April is about Easter Candy but cats are safe. Interesting facts about felines & their fangs!

With Easter and springtime arriving this month in Central New York, April brings sunshine and candy.   Yum! Unlike me with my sweets, I know that my sweet Daphne will be on the prowl outside for mice and small rodents which keeps her teeth sparkling white. Having lost my dear Guenivere years ago to dental issues, I do my best to keep Daphne’s teeth clean and healthy.  Yearly veterinary check ups are vital but what else can be done?  How are cats teeth different from ours and require different care?  Let's find out! 

Oh baby!-  Arriving at 2 weeks, the 26 tiny little baby teeth emerge but for a very short time. At 3 months only, the 30 adult teeth come in and will remain for the cat's entire life.  

Little helpers- The little top front teeth are excellent for helping cats pick things up!  They are also great for cleaning and grooming.  Have you ever seen your cat grooming and they do a little bite while their fur is in their mouth?  This helps with breaking mats up.  Their big fangs are for biting and tearing things open but the back teeth have one job which is chewing and breaking food up into smaller pieces.

Fun Fact- When cats bite, they move fast and bite one and release.  On the other hand, dogs bite and hold on while tearing their food/ victim.  

​Long in the tooth- The roots in a cat's teeth are twice as long as the actual tooth! 

Say what?!- Due to the shape of their teeth, cats do not have flat surfaces so no bacteria can build up and cause cavities!  The teeth are all pointed which has a huge advantage over us mere mortals.  Also, they don’t sit and eat sugary sweets and candy. 

But wait, bad news?-  Just because cats can’t get cavities doesn’t mean they are in the clear from dental visits and issues.  Gingivitis, gum disease, endodontic disease and tooth resorption are the main issues that felines can deal with.  

More bad news?-  Unfortunately, cat’s cannot feel dental pain so us owners need to be aware of any changes ( drooling, not eating, hiding) and get the veterinarian involved immediately. Knowing your cat’s regular routine and moods can help catch dental issues early on. 

Prevention is important- Starting young with dental care with your cat is an excellent way to keep your kitties fang pearly white.  Talk to your vet about toothpaste for cats and how to brush their fangs.  I’ve seen owners who regularly brush their cats teeth so it is possible! 

Become a foodie! - My vet recommended dental food for Maddie years ago and it really did help.  Dental foods tend to be a round kibble and when the cat bites into it, the kibble breaks open to sweep around the tooth and clean it.  The dental foods do work!   Now there are treats which help not only teeth but bad breath as well. Any help to keep your kitties teeth clean is a huge advantage.  Talk to your vet and check the aisle of a pet store for fancy kibbles. 

What if…..-  What happens if a cat has surgery and needs teeth removed?  It happens and I’ve seen it come out with incredible results.  Cats who were grumpy and angry became friendly and much more calm.  Cats with horrible breath no longer had the dragon’s fire. And cats with no teeth can eat and be just fine. Switching to wet food is smart but remember that many cats don’t chew their food very well and eat it whole.  I’ve seen many cats arrive at Rock The Cat Spa and enjoy their meals with no teeth!  

Being aware of your cat’s dental health is important for a long happy and healthy life. Keep those fangs sparkly white and in excellent condition! 

Photo- A regular customer here at Rock The Cat Spa, Six loves to hiss and give us a full view of all his teeth several times a day! He is very dramatic but we love him!