Do You Clean Your Cat's Teeth?

[wolf63]

I've just read an article on a Vet's Q&A page in the Sun

"Q) SHOULD you brush a cat’s teeth?

I know you do it for dogs, but do felines need it too?

****

Sean says: You should, but good luck with that!

(That should be enough to put anyone off trying it)

:-)

Most cats will not tolerate it and it’s a sure-fire way to ruin your bond.

So I recommend feeding at least some dry diet food and dental chews.

Also, be prepared that there will come a time when your cat needs a dental scale and polish at the vets.

They are not trying to get you to spend money, they recommend it to make sure your cat’s mouth stays clean, comfortable and healthy.

Most cats need this procedure a few times in their lives.

If it’s never done, it can lead to seriously sore gums, root abscesses and other problems.

[calmck]

All 7 of mine have their teeth checked regularly by my vet. The oldest has lost most of her front ones but manages well with the side and back ones. So far none have needed dental treatment. They have both wet and dry food.

[wolf63]

Frankie had some back teeth removed not long before he died. He managed without them.

His sister's teeth were used mainly for biting humans.

[TheWinner]

How much does that cost? Vets bills for treatments can be horrendous for one animal, never mind for 7! (p.s. it's obvious you love your cats).

[TheWinner]

(that was to calmck).

[calmck]

I have a great vet and have used her for about 20 years. She comes to the house for routine vaccinations. 4 dogs as well as the cats. Because I fostered for 15 years and helped the local villagers getting their animals speyed and neutered she gives me a 10% discount on all vaccines, heartworm and worming and flea treatments. She also does not charge for the home visits. Last visit 15 injections and 11 flea treatments and 4 dog tick collars was 550 euros.

[calmck]

Also 6month supply of heartguard for the dogs

[TheWinner]

Wow!

[TheWinner]

where are you based?

[calmck]

Portugal

[Smowball]

No I don’t, but mine are 8 month old girls(sisters). They eat loads of dried biscuits etc so am assuming that they are ok.

[TheWinner]

calmck, lucky you!

[rowanwitch]

One of mine was ok with it, I used a baby brush with fishpaste. It was the act of brushing that was important as to the others no chance.

[Cloverjo]

I’ve never cleaned any of my previous cats’ teeth. One of them lived to 20 and had no problems.

My current cat would be traumatised by going to vet to have it done. So no, she’s fine as she is.

[roopower]

No, we don't, we value our hands! Ours eat mostly dried food and have regular vet checkups, no problem teeth so far and our oldest cat is 15, the youngest three 'kittens' are 10 this year.

[Gill1941]

My vet checks teeth, heart etc when they have their annual jabs.
Older female has a little tartar but but no big deal. They also have wet and dry food. More dry than wet.

[Prudie]

One of my vets once persuaded me to buy a toothpaste and applicator for my tortie. Honestly what was she thinking, never in a million years would that cat let me get anywhere near her teeth!