An animal welfare charity has urged cat owners to take action in order to protect their pets
Cats Protection has issued an alert to all cat owners over a ‘wipespread health issue’ they should be aware of. Every animal lover wants to give their pet the best chance at leading a long, healthy life. For cat owners, one way to help prevent a ‘widespread’ health issue is by brushing their pet’s teeth.
Although the task may sound difficult at first, it is possible to train cats to get used to brushing, according to a leading animal welfare charity, and there’s good reason to make the effort. Sharing a plea to pet owners on Facebook, Cats Protection urged cat lovers to train their pets.
The cat welfare charity explained: “The idea of brushing your cat’s teeth might seem like a difficult feat, but you can slowly train your cat to get used to it. Dental issues are widespread in cats, and brushing their teeth is the most effective way to prevent them and reduce the need for veterinary cleaning and teeth removal.”
An advice page on the charity’s website says that cat owners should start regularly brushing their pet’s teeth when they get their adult teeth at around six to nine months old. However, it’s ideal to start training before this.
Cats Protection advises: “The best way to brush your cat’s teeth is to first use some simple but gradual training. Use positive reinforcement to get them used to it. If possible, it’s best to start this training when your cat is still a kitten.
“Even though their teeth won’t need brushing when they are very young, it helps to create a positive association with having their teeth looked at. It’s never too late to start brushing your cat’s teeth though!
“Before you start the training, it’s a good idea to get your cat checked by your vet to make sure nothing is wrong. If you start trying to clean your cat’s teeth when they are in pain, your cat won’t like it and the training won’t work.
“If at any point your cat finds having their teeth brushed too stressful and they want to run away, you should stop and let them go. Otherwise, it will be even more difficult to try brushing their teeth again in the future.”
Once your cat is comfortable having their teeth brushed, it’s recommended to brush them at the same time every day. The charity explains: “Cats love routine, so try to do it at the same time each day and reward them with a fuss or play session afterwards.”
It’s essential that owners never use human toothpaste on their animals, which could make pets ill due to the fluoride content. Instead, owners can buy cat toothpaste that’s safe for them to swallow. Opting for flavoured toothpaste, such as chicken toothpaste, can also make the experience more enjoyable for your pet and ease the process.
Why is poor dental hygiene in cats bad?
Failing to care for a cat’s teeth is detrimental because it can lead to painful gum disease and other issues that may result in tooth loss and discomfort. Even worse, the germs can enter the bloodstream and harm vital organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, which can significantly worsen their condition. If dental problems are ignored, they can lead to significant pain, difficulty eating, fatigue, and even serious health issues.
