Give your cat specially formulated dental chews to prevent plaque and tartar build up. Not only can chews prevent your cat from getting an oral infection, but they provide a healthy way to reward her during training exercises.
Promote Oral Hygiene with Dental Chews
Begin dental care when your cat is young to promote a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Here are some tips for incorporating chews:
- Stock up on dental chews appropriate for the age of your cat.
- If your cat dislikes having her teeth brushed, give her a variety of toy and biscuit dental chews.
- Cats can get tartar from eating wet or semi-moist foods. Be sure and incorporate some kibble-based chews into your cat's diet.
Features of a Good Dental Chew
Complement a well-balanced diet with healthy dental chews. Here's what to look for in dental products:
- Plaque-fighting enzymes
- Antioxidants
- Tocopherols (instead of chemical preservatives)
- Ascorbic and citric acid
- Natural flavor and antiseptic
- Abrasive texture that's appropriate for the age and health of your cat
- Dental chew toys made with netting materials, which is a flossing agent
Reward Good Cat Behavior with Healthy Chews
Rewarding your cat with a treat is an excellent form of positive reinforcement. But if you feed her snacks laced with sugar or animal by-products, it can inhibit her dental health. It's better to serve healthy products when training that can strip away tartar buildup.
If you have a kitten, keep her occupied with a chew or dental toy to prevent her from biting inappropriate household items.