I Must Confess that I Do Not Brush My Cats’ Teeth

It is sadly not surprising that many cat owners do not engage in the practice of brushing their cats’ teeth. In my personal experience, I have never encountered an individual who claimed to brush their cat’s teeth.

It relieves me to be honest with you. I work as a cat herder, and brushing my cats’ teeth appears to be an impractical task. Veterinarians recommend brushing the cat’s teeth three times a week.

This neglect can lead to…

• Gingivitis: This is the inflammation of the gums. It is the earliest stage of gum disease and is reversible with proper care.
• Periodontal disease: This is a more serious form of gum disease that can damage the tissues and bones that support the teeth. It can lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
• Tooth loss: This can be caused by periodontal disease or other factors, such as trauma or infection.

My Quest to Provide Optimal Oral Care for My Cats

•  I’ve developed a gentle and effective technique. As a cat owner,  I’m always attentive to their dental well-being. When examining their mouths, I cautiously pry them open and inspect their back teeth for any signs of tartar buildup. If I detect any tartar accumulation, I carefully use my thumbnail to scrape it off.
• Among the treats I use regularly, the Greenies Dental Treats stand out. All cats in my Herd including Kitzy who has no teeth and except Kenji, who is diabetic, love them. These treats provide an enjoyable way to interact with my cats without the need for poking or prodding their mouths. I give FIVE STARS for this Greenies Dental Treats.
• I feed them Oral Care dry food. I understand that it is on the pricier side, but it has proven to be a valuable investment as it effectively breaks up tartar buildup, particularly in their back teeth. I sometimes use it as a topping on their meals to enhance its appeal. I have not seen a cat reject it yet.
• When taking my cat to the veterinarian, I make sure their teeth and gums are thoroughly checked during the examination to ensure good oral health.

Recommendations from My Veterinarian

While visiting Dr. Zirbel from Animal Blessings for my cat’s annual check-up, I raised a concern regarding the prevalence of cat owners neglecting their furry friend’s oral care. Dr. Zirbel replied, unsurprisingly, that this was a common problem. While I found it challenging to brush my cat’s teeth, I sought her recommendations to ensure proper dental care. She suggested using cat wipes as a convenient option, acknowledging that many cats might dislike oral water additives.

Previous Experiences

Several years ago, I experimented with using oral water additives for my cats, but the results were disappointing. They displayed a lack of interest and avoided it. Perhaps the products have gone through some enhancements. I might contemplate trying it again to determine if there’s been any progress.

As for wipes, I don’t typically consider using them due to the large number of cats I have. It’s not something that readily comes to mind as a practical option. But I found that it provides quick comfort massaging the teeth. It’s certainly more appealing than applying toothpaste and brush.

Some cats find it okay when I use the silicone fingerbrush with soft bristles…without the toothpaste. Kittens could get used to it and may find comfort for some teeth massaging throughout their lifetime.

I provided chew toys for cats, but they often get old and forgotten.

My Feline Cases with Teeth Issues

• O’Ryan: Her dental journey has indeed been a challenging one. At the tender age of two, she underwent a significant teeth extraction. Two years later, unfortunately, she had to endure another major extraction. This was a result of a genetic teeth/gum disease that she inherited, making her the unlucky one among her siblings. Over the years, I have spent approximately two thousand dollars on her dental care, ensuring that she receives the best possible treatment. Now, after all the pain and discomfort, O’Ryan has finally turned out to be happier than ever before. She is able to smile confidently with her lower fang making an indenture on her upper lip and enjoy her life without the burden of dental problems.  I am immensely happy to see her transformation.
• HoneyBear, O’Ryan’s brother, was also diagnosed with dental illness, albeit less severe than his sister’s. Eventually, some of his loose teeth will fall out naturally. Despite his condition, he has maintained a healthy appetite. And he drools.
• Kitzy at 14 years old already had all of his teeth extracted before he was brought home five years ago due to stomatitis. He can eat anything without his teeth. He is a messy eater with a healthy appetite.

Dental Cleaning for cats can be a costly endeavor

Procedures like anesthesia, cleaning, and extractions can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars. Pre-existing medical conditions or complications during the procedure can further increase the expenses.

And it does not have to be…

While the cost of Oral Care dry food may be higher than some other options on the market, I firmly believe that investing in my pets’ dental health is well worth it in the long run. Giving Greenies Dental Treats is a plus. The Herd appreciate it on a daily basis. Whenever I have my furry friend on my chest or lap, I give him a gentle body massage and work my way to the cat’s teeth.

Veterinary dental care can be expensive and time-consuming, and by maintaining good oral hygiene at home, I can potentially prevent or minimize the need for professional interventions.

Their teeth are cleaner, their gums are healthier, and they have fresher breath. I am confident that this investment in their dental care will contribute to their overall health and well-being for years to come.

It’s a fair compromise

The Herd is agreeable pets as long as their needs are met and they don’t feel threatened or uncomfortable. The Herd are an agreeable furry lot as long as their needs are met and they don’t feel threatened or uncomfortable. I get purrs and drools, not scratches or hisses!

All you cat lovers out there, what’s your take on this topic? Have you had any success in brushing your cat’s teeth? I would love to hear your thoughts!