Dental care is an important factor for cats, because for the wild relatives of our domestic cat, the condition of the teeth and jaws determines survival. Although a cat in human care does not need to hunt for its own food, the fact remains that the teeth indicate the general health and well-being of the cat. Even if it is not an active predator, it is still a carnivore and needs strong teeth in order to, for example, devour the chunky BARF it prefers in bites that are suitable for its mouth and stomach. But what exactly does dental care for cats look like? haustierkost.de gives you valuable tips.
Dental care for cats: our tips
Cats can be treated with a playful approach to dental care - for example with a cat brush . These are sticks that often have feathers or plush elements at the end. This naturally reminds the playful four-legged friends of their typical prey, such as birds and mice, and thus awakens the natural hunting instinct in cuddly pets. When it comes to dental care for cats, the cat brushes from our BARF online shop serve another purpose: feathers and plush tails can help clean teeth and the spaces between teeth and, in the best case, prevent tartar from forming.
Tartar usually manifests itself in bad breath, increased salivation, bloody saliva, reddened gums and discolored teeth. In this case, there is no way around a veterinarian who can remove the tartar before it can lead to further consequences such as root infections or even tooth loss. To avoid this in advance, regular check-ups are recommended as an integral part of dental care for cats. This is especially true if your cat is prone to dental problems due to its breed or an individual predisposition. This is often the case with narrow-headed cat breeds such as Abyssinian or Somali cats, whose teeth are often close together, which in turn can lead to increased bacterial growth.
For dental care, even the classic way of brushing teeth can be useful for these cats. This works best in a relaxed atmosphere when cuddling is on the agenda. Slowly introduce the animal to brushing its teeth by gently touching its lips with a finger until it opens its mouth. At such a moment, some cats even enjoy a little gum massage. If the cat continues to appear content, you can use a small brush or a finger toothbrush and add a little cat toothpaste if necessary.
Dental care for cats can be really tasty
Unlike humans, cats can also get dental care by snacking. Outdoor cats get natural teeth cleaning through the fur or feathers of their prey, especially by eating mice, small birds and other natural prey. For house cats, the tasty day-old chicks and feed mice from our BARF shop are therefore a double reason to be happy: firstly, they are simply a delicious snack for in-between meals that promises a really authentic eating experience. Secondly, the feed animals with their skin and hair ensure a natural cleaning of the teeth and thus contribute to the dental care of cats.
Our conclusion on dental care for cats
It is important to take your cat's dental care seriously: it is not without reason that studies have shown that around three quarters of all domestic cats suffer from problems with their teeth. This can start with tartar, lead to misaligned teeth and pain, and even result in diseases throughout the body. Periodontitis, in particular, is a widespread disease in our cats, and can be the cause of heart or kidney damage. In addition, 40 percent are said to be affected by the so-called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion, or FORL for short. This is a special type of caries that can initially cause splintering teeth and ultimately malfunctions throughout the body. So you can see that dental care should not be underestimated when cats and humans live together.
