Preventive cat health, spaying, neutering

Preventive Cat Health—Dental Care

Taking care of your cat's teeth offers feline health benefits beyond fresh breath. Periodontal disease, caused by plaque buildup, can ultimately affect various organs of the body and the nervous system if left untreated. Cats over the age of five years old become more susceptible to dental diseases, so it is important to keep your pet's teeth and gums clean with annual dental visits and regular home dental care.

You can find feline brushing kits, complete with a special toothbrush and toothpaste, at most pet stores. NEVER use human toothpaste on your cat's teeth. Instead, look for specially formulated pet toothpaste, available in feline-friendly flavors including chicken, liver, and malt.

Other methods of maintaining your cat's healthy smile include the following:

	•	Anti-plaque dental spray, which is sprayed directly in your pet's mouth or applied to teeth with a tissue, provides comparable protection to brushing.
	•	Feline dental treats usually consist of freeze-dried fish pieces, which are specially treated with enzymatic dentifrice to help remove plaque.

How young is your cat's smile? Take the CatAge Test.


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