Did you know that felines have a tendency to hide their pain? This may be the reason for late disease detection in cats. Though there are several illnesses that your feline may face in his life-time, dental disease is such that is found often in kitties at a very young age. According to the Cornell University of Veterinary Medicine, almost 90% of cats over the age of 5 years have some of the other dental issues. There are some primary things you should know about dental diseases to protect the cats.
Here is everything you may need to know about dental problems in felines!
How are dental problems caused?
The oral structure of cats is somewhat similar to humans. Just like us, felines have two sets of teeth, milky teeth when they are young which are later replaced by permanent teeth. The dental issues found in these purr queens are due to genetic reasons (some breeds are more prone to them than the others), tartar build-up, and formation of bacteria.
According to estimation, almost 85% of the cats aging more than six have periodontal disease. This disease is caused by enzymes and bacteria found in the hardened layers of plaque. If this disease goes unnoticed then the cat may develop gingivitis and prolonged ignorance may also raise the probability of going for the only solution which is the removal of the tooth.
The study of Cornell University has estimated that nearly 50% of cats are affected by the disease called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL). This disease is not caused by plaque but is because of a genetic defect or lower immune system. This illness causes lesions in the bone tissue. The tissue cannot repair itself and thus causes irreparable damage to the tooth.
How will you know that your feline is having a dental issue?
As we discussed earlier, cats tend to shield their pain and may not let the pet owners know what they are going through, unlike dogs. With no signs left by felines, it leaves only one option for pet owners to find about the dental issues of the kitty, and that is being observant. Observe your kitty closely on a daily basis. If you see any change in his eating habits, consult a veterinarian. Other symptoms like foul breath, swollen gums, and pawing at the mouth may leave you hints of your cat’s dental illness.
How to prevent feline dental diseases?
Well, you may feel a little bored by doing this, but it will definitely help. Brushing your cat’s teeth is the easiest and maybe the only way to protect him from dental problems. Cleaning the teeth helps in removing the bacteria that are responsible for tartar build-up and plaque.
There are special kinds of toothpaste such as Dentipet that are easy to use for brushing the cat’s teeth. This toothpaste comes in several flavors like beef, chicken, biscuit, and cheese. Pick one of your kitty’s favorite and make brushing his teeth a weekly routine. There are sprays and oral rinse that has the potential to maintain the dental health of felines.
In all, with proper care, observance and precautionary measures, dental diseases in felines can be fought against. Discuss your kitty’s dental health with your veterinarian at regular intervals to stay updated.