Feline Dental Disease

If you have a pet cat, and that cat has teeth, then they are at risk of periodontitis, gingivitis, and other such conditions.

Just as it is with people, our pets teeth and gums degrade over time.

There are many reasons for dental decay in cats and there are many separate dental conditions which can contribute.

Genetics are the single most important factor, with some cats lucky enough to have healthy teeth and gums into their teenage years, while others can suffer from viral or immune mediated teeth and gum lesions at an early age.

>Oral health is of vital importance to overall well being and as such, dental health checks should be a routine part of caring for your pet cat. We advise having your cats teeth examined at least once yearly or more frequently if you notice difficulty eating, smelly breath, or if your cat has a history of dental problems.

What can be done to prevent dental disease?

The most effective prevention of feline dental disease is brushing regularly, which for most cats is not a possibility!

Certain foods can help delay the onset of dental tartar, and there are some food additives which help to a lesser degree.

Annual Scale and Polish

But… the gold standard is to have a scale and polish annually once symptoms first appear. Onset of symptoms varies greatly, the average being 5 years of age.

Feline Dental Disease - cat's teeth

What Needs to be done?

If you are unsure if your cat has a feline dental disease please book a free dental check at Dublin Bay Vets.