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Cats tend not to receive the same level of veterinary attention as dogs, in part because of their incredible ability to hide their health issues from even the most observant owner. Feline dental care is no different, as far fewer cats receive special attention for their teeth than dogs. However, the oral health of the cat is very important and Androscoggin Veterinary Hospital is happy to help you understand how to do better in the service of feline dental care.
Common Cat Oral Health Problems
There are some dental problems that our veterinarians commonly diagnosed in our feline patients. Understanding these issues (and how to prevent them) can help any cat owner be more aware of their cat’s oral health in general.
Common dental problems in cats include:
- Periodontal disease: When plaque and tartar build up on teeth, they can harbor bacteria and cause inflammation resulting in the destruction of the periodontal ligament that holds the tooth in place. This inflammation and infection can also affect local soft tissues, bones and even enter the bloodstream.
- Gingivostomatitis: Some cats react to dental plaque on their own teeth, resulting in painful intraoral swelling. Some cases are mild, but severe cases can cause extreme discomfort.
- Feline oral resorptive lesions: FORL are a cat-specific phenomenon in which cavity-like holes appear in the tooth itself, near the gumline. We do not know what causes these phenomena, but this abnormal resorption of the tooth can be quite painful.
Many cat oral health issues can be very difficult to assess in an awake patient without radiographs (x-rays). Routine dental exams under anesthesia should be part of any good wellness care plan.
The importance of dental hygiene for cats
Despite our best efforts, most pets over the age of three suffer from some form of dental disease. Left untreated, this can lead to serious consequences.
Cats with dental problems may suffer from:
- Mouth pain
- Reluctance to allow their mouth to be examined
- Bleeding from the mouth
- bad breath
- Weightloss
- Bad grooming habits
- Difficult appetite
However, as a rule, these signs are not noticed until things are bad enough. This makes the cat’s dental hygiene paramount and gives us the opportunity to detect problems and intervene before they become serious.
Home Feline Dental Care Tips
There are many things you can do to provide good feline dental care for your pet. Although the most important element of good dental care for cats is allowing routine anesthetized examinations and cleanings, you can play a role big role at home Also.
Promote good dental hygiene in cats at home by:
- Brush your cat’s teeth if he allows it
- Use products such as treats, food, water additives and sprays approved by the Veterinary oral health advice to promote good dental health
- Pay close attention to changes in your cat’s habits and physical traits
- Keep up with your cat’s annual wellness checkup to stay on top of their dental health.
Brushing teeth and home oral care products can provide many benefits, but cats still need to visit the dentist every once in a while. Schedule an appointment for your pet’s oral exam, especially if you notice any signs of a problem. Cats deserve good dental care too!