February is Cat Dental Health Month
Feb 2nd, 2006 by Rob
There is no better time than the present to start caring for your Ragdoll cat’s teeth. Good dental care is important for your Ragdoll’s overall health. Starting a regiment at home to keep your cat’s teeth clean can prevent a lot of pain for your cat and expense at the veterinarian’s office.
Brushing your Ragdoll’s teeth may sound like a difficult task; however, with a little practice and time for your cat to adjust, it’s definitely worth it in the long run. Imagine what it would feel like if you went a week without brushing or flossing. Multiply this by six or seven years and imagine what it feels like for your Ragdoll cat.
Your cat is prone to bacteria and tarter on its teeth. If left unchecked, this bacteria and tarter leads to periodontitis, or gum disease. This inflammation of the gums can cause toothache, and other painful conditions like exposed roots. How is your Ragdoll cat going to tell you that it has a toothache? Severe cases of periodontitis can lead to damage of the kidneys and heart.
To prepare your cat for brushing, start by holding him or her and peer into their mouth. When your Ragdoll cat is at a point where they allow this, run your fingers over the teeth and gums. Examine the teeth for stains and watch for redness and irritation at the gum line. When you are ready to start brushing it is easiest to use a kit from your local pet supply store. Never use human toothpaste, always use toothpaste specifically for cats.
If will take persistence and a fair amount of patience on your part; however, after a period of as little as two to three weeks you can have your cat used to regular brushing. As anyone who has ever had a root canal can attest, dental disease is extremely painful and expensive. A little time invested by your part can spare your Ragdoll cat this problem.
For more information on caring for your Ragdoll cat’s teeth, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Ragdoll Cats Owner Guide: Learn How to Easily Train, Feed, Care For & Groom Your Ragdoll Cats