Cat dental care

[SpecialStains]

Hi,
I was wondering if I could get some advice on what to do about my cats breath!

He's currently on a wet food only diet, which is since it got worse. He was on dry biscuits and wet food but he had a short period in October where he became dehydrated and required an expensive vet stay, and has been on wet food since on vets advice.

He's a lovely fella, but not sure how he'd take a kitty toothbrush. I was going to give the vet a call tomorrow for advice, but wondering is any of the cat lovers on here had any tips. He's 18 months, neutered, healthy weight and an currently an indoor cat (though that will be changing when we move somewhere with a garden).

Many thanks in advance!

[cozietoesie]

I've never managed it - my boys have always been very mouth-sensitive. Perhaps if I'd started them younger? I do seem to recall, though, that some posters have had success with some stuff that you put on their gums via a finger. Perhaps one of them will see your thread and comment.

[SpecialStains]

I was just looking at cat dental care products on Amazon and there's finger toothbrushes - surely that's asking to loose a finger!

[lljkk]

Cat probably thinks your breath stinks, too. All that orange juice & curry? What's wrong with you to eat such things!

[ZebraOwl]

You can get Logic Oral Hygeine Gel that they just lick up rather than needing to brush. Very few cats will let you brush their teeth, which I think is fair enough. I also think the fingertip brushes are a bit big for cat's mouths - but helpfully, can't remember where I got my smaller brush from... (Even my two get quite wiggly & they've been having it done since kittenhood, albeit at intervals!)

If your cat drinks ok, there are also things you can put in their water that help keep their teeth clean - have a look for Petkin products, they also do a spray you can put on dry food.

There are some toys designed to help with cleaning teeth - made by Pet Stages, I think.

Domestic cats are very prone to dental problems & foul breath (as distinct from just a bit smelly) can indicate something's Wrong. If you're worried (particularly if Special!Cat goes off his food) go to the vet to get his teeth checked.

[iloveeverykindofcat]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_litter_tray/2486247-Training-cats-to-have-their-teeth-brushed
:)