Learn How To Clean
Are you aware that just like humans your cat needs to have good oral hygiene? I know when we think about our cute cuddly cats and caring for them, the last place our minds wander to are those sharp teeth! But truth be told, if you don’t take care of your cat’s teeth it could lead to dangerous health issues like gingivitis, tooth resorption, and dental disease in cats! There are many ways in which you can fight future dental issues for your feline friend -- the most common one is brushing their teeth! Not only will this help them to have good oral hygiene, but it is also a great way to see if your cat has any swelling or discomfort in their gums.
The first step to creating this routine with your cat is to start sticking your finger in your cat’s mouth and gently massaging their gums as you play with them. This will help them to prepare for when you introduce the toothbrush! There are two different types of toothbrushes you can use, either a finger brush or the standard pet toothbrush. Whichever you and your pet are most comfortable with is what we suggest using. Once your cat is comfortable with you sticking your finger around their mouth we then recommend using the brush and some cat toothpaste. There are many different delicious flavors you can get from either your vet or local pet store. Remember, your goal as a pet owner is to make brushing your cat's teeth an easy, stress-free part of their routine!
When you brush your cat’s teeth you will want to very gently lift up their lips and place the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle where the teeth and gum meet. When you start brushing, you will want to go in a soft oval pattern reaching three to four teeth at a time, moving the bristles all around the teeth. You will really want to pay attention to the outside upper teeth since they do the most chewing. While you are brushing their teeth this is a fantastic time to check for any loose or broken teeth and also any gum swelling. If you notice your cat has any redness or blood coming from their gums, we recommend spraying the area with our Matico Natural Healing Spray! This spray works excellent as an antiseptic and alleviates pain and irritation we sometimes find in our pet’s mouth. Unlike humans, your cat will not need to rinse and spit after the brushing is complete although you are more than welcome to offer them a bowl of water!
