To ensure that our cat is in optimal health, there are many aspects that we must take into account. The main one would be to offer a healthy, balanced and quality diet. We also have to provide him with an active lifestyle, encouraging him to play at home with different toys and climbing towers. We must not forget the scratching posts to sharpen their nails, as well as brushing their fur to remove excess coat and thus reduce the risk of vomiting hairballs.
As for hygiene, it is true that cats groom themselves by licking their bodies to eliminate bad odors. However, there are two areas that cannot be washed on their own: the ears and the teeth. The latter are the ones that concern us here, as many guardians forget to give the mouths of their feline pets the care and attention they deserve.
The answer is yes, it is necessary to brush the cat’s teeth. It is a basic matter in your care and hygiene, very important so that you do not suffer discomfort, pain, infections, bad odors and diseases.
With this we will reduce the accumulation of tartar and the animal’s bad breath. In addition, oral hygiene is essential to eliminate the risk of the kitten contracting periodontal diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis, abscesses in the roots of the teeth, loss of dental pieces and other conditions.
It is best to start as soon as possible, so that the animal gets used to us manipulating its mouth. If you’ve never brushed her teeth before, start by spreading a little wet cat food or malt on your finger and try rubbing her teeth gently with your finger. Do it a couple of times a week, carefully, until the kitten gets used to it.
When this process is allowed to do without resisting, move on to the next phase. Wrap your finger in gauze and apply the special cat toothpaste. Rub his teeth very carefully, being careful not to hurt him or make him uncomfortable. Once you can do this without too many complications, you can now introduce a special toothbrush for cats.
The ideal is to brush his teeth every day, preferably after dinner, as this will spend several hours without eating food again. If you can’t do it daily for whatever reason, try it at least a couple of times a week and reinforce your cleaning with snacks specifically designed for dental hygiene. Also, go to the vet once a year to check your cat’s teeth and check that there is no excess tartar, weakening of the teeth or infections. If you notice that he has inflamed gums, blood in his saliva, signs of pain or bad breath, do not hesitate to consult the vet.
