Cleaning your feline's teeth leads to good health
If you look at the inside of your feline's mouth, you will see perfection based on the functionality of the large fang-like teeth, tearing molars and baby grooming incisors. That is a lot of mouth to keep in great working condition, including teeth and gums.
Why should we be obsessed with our feline's dental health?
Prevention of periodontal disease is key. If this periodontal disease occurs, you will be dealing with a host of problems, from tooth loss to infections and ultimately bacteria going into the blood stream, which can damage major organs.
Water additives, hard food and treats can be a great aid, but not the ultimate end-all cure. Nothing beats simply brushing your feline's teeth. If your feline refuses to let you use a finger brush, start with something less invasive like gauze and work your way back to a finger brush or child's toothbrush.
Pet toothpaste can make the chore more tolerable for both of you. Your feline needs to accept teeth cleaning as a tasty treat. A word of caution: never use human toothpaste because it can make your feline sick and it will never let you near its mouth again with that negative experience.
Before you even start with toothpaste, try first just handling your feline's head by gently opening the mouth and inspecting the teeth. If this is routinely practiced, your cat will let you take the next progression of steps, with the ultimate goal of brushing.
Sometimes tuna juice or canned food gravy can coax your feline to let you explore the mouth. Feline specific bottled gravy is also available at most pet stores. Wrapping a feline in a towel or blanket can also have a calming effect. Just know your cat's body language to know how much cleaning can be accomplished in any given session.
You should also start in a small section of the mouth to see how tolerant your feline is to the experience. If you go slowly, he will tolerate continued cleanings. You may find that your first experience with brushing may take you a week or more to clean the entire mouth.
Patience is key for both you and your feline in the initial process. A reward with a tasty treat also makes the experience positive for both of you.
Finally, home care is only one part of the battle for a healthy feline mouth. Annual visits to your veterinarian for dental checks and possible cleanings are a must. Professional care is crucial preventive measure for a healthy, happy feline mouth for the life of your pet.
February, coincidentally, happens to be dental maintenance month, so you have added incentive to schedule your appointment with your veterinarian. Preventive measures will, in time, actually save you money. More is really less.
Featured felines:
• Peter Pan, a mostly white male with brown tabby patches, was born in June 2013. He is a long, slender very active cat, jumping from place to place. He can't decide what he likes better; to be petted or to play. A very inquisitive kitty - at times elusive, but that is the way he has fun and plays.
• Blackie, a black female with yellow eyes, was born in March 2012. She has discovered how great humans can be and now enjoys the attention she gets. Blackie loves being petted, and if you have turkey, she will chase you until you give her some. She is spunky and playful and has become such a great cat.
The following fundraisers will benefit The Buddy Foundation:
Photos with Valerie Valentine: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights. Pets and children are welcome to have their picture taken with Buddy's own Valerie Valentine. A donation of $7.50 per photo is required.
Celebrate Buddy's 20th Birthday: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, Drink, 871 Algonquin Road, Schaumburg. The theme of this year's celebration is the old west - cowboys, saloons, dancing girls and more. Your donation of $30; $35 at the door includes a buffet dinner, two drinks and birthday cake for dessert. There also will be a raffle and auction, along with music and entertainment. Reserve your tickets by mail today by sending your check to: The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005; call (847) 290-5806, credit cards are accepted and tickets will be returned by mail; or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org and purchase your tickets through Pay Pal.
• The Buddy Foundation is a not-for-profit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter dedicated to the welfare of stray, abused, and abandoned cats and dogs. For more information, call The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.