A little dental care you need to know if you have a cat!
Over the age of three, eight out of ten cats have teeth and gum issues. Cats acquire germs, dirt, and plaque on the exterior of their teeth from the food they eat. Over time, this bacterial coating hardens into tar, which can cause gum irritation and gingivitis and even tooth loss. Sometimes dental issues can make your cat very ill, to the point where they need vet care and medication. Getting cat insurance NZ is very useful in paying for medical costs, especially if you take up a plan that includes dental.
The tartar scale may be so bad in severe cases that it is permanent, and frequently cats will have to lose their teeth to get rid of the agony. The germs can even go into their bloodstream and damage their kidneys and other vital organs leading to body pain and inflammation of the mouth. Or worse.
To avoid chronic inflammation and early tooth loss, cat owners have to keep their cat’s canines sparkling and clean. Felines are unfortunately not very keen to clean their teeth, and even if you can make the kitty grin for toothpaste, it’s tough to clean them correctly. As a result, by the 4th birthday, 50 to 90% of cats suffer from some kind of dental problem, a catastrophic figure!
Dental treatments for cats are essential because they encourage good oral health and hygiene, which are vital for preventing oral illness. Of course, cats’ teeth still need to be brushed regularly in addition to dental treatments.
In the wild, cats typically clean their teeth by chewing on bones or grass, but domestic cats are often unable to do so. Animals cannot communicate vocally to inform us they are unwell or in pain. This makes it very important for pet owners, especially with their dental healthcare, to opt for preventive rather than reactive health practices. Developing a solid early dental care regimen is crucial for the health and pleasure of your cat. Not only can your cat avoid illnesses such as gingivitis, but their breath will also be fresh.
Although it is nutritiously sufficient, the impact of commercial pet foods on feline teeth is sometimes not gentle. As carnivores, before being domesticated cats’ diet consisted mostly of raw meat, which is why their jaws are not naturally inclined towards chewing with kibble. Further, pet food trapped in their teeth can significantly degrade dental health and can only prevent issues with excellent cleanliness.
Gingivitis, periodontal disease and even rotten teeth can occur through dental resorption if cats’ teeth are not cleaned frequently – of food, grass, bugs and other things they tend to nibble on. These conditions can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for your cat, reduced quality of life and enormous veterinary charges for you.
A healthy cat’s teeth should be clean, white and free of shedding. Their gums should be pink and healthy with no redness, swelling, or bleeding. They should have no lesions or sores, or other damage.
You should also look for ulcers, bloating, injuries or foreign lumps at the rear of your cat’s mouth and for foreign items like string within their mouth. The veterinarian should evaluate any aberrant findings as quickly as possible.
When you have Pet insurance NZ a vet visit will cost you a little less and potentially even a lot less. It is worth serious consideration if you are serious about your cat’s health.