The dental diet cat food is important for cats that have dental problems, but may also be used in cats to prevent teeth problems. A great number of cats are affected by teeth and gum problems starting from the age of 2 or 3 and dental problems can develop into serious medical problems as well (i.e. heart disease).
Dental Diet Cat Food
A dental diet cat food will focus on removing plaque and keep away the tartar deposits.
The dental problems may arise from the plaque deposits, which occur after each meal and are made up of food residue. The plaque can be removed with brushing or by chewing on toys that have a rough texture. If the plaque is not removed, it can calcify within 2 to 3 days and transform into tartar, which cannot be removed with regular brushing or chew toys.
The tartar deposits that affect the gums and lead to the formation of pus pockets, and the gums, will also be receding; the bacteria can enter the blood flow and this can affect the internal organs.
The dental diet cat food can be made up of numerous ingredients, which should fulfill the nutritional needs of the dog. However, the most important thing about the dental diet is that it should be dry and it should be able to scrape off the plaque from the cat’s teeth.
The kibble should be rough textured, but it should also be adapted to the size and age of the cat, as if the kibble is too rough, this can lead to broken teeth or even jaw fractures.
The dental diet for your cat can be used on a daily basis or may be administered 2 or 3 timed during the week.
Ideally, this type of diet should be started as early as possible, so as to prevent dental problems. However, the dental diet for cats cannot replace the teeth brushing and the professional cleaning, which are essential for the oral hygiene.
Dental cat food can be purchased in pet stores.
Dental Cat Treats
In addition to the dental diet, the cat may also get a number of treats that can be helpful and remove the plaque from the cat’s teeth.
Chew toys can also be effective plaque removers.
Dental Hygiene for Felines
As mentioned before, a dental diet alone is not enough to prevent dental problems in cats. Regular brushing of teeth (at least 3 times per week) with cat toothpaste and a children sized brush is recommended. At least 1 professional dental cleaning per year is also necessary.
In this manner, you can make sure that the cat’s teeth are clean and healthy and prevent gum disease or gingivitis.
It is also important to check the cat’s teeth regularly for decay and possible teeth infections. A teeth infection can cause lack of appetite, swelling, excessive drooling, pus accumulation and red gums.