy may also dribble food out of her mouth, take longer eating, chew on one side of her mouth, or start preferring softer food. You may also notice some of the behavioral changes we often see in kitties that don’t feel well, such as poor grooming, withdrawal, grumpiness, and lack of interest in play. Contact your vet right away if you notice any of these issues.
Home Care
Just like with people, brushing is really the most effective way to clean Fluffy’s teeth. We know, this sounds a bit risky. However, you can teach your pet to let you brush her choppers without sending you to the ER for stitches. The key is to take training very slowly, and to incorporate lots of positive reinforcement, such as cuddles and treats. You want your cat to feel like she’s being pampered, not punished. Start by just gently rubbing your furry pal’s gums as you pet her. This is just to get her used to her mouth being handled. Then, you can add kitty toothpaste. You may want to get a thumb toothbrush or wrap your finger in gauze. Just don’t force your feline buddy to submit for long. That’s a good way to get scratched!
Other Options
If you aren’t having any luck getting your cat to let you brush her teeth, don’t worry. Your vet may recommend other options, such as dental flakes or dental formula kibble. It’s also important to make sure that Fluffy always has plenty of fresh, clean water. This will not only keep her hydrated, it will clean her mouth and rinse away food particles.
Do you have questions about caring for your cat? Contact us, your Roanoke, VA pet hospital anytime!
