Tips for good dental care for your cat
You've probably noticed that your cat has sharp teeth. Whether that was when your normally adorable pet tore prey to pieces (pitiful) or when your cat targeted you while playing (au). But what about the care of the cat's teeth? You will learn all about it in this blog.
This is how a cat's denture works
Did you know that cats - like humans - are born without teeth? Around 4 weeks, kittens have milk teeth. They start switching from 3 months. As a boss you don't notice that. Kittens usually swallow their milk teeth. From 6 months, cats have their full permanent teeth.
This set consists of 30 incisors and molars. And yes, they are razor-sharp.
Problems with teeth in cats
Dental plaque, cats also often suffer from it. If you do nothing about this, tartar first develops and later gum infections. And that can be quite painful.
This is how you recognize dental problems in your cat:
- Bad breath
- Eat slower
- Don't chew on chunks
- A lot of drooling
- Red or bleeding gums
Your home tiger can experience dental problems from the third year of life. Good dental care is therefore extremely important. But how do you do that?
Brushing your cat's teeth?
You brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Easy. That is a lot more complicated for your cat. Yes, brushing your teeth is also a good idea. But chances are that your fluffy friend thinks otherwise. As a result, he sharpens his nails again… on your arms.
Of course you can learn to brush your teeth - with a good amount of perseverance - but fortunately there are other ways to keep your cat's teeth healthy.
Tip 1: Pet
This is undoubtedly your cat's favorite tip for stroking the cheeks. The stroking motion stimulates the production of saliva. Because the saliva has a cleansing effect, this cheek massage is a good first step towards healthy cat teeth.
Tip 2: Feed your cat chunks
Wet food creates plaque faster than dry food, because chunks rub against the teeth when chewed. The bigger the lumps, the harder cats have to do their best to get them small. Pay attention! BIG chunks are only a good idea if your cat has healthy teeth.
Tip 3: Feed chunks in a feeding game
Is your cat eating so fast that it hardly takes the time to chew? Then feed the kibble in a feeding game. This provides an extra challenge, so your cat automatically eats slower. And therefore has more time to chew.
Tip 4: Dental candies
This tip is also popular with your cat ... sweets! Dental snacks are often extra large and have a special shape that stimulates chewing. Some candies contain ingredients that extra clean the teeth.
Tip 5: Check with the vet
Have your cat's teeth checked at the annual vet check-up. Veterinarians know what to look for and can professionally clean the teeth if necessary.
Prevent dental problems in your cat
As so often, also applies to the health of the cat's teeth. Prevention is better than cure.
Does the smell of your morning breath match your cat's? Then it is time to take action.
In the range of Fokker you will find different types of food that are suitable for cats with dental problems.
The high-quality ingredients of the Nutri-Fit chunks ensure optimal healthy teeth.
Do you want more information about which food suits your cat best?
Use our Nutrition Guide or ask us the question via the contact form! We are happy to help you.
Tips for good dental care for your cat
You've probably noticed that your cat has sharp teeth. Whether that was when your normally adorable pet tore prey to pieces (pitiful) or when your cat targeted you while playing (au). But what about the care of the cat's teeth? You will learn all about it in this blog.
This is how a cat's denture works
Did you know that cats - like humans - are born without teeth? Around 4 weeks, kittens have milk teeth. They start switching from 3 months. As a boss you don't notice that. Kittens usually swallow their milk teeth. From 6 months, cats have their full permanent teeth.
This set consists of 30 incisors and molars. And yes, they are razor-sharp.
Problems with teeth in cats
Dental plaque, cats also often suffer from it. If you do nothing about this, tartar first develops and later gum infections. And that can be quite painful.
This is how you recognize dental problems in your cat:
- Bad breath
- Eat slower
- Don't chew on chunks
- A lot of drooling
- Red or bleeding gums
Your home tiger can experience dental problems from the third year of life. Good dental care is therefore extremely important. But how do you do that?
Brushing your cat's teeth?
You brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Easy. That is a lot more complicated for your cat. Yes, brushing your teeth is also a good idea. But chances are that your fluffy friend thinks otherwise. As a result, he sharpens his nails again… on your arms.
Of course you can learn to brush your teeth - with a good amount of perseverance - but fortunately there are other ways to keep your cat's teeth healthy.
Tip 1: Pet
This is undoubtedly your cat's favorite tip for stroking the cheeks. The stroking motion stimulates the production of saliva. Because the saliva has a cleansing effect, this cheek massage is a good first step towards healthy cat teeth.
Tip 2: Feed your cat chunks
Wet food creates plaque faster than dry food, because chunks rub against the teeth when chewed. The bigger the lumps, the harder cats have to do their best to get them small. Pay attention! BIG chunks are only a good idea if your cat has healthy teeth.
Tip 3: Feed chunks in a feeding game
Is your cat eating so fast that it hardly takes the time to chew? Then feed the kibble in a feeding game. This provides an extra challenge, so your cat automatically eats slower. And therefore has more time to chew.
Tip 4: Dental candies
This tip is also popular with your cat ... sweets! Dental snacks are often extra large and have a special shape that stimulates chewing. Some candies contain ingredients that extra clean the teeth.
Tip 5: Check with the vet
Have your cat's teeth checked at the annual vet check-up. Veterinarians know what to look for and can professionally clean the teeth if necessary.
Prevent dental problems in your cat
As so often, also applies to the health of the cat's teeth. Prevention is better than cure.
Does the smell of your morning breath match your cat's? Then it is time to take action.
In the range of Fokker you will find different types of food that are suitable for cats with dental problems.
The high-quality ingredients of the Nutri-Fit chunks ensure optimal healthy teeth.
Do you want more information about which food suits your cat best?
Use our Nutrition Guide or ask us the question via the contact form! We are happy to help you.
