Feline dental care

As they age, nearly all cats develop bad breath and tartar followed by gum disease and loose, infected teeth.  Simple things you can do now while your cat is young and healthy make a big difference later on.   

Plaque is that stuff that forms on teeth between brushings. A mixture of bacteria, minerals from saliva, and gummy food particles, Plaque is soft at first, but gradually hardens and turns brown. This hardened material is called tartar. Tartar gets up under the gums, causing periodontitis.  In time teeth loosen, become painful, and eventually fall out. If you can prevent plaque from forming or remove it while still soft, you can prevent dental problems

Brush your cat's teeth.
We have little kitty toothbrushes and toothpaste, and can tell you how to brush your cat's teeth.  Many owners do this successfully.

Use an oral antibacterial.
Next best is to treat you cat's mouth and teeth with a chlorhexidine antibacterial gel.  This quite effective and a lot easier than brushing.  Put a little get on a Q Tip or on the end of your finger and put a little between the cat's cheek and back teeth. Alternate sides each day.  

Use enzyme-treated dental chews
An easier alternative is to give one or two enzyme-treated dental chew biscuits every day. CET Chews for Cats are available from veterinarians and are not the same as the little dental biscuits you see in the grocery store.