Dental problems are a common issue for most cats. Experts estimate that only about 10% of cats will go through life without experiencing some form of dental problem. However, because cats are skilled at concealing symptoms, detecting even minor signs of discomfort or pain in your pet can be challenging.
Establishing a proper dental care routine from an early age is crucial for your pet’s ongoing health and well-being. It not only helps prevent conditions like gingivitis but also enhances your cat’s overall quality of life.
Do Cats Require Dental Care? Yes, similar to humans, cats can develop gum disease, plaque buildup, bad breath, and tooth abscesses. Without proper dental care, these issues can lead to oral infections, gum disease, and tooth decay and loss.
Dental disease affects 50% to 90% of cats over the age of four. Providing your pet with the right food and dental care can help combat these problems.
Why Is Cat Dental Care Important? Cats often hide their pain instinctively, making it challenging to detect dental issues early. This emphasizes the importance of preventive rather than reactive healthcare practices for your pet, especially regarding oral hygiene.
Eight out of ten cats over the age of three suffer from dental problems, often stemming from the formation of bacteria and plaque on their teeth due to their diet. This bacterial buildup can harden into tartar, which can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis in cats, commonly known as gum disease. In severe cases, it can lead to tooth loss. Cats with severe tartar buildup often require tooth extractions to alleviate the pain.
Untreated dental issues can affect your cat’s ability to eat and drink, potentially allowing harmful bacteria to enter their bloodstream and damage vital organs like the kidneys. Periodontal disease, one of the most prevalent health conditions in pets, affects an estimated 85% of cats over six years old. It involves the gradual deterioration of teeth, gums, and supporting tissues.
The good news is that most cases of periodontal disease in cats can be prevented with a few preventive measures to protect your pet’s oral health. This includes regular at-home cat dental care and annual professional dental cleanings.
When Should Cats Begin Dental Care? According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), cats should receive their first dental cleaning by the age of one and continue with yearly cleanings. Some cat breeds may require more frequent cleanings, especially if they have shallow roots or crowded teeth. Older and indoor cats are also more susceptible to dental issues and may need more frequent cleanings.
Brushing your cat’s teeth and gums daily (or at least three times a week) is essential for their oral health. It’s advisable to introduce kittens to this routine early, as adult cats can be resistant to having their teeth brushed.
How Can I Check My Cat’s Oral Health? You should regularly inspect your cat’s mouth, even if they may not enjoy it. If they become highly agitated or if it’s difficult to examine their mouth, consult your veterinarian for regular oral exams.
Healthy cat teeth should be white and clean, while healthy kitten gums should be free of inflammation, redness, or bleeding. Check the back of your pet’s mouth for sores, swelling, lesions, or ulcers, and ensure their breath doesn’t have a foul odor.
Signs of Poor Cat Dental Health Keep an eye out for these crucial warning signs between vet visits:
- Visible tooth discoloration (tartar)
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Exposed tooth roots
- Drooling and difficulty swallowing
- Pawing at the teeth or mouth
- Reduced grooming
- Difficulty eating
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
If you observe any of these signs, it could indicate a mouth or body ailment. Persistent bad breath may indicate severe periodontal disease that requires treatment before the infection spreads through the bloodstream to the heart, kidneys, or liver. It can also lead to nutritional deficiencies if your cat avoids food due to pain.
What Dental Care Products Do I Need for My Cat? Before beginning your cat’s teeth-brushing routine, make sure you have the necessary tools. Pet stores and veterinary offices offer complete cat dentistry kits, including:
- Cat toothbrush: Choose a toothbrush designed for feline anatomy, with soft bristles. Initially, you can use dental gauze wrapped around your finger to ease your cat into the process before transitioning to a finger brush and eventually a toothbrush as they become comfortable.
- Cat toothpaste: Opt for fluoride-free cat toothpaste, often flavored with chicken or beef. Enzymatic formulas are effective at combating bacteria known to cause dental diseases in cats.
- Dental gel: For cats that dislike toothpaste, dental gels are less thick and can be applied directly to your finger and rubbed onto their teeth to break down surface plaque.
- Oral rinses and sprays: Apply these products to your cat’s cheek or gum line with a piece of gauze for less invasive oral care.
- Water additives: Mix the recommended dosage into your cat’s water bowl to improve their oral hygiene. Some can also be used as food toppers for cats that drink less from their water bowl.
- Daily supplements: Dental supplements often come in powder form to sprinkle on your cat’s food. Some formulas may provide anti-inflammatory pain relief for cats with gum disease or feline stomatitis.
- Dental food: Veterinary-recommended diets for dental disease in cats help slow the growth of bacteria and plaque. These formulas typically contain larger food pieces that encourage chewing or biting, acting as a natural abrasive for cleaning teeth.
- Dental treats: These treats contain enzymes and additives that fight bacteria, demineralize plaque, and tartar. They are usually soft and appealing to pets. Ensure that your cat’s treat consumption does not exceed 10% of their daily caloric intake.
- Dental chews or toys: Choose abrasive dental toys for cats that remove plaque when they chew on them, without being too hard to risk damaging teeth. These toys also contribute to healthy kitten gums, helping prevent gum infections and conditions.
Best Cat Dental Care Products Based on expert veterinarians’ recommendations and organizations like the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), here are some of the best cat dental care products:
Best Toothbrushes for Cats:
- Virbac CET Pet Toothbrush: Small, with soft bristles to reach the back teeth.
Best Toothpaste for Cats:
- Healthymouth’s topical gel: The only cat toothpaste with a VOHC seal of approval.
Best Oral Sprays, Rinses & Gels for Toothbrush Alternatives:
- Healthymouth Topical Spray
- Healthymouth Water Additive (various flavors)
Best Dental Diets, Treats, and Supplements for Cats (VOHC-Recommended):
- Hill’s Prescription Diet Feline
- Science Diet Oral Care for Cats
- Healthy Advantage ™ Oral+ for Cats
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets (PPVD) Feline Formula Dry Cat Food
- Royal Canin Feline Dental Diet
Best Dental Chews for Cats:
- Petstages Catnip Toy Dental Chews
- Orkakat Catnip Wiggle Worm Kitten Teething Toy
At-Home Dental Care Tips for Cats Introducing dental care while your cat is young and making it a consistent part of your daily routine is ideal, but it’s never too late to start. Follow these tips and consult your veterinarian for personalized advice:
How to Keep Your Cat’s Teeth Clean:
- Brush your cat’s teeth and gums daily, or at least three times a week.
- Use patience and rewards, like treats, affection, or playtime, to ease your cat into the teeth-brushing routine. Start with dental gauze or a finger brush if necessary.
- Never use human toothpaste, as it can contain harmful ingredients for cats.
How to Keep Your Cat’s Mouth Clean:
- In addition to brushing, consider other options to maintain your cat’s oral health, such as water additives, supplements, dental treats, and special dental diets.
- Feed your cat a combination of wet and dry food for optimal oral health until they can no longer tolerate kibble.
Other Ways to Prevent Cat Dental Problems:
- Provide a nutritious, balanced diet to reduce the risk of dental issues.
- Avoid giving sweet treats, as sugar can erode enamel and cause tooth decay.
- Schedule annual dental checkups, even if no symptoms are present.
- Consider routine teeth cleaning and professional dental care if needed.
- If your cat has poor dental hygiene, consult a veterinary dentist for potential oral surgery or tooth extractions.
Where to Get Cat Dental Care? Look for a local veterinarian who offers dentistry services to schedule your cat’s annual dental checkup and cleaning. You can also find affordable dental care for cats at veterinary schools and local pop-up clinics. In case of an oral injury or emergency, such as a fractured tooth or puncture wound, seek assistance from an emergency animal hospital.
Avoid non-anesthetic dentistry services for pets, as they are neither safe nor effective in treating dental diseases.
How Much Does Dental Care for Cats Cost? Cat dental care can vary in cost, depending on the products and services needed. At-home supplies may cost between $20 to $50. Professional veterinary dental exams and cleanings can range from $400 upwards. Costs can increase significantly if dental issues require treatment, such as tooth extractions.
Pet insurance can help cover these expenses. Providers like ASPCA, Embrace, Pets Best, Healthy Paws, Prudent Pet, Nationwide, Spot, and Pumpkin offer comprehensive coverage for cat dental care. Use Pawlicy Advisor to compare quotes from these providers and find the right pet insurance plan to make quality dental care for your cat more affordable.
