애완 동물 소유자를 위한 고양이 치과 관리 요령

치과 질환은 대부분의 고양이에게 현실입니다. 전문가에 따르면 고양이의 약 10%만이 치아 문제를 겪지 않고 살아갑니다 . 그러나 고양이는 증상을 가리는 데 탁월하기 때문에 주인이 애완동물의 불편함이나 통증의 가장 작은 지표라도 감지하기 어려울 수 있습니다.

어릴 때부터 올바른 치아 습관을 들이는 것은 반려동물의 지속적인 건강과 행복을 위해 매우 중요합니다. 치은염과 같은 질병을 예방할 뿐만 아니라 고양이의 전반적인 삶의 질을 향상시킵니다.

이 게시물에서는 고양이를 위한 치과 치료의 중요성에 대해 이야기하고 최적화를 위한 팁을 제공합니다.

• 고양이에게 치과 치료가 필요합니까?
• 고양이 치아 관리가 왜 중요한가요?
• 고양이의 구강 건강을 어떻게 확인할 수 있나요?
• 어떤 고양이 치아 관리 제품이 필요합니까?
• 고양이를 위한 재택 치과 관리 요령
• 고양이 치아 문제를 예방하는 다른 방법
• 고양이 치과 진료는 어디서 받나요?
• 고양이 치과 치료 비용은 얼마인가요?

고양이에게 치과 치료가 필요합니까?

예, 인간과 마찬가지로 고양이도 잇몸 질환, 플라그 축적, 구취 및 치아 농양에 취약합니다. . 치과 치료를 받지 않으면 이 모든 것이 구강 감염, 잇몸 질환 또는 치아 상실 및 충치로 이어질 수 있습니다. .

이러한 문제는 4세 이상 고양이의 50% - 90%가 치과 질환에 영향을 받습니다.입니다. . 애완 동물에게 적절한 음식과 치과 치료를 제공하면 이러한 문제를 해결하는 데 도움이 될 수 있습니다.

고양이 치과 치료가 왜 중요한가요?

고양이는 본능적으로 고통을 숨기기 때문에 고양이에게 치아 문제가 있다는 것을 깨닫는 데 시간이 걸릴 수 있습니다. 포식자에게 취약한 것처럼 보이지 않도록. 이것은 특히 구강 위생과 관련하여 반려동물에 대해 반응적 건강 습관이 아닌 예방적 건강 습관을 확립할 필요성을 강조합니다.

3세 이상의 고양이 10명 중 8명은 치아와 잇몸에 문제가 있습니다. . 고양이는 먹는 음식의 결과로 치아 표면에 세균과 플라크가 자주 발생합니다. 이 박테리아 층은 결국 치석으로 굳어져서 잇몸을 자극하고 고양이의 치은염(일반적으로 잇몸 질환으로 알려짐)을 유발할 수 있습니다. 심한 경우 치아가 상실될 수 있습니다. 고양이는 치석 축적이 돌이킬 수 없을 정도로 심각할 때 통증을 완화하기 위해 발치를 해야 하는 경우가 많습니다.

입이 아프거나 염증이 있으면 고양이가 먹거나 마시는 것이 어려울 수 있으며 세균이 혈류에 들어가 신장 및 기타 중요한 기관에 손상을 줄 수도 있습니다. . 6세 이상 고양이의 약 85%에 영향을 미치는 애완동물의 가장 흔한 건강 상태 중 하나인 치주 질환은 치아, 잇몸 및 치아를 제자리에 유지하는 지지 조직의 점진적인 악화가 특징입니다.

좋은 소식은 애완 동물의 구강 건강을 보호하기 위해 몇 가지 예방 조치를 취하면 고양이의 치주 질환 대부분을 피할 수 있다는 것입니다. 여기에는 집에서 애완동물 치과 치료를 계속하고 수의사에서 매년 고양이 치아를 청소해야 합니다.

고양이는 언제 치과 치료를 시작해야 하나요?

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), cats should receive their first dental cleaning by the time they are one year old and once every year thereafter. Some cat breeds may require more frequent cleanings, particularly if they have shallow roots or crowded teeth. Older cats and indoor cats are also more susceptible to dental issues and may require more frequent cleanings.

Brushing your cat's teeth and gums on a daily basis (or at least three times a week) is essential for their oral health . It's a good idea to socialize kittens to this process while they’re young, because adult cats can be rather reluctant to have their teeth cleaned.

How can I check my cat's oral health?

You should frequently examine the condition inside your cat’s mouth, even if they might not particularly appreciate the experience. If they appear to be highly agitated or if you find it impossible to carefully inspect their mouth, be sure to take your pet to the vet for regular oral exams.

The teeth of a healthy cat should be white and clean. Healthy kitten gums shouldn’t display any inflammation, redness, or bleeding. Inspect the rear of your pet’s mouth for sores, swelling, lesions, or ulcers, and ensure that their breath doesn’t smell bad.

Signs of poor cat teeth health

Be sure to monitor your cat for these crucial warning signals between visits to the vet:

• Visible tooth discoloration (tartar)
• 구취
• 잇몸이 붉거나 붓거나 피가 나거나
• Exposed tooth roots
• Drooling and difficulty swallowing
• Pawing the teeth or mouth
• Grooming less frequently
• Difficulty eating
• 식욕 상실
• 체중 감소

If you notice any of the above, it could indicate an illness in the cat’s mouth or elsewhere in the body. Continuous poor breath may be a sign of serious periodontal disease that has to be treated before the infection spreads to the heart, kidney, or liver through the cat’s bloodstream. It could also result in nutritional deficiencies if your cat develops food avoidance due to pain.

What dental care products do I need for a cat?

Be sure that you have all the necessary tools before starting your cat's teeth-brushing routine. Both pet shops and veterinary offices sell complete cat dentistry kits:

• Cat toothbrush. You’ll want a toothbrush that’s made specifically for the feline anatomy. As you first learn how to brush your cat’s teeth, you may want to start with dental gauze wrapped around your finger. After your cat is comfortable with your hand in their mouth, you can get them accustomed to bristles by switching to a finger brush and then working your way up to a toothbrush.
• Cat toothpaste. Fluoride-free cat toothpaste is widely available and usually flavored with chicken or beef. Look for enzymatic formulas to kill the bacteria in your cat’s mouth known to cause disease.
• Dental gel. For cats adverse to the consistency or flavor of toothpaste, dental gels are less thick and can be applied directly to your finger, then rubbed onto teeth to break down plaque residing on the surface.
• Oral rinses and sprays . These products can be applied to the inside of your pet's cheek or along the gum line using a piece of gauze for less invasive oral care, but often with less effective results.
• Water additives . Simply mix the recommended dosage into your cat’s water bowl to improve their oral hygiene whenever they hydrate. Some products can also be used as food toppers which may benefit cats who rarely drink from their water bowl.
• Daily supplements . Dental supplements typically come in a powder form that you can sprinkle directly on top of your cat’s food. Some formulas may provide anti-inflammatory pain relief for cats with gum disease or feline stomatitis.
• Dental food. Vets often recommend specific diets for dental disease in cats that help slow the development of bacteria and plaque. The formulas usually contain larger food pieces that encourage chewing or biting, which produces an abrasive action that cleans teeth.
• Dental treats . These have enzymes and other additives that fight bacteria and de-mineralize plaque and tartar. They’re typically soft in texture and made with tasty ingredients that make them especially appealing to pets. Be sure that your cat’s treat consumption does not exceed 10% of their daily caloric intake.
• Dental chews or toys . The best dental toys for cats are sufficiently abrasive to remove plaque when your cat chews on them, but not too hard that they risk damaging teeth or injuring their mouth. They also help in ensuring healthy kitten gums. This is advantageous since it helps shield your feline friend from gum infections and conditions.

What are the best cat dental care products?

We have compiled this list of best products for cat dental care in consultation with expert veterinarians. We also looked to the American Animal Hospital Association's dental care recommendations as well as the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), an organization that oversees and certifies pet dental products.

Best toothbrushes for cats

The size of a cat's mouth makes it difficult to properly wash their teeth. That’s why the toothbrush you choose for your four-legged friend should be small, with soft bristles, and easy to maneuver in order to reach the back teeth, like the Virbac CET Pet Toothbrush.

Best toothpaste for cats

The only cat toothpaste with a VOHC seal of approval is Healthymouth's topical gel. Instead of using a toothbrush, the manufacturer advises using the cotton-tipped applicators that come with the gel.

Best oral sprays, rinses &gels for toothbrush alternatives

VOHC recommends the Healthymouth Topical Spray and Healthymouth Water Additive which comes in several different flavors. Other products that can be used as toothbrush alternatives include cat-safe dental wipes like the Essential Healthymouth's Anti-Plaque Daily Topical Wipes, which are not currently available for purchase.

Best dental diets, treats, and supplements for cats

Veterinary-formulated cat kibble is available from pet food manufacturers including Hill's Pet Nutrition and Royal Canin. This food kills oral germs and polishes a cat's teeth while it is being consumed. A veterinarian must issue a prescription for these foods.

VOHC recommends the following diets:

• Hill's Prescription Diet Feline
• Science Diet Oral Care for Cats
• Healthy Advantage ™ Oral+ for Cats
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets (PPVD) Feline Formula Dry Cat Food
• Royal Canin Feline Dental Diet

The VOHC recommends the following cat dental treats for the reduction of tartar:

• Feline Greenies Dental Treats
• WHISKAS Dentabites Cat Treats with Chicken
• Purina DentaLife Cat Treats
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets OM Crunchy Bites Cat Treats

Best dental chews for cats

Some experts claim that dental chew toys are not the best toothbrush alternative because of the fact that cats often don't chew on their toys and typically only use their canine teeth while hunting and playing. However, if you still decide to invest in such a toy, consider the Petstages Catnip Toy Dental Chews and the Orkakat Catnip Wiggle Worm Kitten Teething Toy.

At-home dental care tips for cats

It’s easy to care for your feline's oral hygiene if you introduce it while they’re young and make it a consistent part of your daily routine — but it’s never too late to get started if you haven’t already. Keep these tips in mind and consult your veterinarian for the best advice.

How to keep your cat's teeth clean

The best way to keep your cat’s teeth clean is with regular brushing . Daily toothbrushing is the gold standard in preventive dental care for cats, but make it a goal to do it every time you remember, and at least three times per week.

Many cats don't like having their lips touched, but patience and rewards — whether that may be treats, affection, or playtime with their favorite toy — might help ease them into the activity. And remember:the earlier, the better.

Note:Under no circumstances can cat teeth be cleaned with human toothpaste because many contain xylitol and large quantities of fluoride, which are both toxic to cats.

How to keep your cat's mouth clean

In addition to daily brushing, there are other steps you can take to keep your cat’s mouth clean, prevent bacterial infections, and promote their oral hygiene. From additives that you mix with water to supplements that get sprinkled on top of food , treats specially-formulated with enzymes , and prescription-grade food , you’ll have no shortage of options to choose between.

With respect to diets, most vets recommend feeding your cats a mixture of wet and dry food until they are older and can no longer tolerate kibble for optimal oral health. Wet food remains on the surface of teeth for longer, leading to the development of plaque and tartar, while dry food acts like a natural floss.

At your vet’s discretion, you might consider other natural cat dental care products to help keep your cat’s mouth in pristine condition. For example, some pet parents give their cats raw, uncooked bones as natural dental chews to break down tartar, but be sure to follow best practices for safe food handling whenever dealing with raw food.

Other ways to prevent cat dental problems

In addition to brushing your pet’s teeth and the above-mentioned brushing alternatives, you can take other actions to ensure that your four-legged friend keeps their teeth clean and healthy.

Nutritious diet

Similar to people, giving cats a nutritious, balanced diet will reduce their risk of developing dental issues . Your vet can offer particular advice for a diet that can improve your cat’s oral health . In addition, take a look at the dental support diets above that have received the Veterinary Oral Health Council's seal of approval (VOHC).

Avoid giving your feline friend sweet treats . Even though sugar is not toxic to them, it has no nutritional benefit and can erode enamel, causing tooth decay and even dental disease.

Annual dental checkups

Your cat has to get a dental checkup at least once a year, regardless of whether there are any signs of dental disease. Even though you should periodically examine your cat's teeth yourself, it is simple to overlook the kinds of warning signs of a disease that a skilled and knowledgeable veterinarian will spot. Compared to dental concerns that go undiagnosed and are allowed to worsen, dental issues that are discovered early are far simpler to address and resolve.

Routine teeth cleaning

Most dental exams will include a professional cat teeth cleaning. Blood tests are first performed to see if the patient is healthy enough to be sedated. If so, your veterinarian will put them under anesthesia and start a thorough cleaning that includes a full oral exam, X-rays to spot issues below the gum line, a thorough cleaning below the gum line to prevent periodontal disease, professional scaling to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the crown, and polishing the teeth to avoid plaque and bacteria accumulation.

Oral surgery for unhealthy cat teeth

Your veterinary dentist may recommend oral surgery for cats with poor dental hygiene, especially in cases where the animal needs an operation to extract broken, impacted, decaying, or resorbing teeth .

Oral surgery and tooth extractions may seem intimidating, particularly for older cats, but they usually recover quickly and resume eating normally. The advantages of treating disease and killing bacteria in the mouth exceed the disadvantages of delaying necessary dental operations .

Where to get cat dental care?

Search for a local veterinarian who offers dentistry to schedule your cat’s annual dental checkup and cleaning. You can also find affordable dental care for cats at veterinary schools and pop-up clinics in your area. In the event of an oral injury, such as a fractured tooth or puncture wound, an emergency animal hospital may be your best pet.

Do not take your cat anywhere that offers non-anesthetic dentisty for pets, as it is neither safe nor effective at treating dental disease.

How much does dental care for cats cost?

Cat dental care costs around $20 to $50 for at-home supplies , but annual oral exams and teeth cleanings can cost upwards of $400 at a professional veterinary dentist. Prices increase significantly when dental issues are present. For instance, for a tooth extraction that involves anesthetic, X-rays, medicine, hospitalization, and surgery equipment, cat owners should budget for pet denal work to cost around $1,300 .

Pet insurance may help with these expenses . Pet insurance providers like ASPCA, Embrace, Pets Best, Healthy Paws, Prudent Pet, Nationwide, Spot, and Pumpkin offer complete coverage for cat dental care. Use Pawlicy Advisor to get quotes from these and other providers to find the perfect pet insurance plan that will help make it easier to choose affordable, high-quality dental care for your cat.