Many cat owners are quite good at noticing changes in our cat’s behavior that indicate an illness and take great pride in caring for their furry friend’s health. However, one of the most commonly neglected aspects of a cat’s health is their teeth. Many domestic animals suffer from periodontal disease as a result. In fact, dental disease is the primary cause of health problems in domestic cats. With careful prevention and care you can make sure that you protect your cat’s teeth for life, saving them from suffering from related problems with their heart, lungs and kidneys.

Your cat should have a regular dental exam with a veterinarian just as you should. This exam will ensure that your cat’s teeth and gums are healthy and that they don’t have any teeth that need to be removed. Additionally, your cat will have their teeth professionally cleaned during this exam.

Cats need regular teeth cleaning at home in addition to their annual cleaning with their vet. There are a number of products available in pet stores that can help make cleaning your cat’s teeth a much easier process. Additionally, starting your cat out with a regular dental care routine when it is still a kitten will help it adapt to the process.

It is also important for you to examine your cat’s teeth and gums once a month. Consult with your veterinarian about signs of trouble and check your cat’s mouth for problems. Doing this will enable you to take care of any issues before they become out of control.

There are many treats that you can give your cat that can help with their dental care routine as well. These treats and rinses can help supplement your brushing and make dental much easier. You can ask your vet about treats they recommend for your cat’s dental care routine.