- MENU
- HOME
- SEARCH
- WORLD
- MAIN
- AFRICA
- ASIA
- BALKANS
- EUROPE
- LATIN AMERICA
- MIDDLE EAST
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Benelux
- Brazil
- Canada
- China
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Poland
- Russia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Taiwan
- Turkey
- USA
- BUSINESS
- WEALTH
- STOCKS
- TECH
- HEALTH
- LIFESTYLE
- ENTERTAINMENT
- SPORTS
- RSS
- iHaveNet.com: Pets
by Jennifer Viegas
Cats are mammals as we are, so their teeth react to plaque the way ours do. Plaque is a buildup of food debris and bacteria that can eat away at tooth enamel. If it isn't properly washed or brushed away, plaque can react with mineral deposits and turn into tartar. Dark yellow or brown accumulations on teeth provide evidence of tartar. Once established, it can be very difficult to remove.
Dental health is difficult enough for us humans to maintain, even with our regular brushings with high-tech toothpaste and drinking of water treated with fluoride. It's no wonder that so many cats suffer from advanced tooth decay -- requiring extractions and even antibiotics if deep infections set in. Regular, professional teeth cleanings for your cat at its veterinary office, along with your at-home cat tooth brushing, help to prevent both plaque and tartar buildup.
What you give your cat to eat and drink can help too. Fresh, clean water helps your cat to naturally wash away oral debris. Some manufacturers now offer water additives for cats that they say improve dental health. Having a water fountain -- with circulating water -- helps by encouraging your curious feline to drink. These fountains, available at most pet stores, also aid in maintaining water freshness.
The cat food you select is equally important. High-quality foods for cats that have minimal fillers and premium ingredients help to prevent bacteria from forming, as bacteria tend to love sugar and carbohydrates. The best dry cat food manufacturers formulate their products so that the shape and crunch factor go a long way towards preventing the meals from adhering to your cat's teeth. “Adult formula” foods for such brands tend to feature this built-in tooth protector.
But tooth care for cats should begin from day one. If you're vigilant, you will save money and protect your cat from a lot of painful extractions and other health complications later in life.
Jennifer Viegas is the managing editor of The Daily Cat. She is a journalist for Discovery News, the news service for the Discovery Channel, and has written more than 20 books on animals, health and other science-related topics.
AUTOS | HOBBIES | EDUCATION | FAMILY | FASHION | FOOD & RECIPES | HOME DECOR | RELATIONSHIPS | PARENTING | PETS | TRAVEL | WOMEN
PET STORIES and PET ARTICLES ...
- Is Your Dog Cut out for Field Trials?
- Should You Crate-train Your Puppy?
- How to Play Soccer With Your Dog
- The Best Way for Your Dog to Ride in the Car with You
- Good Dog Park Etiquette
- What Is Freestyle Dancing With Dogs?
- Canicross: An Easier Way to Run With Your Dog
- Reading Your Dog's Body Language
- Kitten Kindergarten
- Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe While Flying
- Keep Your Dog Warm in the Winter
- Scottish Deerhound: The Ideal Exercise Buddy
- Teach Your Dog to Fetch
- Is Your Dog Bored?
- 7 Ways to Pamper Your Cat
- The Best Games to Play With Your High-Energy Dog
- Dog Feeding Mishaps Corrected
- How to Succeed at Off-Leash Dog Play
- ID Your Relationship With Your Cat
- Photographing Your Elusive Feline
- How to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays
- When Good Dogs Turn Bad
- From Finicky Fido to Chowhound Charlie
- Insure Your Kitty's Health
- Unconditional Love: My Cat Forgives Me Every Day
- From Feline to Family Member
- Is Water From a Christmas Tree Stand Harmful to Cats?
- A Day in the Life of a Sheepherding Dog
- Go on a Desert Retreat With Your Dog
- Dog Food Goes Natural and Holistic
- Determining a Food Allergy
- Exercise Gone to the Dogs
- Find the Right Sport for Your Dog
- Make Your Dog a Part of Your Wedding
- Hydrotherapy Helps Dogs Get in Shape
- How Your Cat Says 'I Love You'
- Lost Cats Found
- De-stress Veterinary Visits for Your Cat
- Keeping Cat Food Fresh
- Second-Hand Cat, First-Rate Pet
Copyright ©
Pets | Cats: How Your Cat's Diet Affects Its Dental Health