Dental Care for Cats: Why is Dental Care Important?
While cats can manage without teeth, they really are an essential part of his or her anatomy. Your feline friend is a predator by nature. Therefore, he or she will use their teeth to help catch and kill prey, even if fed at home. Your cat considers his or teeth to be a line of self-defense and may be vulnerable if they are compromised.
As a pet parent, you certainly want your cat to have a healthy mouth. The following are just a few of the reasons why dental care for cats is important.
Buildup of Plaque and Tartar
If you don’t brush your cat’s teeth, the debris will accumulate and can eventually lead to plaque. Over time, the bacteria and saliva can create tartar. This can result in your veterinarian having to remove your cat’s teeth.
Therefore, brushing your cat’s teeth regularly can help avoid this potentially expensive veterinary visit and procedure.
Bad Breath
Many people believe bad breath is inevitable with cats. However, if your cat has bad breath, it may be time for some good dental care.
Food and other particles stuck in your cat’s teeth can cause bad breath. Fortunately, brushing your cat’s teeth will help to remove food and other particles which may be stuck in between your cat’s teeth or gums.
Organ Damage
The continual buildup of tartar accumulating in your cat’s mouth can cause the condition to worsen by the bacteria forming underneath your cat’s gums. This bacteria can then enter the bloodstream and affect other organs in your cat’s body, such as the kidneys, liver or heart.
However, good oral care will help prevent bacteria and the subsequent organ damage.
Periodontal Disease
More than 85% of cats over the age of 4 are affected by some degree of periodontal disease. In fact, it is one of the top five reasons cats are taken to the veterinarian.
However, good dental care for dogs can prevent periodontal disease from becoming severe and causing problems throughout their bodies.
These are just a few reasons why dental care for cats is important. One of the best ways to ensure your cat’s oral health is to have him visit our veterinarian here at All Pets for a professional teeth cleaning. Our veterinarian can examine your cat’s teeth and address any issues we find. Contact us with the link below for more information or to schedule an appointment today!
