Wednesday, April 26, 2017

6 ways to keep your cat’s teeth clean without brushing

Is there anything that can be done for your cat’s dental health apart from brushing? There is!
In this article, you are going to learn how to keep your cat’s teeth clean, without brushing, through the use of different cat teeth cleaning products. Before you read, however, we would still like to encourage you to take a look at how important tooth brushing is for cats.
  •  Dental treats and sticks for cats can be used on a regular basis to help scrub plaque off your cat’s teeth. Studies show that they can reduce the risk of tartar buildup. If you go for dental treats, it is best if your veterinarian still takes a look inside your cat’s mouth regularly. Find dental treats for cats here.
  • Dental gel for cats is an easier alternative if brushing a cat’s teeth is a problem. Dental gels for cats contain enzymes that kill germs that cause tartar buildup, tooth decay, gum disease, and irritation. Most commonly, you have to apply the dental gel directly on your cat’s teeth and you have to do it daily, similar to tooth brushing. Always read the instructions of a particular product before using it.  
  • Dental wipes can also be used to clean your cat’s teeth. We are not sure if using these dental wipes technically counts as “not brushing,” because you have to wrap the wipe around your finger and then move it as if it were a brush. This still requires some training and takes about the same amount of time as tooth brushing.
  • Chew toys for cats are similar to dental treats in that they are abrasive and can help scrub off plaque and massage gums as your cat chews them. Most dental cat toys are filled with catnip to encourage your cat to nibble on them; however, you can also sprinkle some store-bought catnip if your cat does not show an interest in the toy. 
  • Drinking water additive works like the gel mentioned above, but instead of applying it directly on your cat’s teeth, you pour plaque remover right into the drinking water. In our opinion, it’s convenient, but works less efficiently than the dental gel does, and you must check if your cat is still drinking the water afterwards.
  • Dental cat food is food that is specially designed by pet food companies to assist with your cat’s dental health. Studies show that those foods indeed reduce tartar buildup, but they are not able to eliminate it. The biggest drawback of dental foods is that they are dry foods, and, if you read our older articles, you’ll know that we are not big fans of dry foods. On the other hand, if you do not consider moving your cat to a raw or canned diet, talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of using dental cat food.
Did this overview of cat dental products give you some inspiration and make you feel less bad for not cleaning your cat’s teeth? Yes, there are some ways to keep your cat’s teeth clean without brushing, but you should know that tooth brushing is by far the most effective method to maintain your pet’s dental health. 
 

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