How To Treat Cat Dental Disease At Home? The Secret Guide
Cats provide endless entertainment for you and are the chief guests of our homes. But it can be heartbreaking to see your cat suffer from dental issues and health problems.
We understand that you are looking for a permanent solution to your cat’s painful meows and want them to enjoy their food without any discomfort. We have a detailed answer to your query of how to treat cat dental disease at home.
Severe cases need veterinary care and they can better treat the disease. But you can take things into your own hands when it comes to minor difficulties and make your cat feel at peace. So, let’s get started with it.
Understanding Your Cat Disease
Cat Dental disease is a prevalent issue that can lead to serious problems if left unattended. It typically starts with plague and it eventually leads to tartar, inflammation, and tooth loss. It’s a vicious cycle that gets worse and worse with each passing day so the sooner you identify and tackle this issue, the better.
The main signs that you should be on the lookout for are:
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Swollen gums
- Difficulty eating
- Inflammation
These signs will help you pinpoint the problem and you can look for the solutions right away. So, be on your toes and notice your cat regularly.
Dental Hygiene Practices To Adopt
What are the best dental hygiene practices that you can add to your cat’s routine? Let’s start with the basic one which is brushing their teeth. Regular brushing is the most effective way to get rid of the tartar build-up. You can order a soft toothbrush that is safe for cats’ gums and also bring fantastic results.
The aim should be to brush the teeth thrice a week or more. However, if your cat gets irritated and shows any signs of discomfort then you can start slowly and build their habit. Remember, it’s necessary to start in the first place.
You can also use baking soda and water and rinse your cat’s mouth daily with it. It will neutralize the bacteria and remove the bad breath. But make sure that your cat doesn’t swallow too much as it can lead to harmful effects.
Homemade Treats
You might wonder how to make your cat’s breath fresh and get rid of all the tartar. There is a great way to do this at home with some dental treats. Here is a small recipe that you can try at your home.
- Take 1 cup of wheat flour, powdered catnip, and 1/4 cup of broth.
- You can preheat it in an oven at 350°F and add eggs to the mixture to make it a dough.
- Put them on the baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes.
- You should let these treats cool down and give them to your cat occasionally to keep their oral health intact.
Dental Chews
If making homemade treats is not a good option for you then try out these natural dental chews. These chews are available in the market from various brands and promote great oral health and hygiene.
However, don’t just buy the first one right away!
You should consult your vet and see the reviews of different dental chews and then make your final decision. Another thing to keep in mind is to choose the treats that are appropriate in size and texture for your cat.
Water Additives
Another effective method for how to treat cat dental disease at home is to use water additives. But what are these in the first place? These are specially formulated solutions that you can add to your cat’s water.
And what do they do? Well, they are the magic pills that can reduce tartar and plaque buildup leading to fresh breath. However, choose the best brand out there and consult your vet before using the product on your cat.
On another note, make sure your cat is getting enough water! Domestic cats are clinically dehydrated by nature of their diet, and can use all the water they can get!
Regular Dental Checkups
Regular checkups are the ultimate thing when it comes to dental problems. You don’t have to pay a visit to your vet daily. Try to take the start from your own home and slowly work your way up.
For home check-ups, you can open your cat’s mouth and look for any signs of tartar, inflammation, and plague. It’s better to do home checkups every two days so you can timely pinpoint the problem and get done with it.
Sticking To A Balanced Diet
This is an easy point to overlook, but just like humans (yes, this is true) your cat’s diet will decide whether your cat will have great oral health or not. If your cat is consuming a diet that is rich in nutrients and proteins then rest assured.
To start, you need to look for a diet that is of great quality and balanced. Also, add crunchy kibbles as they scrape away any tartar. Apart from that, keep your cat away from sweet and soft foods as they can cause dental troubles.
Regular Cleanups
We have covered almost all the important parts but let’s not forget about this one. Regular checkups are important but regular cleanups are the need of an hour. You should schedule an appointment once a year for your cat. Look for these signs and visit the vet for cleanup if you notice any of these things.
- Yellow teeth
- Bad breath
- Excessive drool
- Difficulty in eating
These symptoms point out that your cat needs a cleanup and a fresh start. The vets can take a thorough look at your cat and clean their teeth. So, let your vet take the lead and make your cat’s teeth brand new once again.
Final Words
Knowing how to treat cat dental disease at home is a game changer for you. It not only promotes your cat’s oral health but also saves them from other problems.
However, remember that your cat relies on you to recognize the symptoms and work on the problems. So, gear up and put effort into your cat’s overall well-being.