Have you been hesitating to kiss your cat on the lips because of the funkitude that emanates from her sweet little mouth?
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and the CATalyst Council urges cat owners to celebrate by taking their cats to the vet for their annual oral healthcare checkup and provide at-home dental care for their cats.
“Dental health can impact every aspect of your cat’s health, including its heart, liver and kidneys. So it’s very important that owners take care of their cat’s teeth,” according to Dr. Jane Brunt, executive director of the Council.
Your cat doesn’t have to been long in the tooth to suffer from dental disease. Recent studies have revealed that 70 percent of cats show signs of dental disease by age three. Dental disease symptoms in cats include bad breath, red or swollen gums, a change in chewing or eating behaviors, and tenderness or pawing at the face. More cats than not exhibit a buildup of brownish tarter at the base of the teeth.
“Small problems in your cat’s mouth can be easily treated by your veterinarian before they turn into larger problems,” says Dr. Brunt. “A professional dental cleaning (including cleaning and polishing the crown surfaces and under the gum surfaces) performed by a veterinarian and proper oral care carried out by the owner throughout the year can help your cat live a long and healthy life.”
The best thing for an owner to do to ensure that their cat’s smile remains bright and healthy is to schedule a visit to their veterinarian for a wellness exam and, if needed, a professional dental cleaning. Your veterinarian may recommend a specially formulated dental food or supplements in addition to daily brushing and can offer tips on how to brush your cat’s teeth. This video from Cornell University’s Partners in Animal Health gives additional instructions on how to brush your cat’s teeth. In addition to daily brushing, consider the use of products accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (www.vohc.org).
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The CATalyst Council is a national initiative comprised of animal health and welfare organizations working on behalf of cats. It was founded in response to troubling statistics released by the American Veterinary Medical Association that indicate an increase in our nation’s pet cat population coupled with a decline in veterinary care for those cats. More information about the CATalyst Council is available at www.catalystcouncil.org.
photo via sodahead
