22 Sep 3 Myths About Feline Dentistry
We can’t forget our feline friends when thinking about dental care for our pets. Here are three common myths about feline dentistry debunked!
3 Feline Dental Care Myths
Myth #1: If my cat is still eating, there’s nothing wrong with her teeth.
While some very painful oral conditions will cause your cat to stop eating or change their eating habits, such as Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis, most cats will continue to eat just fine despite having severe oral health problems.
Myth #2: If my cat won’t let me brush her teeth, there’s nothing I can do to support her oral health.
While toothbrushing is the best thing we can do to prevent periodontal disease in our pets (and ourselves!), cat owners everywhere know that some cats just will not tolerate it. Fear not! The Veterinary Oral Health Council (vohc.org) maintains a list of home dental care products that have been proven to be effective. There are a variety of gels, wipes, and water additives that many cats find tolerable and can make a difference for your pet.
Myth #3: Cats need their teeth to eat.
False! Like dogs, most cats eating commercial dry or canned pet food do not chew their food thoroughly when eating. If you pay close attention to your cat’s next meal, you may notice that she picks up her kibbles and swallows them whole.
Veterinarians and pet owners alike would love to save all teeth in every cat, but the reality is that dental extractions are a required treatment for a variety of conditions. Many cats have teeth removed, up to and including all of their teeth. These cats tend to go on to live a normal life and eat a normal diet, and the best part is that now they’re pain-free!
Cat Dentist in Fort Collins, Colorado
Reach out to our team at Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery if you think your cat has any signs of oral pain, changes in oral odor, or if you want to learn more about caring for your cat’s teeth. It is also always a great idea to familiarize yourself with your cat’s mouth and make note of any changes to bring up at your next veterinary visit.