Many people are unaware that the offensive breath coming from their cat is not normal. In fact, it may be a sign that there are dental issues present. Maintaining the health of your cat’s teeth and gums is crucial for their overall health, especially since oral infections can spread to other systems and lead to more serious conditions.
There are numerous natural ways to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. The key, however, is to follow these steps every day, just as you brush your teeth daily (hopefully) to ensure your oral health.
The Right Diet
Nutrition is a key component to maintaining your cat’s health, right down to the teeth and gums. Raw diets tend to work best because they mimic the natural tearing and pulling action that animals use in the wild in order to rip flesh away from bone, and this stimulates the gums and cleans the teeth.
Providing raw bones, regardless of what type of food you feed, is also a great way to allow your cat to not only clean the teeth but get some natural calcium as well. Never cook bones because they’ll become brittle and can cause serious injuries when ingested. Stick with chicken necks for cats. Kibble doesn’t keep your cat’s teeth clean. The carbohydrates within the kibble can actually do more harm than good, and while many people think that the abrasiveness of kibble cleans the mouth, this is simply not true.
Brush Daily
Brushing is another key component to naturally maintaining your pet’s oral health. Purchase a natural enzymatic toothpaste made specifically for cats. These are great because the enzymes will work on breaking down plaque without the need for actual brushing action.
To make the process of getting your furry friend used to having his teeth brushed easier, start at a young age, go slow, and be patient. A little bit every day will go a long way, especially if you’re gently using your finger or a species-appropriate toothbrush. You can even use a small piece of gauze or a washcloth, both of which have an abrasive texture, if your pet simply won’t tolerate a toothbrush.
Use of Dental Chews
Dental chews are another great way to maintain your cat’s oral health. These chews help to clean the teeth and freshen breath. They are also a great way to provide your cat with something else to do while you’re busy, like brushing their teeth.
The key is to use them daily and in moderation. Dental chews are not a replacement for regular brushing, but they can be a great addition to your cat’s oral health routine.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups
Finally, schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian. This is key to maintaining your cat’s overall health and oral health. Your veterinarian can check for any issues early on and provide professional cleaning services if necessary to ensure your cat’s mouth is as healthy as possible.