Mary Allen
Tartar in cats is quite common. We reveal why it is essential to remove it and what tips you can use to prevent it.
Untreated tartar in cats can have serious consequences for the animal. With our tips, you can prevent it in a targeted manner. You will also learn what is important when removing. So your darling can eat carefree again and stay healthy for a long time.
The causes of tartar in cats
To understand how to prevent tartar in cats, you need to know how it is formed.
Whether human, cat, or dog: tartar is caused by bacterial deposits on the teeth. Usually behind these deposits (also called plaque) is an incorrect or insufficient diet and poor dental care.
Older cats in particular are prone to tartar and are also generally more susceptible to dental disease. However, there are also young cats who often develop tartar due to a genetic predisposition. Diseases of the oral cavity also lead to deposits on the teeth.
The deposits are caused by bacteria that convert carbohydrates into sugar. The sugar causes leftovers to stick to the teeth and become a hard coating over time. This process releases toxins that will damage your pet in the long run. Dying gums, tooth decay, tooth loss, and even organ damage can result if you don’t remove tartar.
Whatever the cause, the tartar must be removed so that the cat can eat and play without discomfort or even pain.
Is tartar a case for the vet?
Please never try to remove tartar from the cat yourself. At worst, you will hurt your cat, cause her pain and lose her trust.
As with us humans, a doctor must remove the deposits. He has the necessary knowledge and equipment to clean the cat’s teeth without damaging them. In addition, a veterinarian can find out the cause of the tartar so that you can prevent it in the future.
Furthermore, the doctor has the option of putting cats under anesthesia during the treatment, so that the fur noses do not have to be afraid. In this way, the procedure is as pleasant and painless as possible for your darling.
Preventing tartar in cats: 4 tips
To prevent tartar from forming in the first place, you need to properly care for your cat’s teeth. With these tips, you can make an active contribution to ensuring that your house cat is spared the deposits.
- The right feed
Ask your vet what food is right for your cat and what dietary tips they have to help prevent tartar. This is especially true for older animals and cats, who are naturally prone to tartar.
- Bite toys
There are plenty of great cat teethers on the market that will delight furry friends while gently cleaning their teeth.
- Brushing your teeth
Yes, even cats have to brush their teeth regularly – or have them brushed. A soft, small children’s toothbrush and a special cat toothpaste are best. Get your cat used to brushing their teeth early on, then they will recognize it as a ritual of care and may even enjoy it, like this cuddly velvet paw here (we have tips on this here: Dental care for cats is so easy.).
- Checking the mouth
Check your cat’s mouth regularly. If anything changes in the gums, teeth, or oral mucosa, or if plaque appears, make an appointment with the vet. He can help the cat and prevent the renewed formation of tartar through the appropriate, individually adapted preventive care.
If you want to do everything right, start with regular check-ups of the cat’s teeth and dental care even before the change of teeth.
We wish you and your darling all the best!