Ultimate Guide to Cat Dental Care: Tips to Keep Your Cat’s Teeth Clean and Healthy

Maintaining dental health for your cat is crucial for their overall well-being.

Proper dental care for cats involves regular brushing, specialised dental products and even dental diets to prevent common issues such as gum disease and tooth loss.

This guide to cat dental care will provide detailed information on how to care for your cat’s teeth, identify potential dental problems and ensure your feline friend maintains healthy teeth and gums.

Looking after your cat’s teeth requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, brush your cat’s teeth regularly using a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for cats.

Start brushing when they are kittens to get them used to having their teeth cleaned. If you have an adult cat, it’s never too late to start; just be patient and gentle to help them adjust.

In addition to brushing, consider using dental chews, dental treats and water additives specifically formulated for dental hygiene.

These products can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Dental diets like Hill's Science Plan Adult Oral Care are also beneficial as they are specially formulated to promote tooth and gum health.

Our guide to dry cat food and hypoallergenic cat food might help you understand more about the range of healthier food options available.

We can see some of the top ways to keep your cat's teeth clean in the table below:

Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental problems in cats, caused by the accumulation of bacteria and plaque.

If left untreated, it can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and eventually tooth loss. Symptoms include bad breath, red or swollen gums and difficulty eating.

Preventing periodontal disease involves regular dental care, including brushing teeth, providing dental diets and using dental products that reduce plaque and tartar.

Regular vet check-ups are essential to monitor your cat's dental health and address any issues early.

This is also important if you have a pet insurance policy with Waggel. You should have your cat's teeth checked every 12 months and noted on their record in order to make any successful dental claims in the future.

Yes, cats often need professional dental cleaning to maintain oral health. Even with regular home care, plaque and tartar can still accumulate, leading to dental disease.

Professional cleaning under anaesthesia allows the vet to clean below the gum line and perform a thorough examination.

Overall, the use of anaesthesia is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of dental cleanings in cats, allowing veterinarians to provide the best care possible while minimising stress and discomfort for the animal.

Regular cleanings can prevent the onset of dental disease and ensure your cat's overall health.

It’s a good idea to get your vet’s advice on how frequently your cat should have professional cleanings based on their individual needs.

Cat tooth extraction can be costly due to the complexity and risks involved. The procedure typically requires anaesthesia, specialised equipment, and skilled veterinary staff.

Additionally, post-operative care, including pain management and antibiotics, contributes to the cost.

Despite the expense, tooth extraction is sometimes necessary to prevent further dental problems and improve your cat’s quality of life.

Regular dental care can help minimise the need for such procedures.

Many pet insurance such as Waggel's policies offer coverage for dental care, but it’s essential to read the fine print.

Here at Waggel, we offer a £1,000 limit per policy year for dental treatment; this is a sub-limit within your Annual Limit.

As mentioned earlier, it's important to have your cat's teeth checked every 12 months and noted on their records. This will help with any claims for dental work you may have in the future.

Some other companies may cover routine cleanings and extractions if they are deemed medically necessary. However, coverage for dental products like dental treats and water additives are generally not included.

Signs that your cat may need dental care include bad breath, red or swollen gums, a swollen lip, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth and excessive drooling.

Regularly check your cat’s teeth and gums for any abnormalities and consult your vet if you notice any concerning symptoms.

Your vet visits are crucial for monitoring your cat’s dental health and addressing any issues early.

This is also important for your insurance policy. If you have your cat's teeth checked every year and have it noted on their records, you have a much higher chance of having a successful dental claim in the future.

Cats can live comfortably even if they are missing some teeth. If your cat has lost teeth, you may need to adjust their diet to ensure they can eat comfortably.

Soft or moistened food can be easier for them to consume than dry kibble.

It’s important to continue providing dental care for your cat even if they are missing teeth to prevent further dental problems and maintain gum health.

Yes, cats can survive without teeth. Cats often adapt well to having no teeth and can still eat and live a normal life.

You may need to provide a softer diet and ensure regular vet check-ups to monitor their oral health.

While it may seem challenging, some cats can still eat dry food even without teeth.

They often learn to swallow the kibble whole or chew it using their gums. However, you might find it helpful to moisten the dry food to make it easier for them to eat.

Natural tooth loss in cats, especially those that are not yet elderly, often warrants close attention due to the dental health concerns it signifies.

While kittens typically lose their baby teeth as they mature, adult cats experiencing tooth loss might be dealing with underlying issues such as gum disease, periodontal disease, or tooth decay.

If you notice your cat losing teeth, it’s essential to consult your vet immediately to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

The best treats for cats with no teeth are soft and easy to chew.

Many dental treats are designed to be soft yet effective in promoting dental hygiene.

Look for treats that are specifically formulated to support tooth and gum health and are gentle on their mouth.

For more helpful information, read our additional article 'Why Should I Neuter My Cat?' and our comprehensive guide to wormers for cats.