When is comes to cats and their teeth, the cat owner is the last line of defense with regard to preventing and managing cat dental problems.
Cats have dental needs as do humans. In fact, cats encounter the same kind of dental problems as do humans. Tartar and plaque build-up can lead to decay, cavities, gum and root problems. When it occurs in the wild, the cat is at the mercy of the elements and circumstances. However, when the cat is a pet, the owner can offer a line of defense against dental problems.
In the wild, food roughage acts as an abrasive. Rough food keeps the teeth clean in the wild to the extent that it can. You may have seem television footage of big cats brought from the wild to a dental facility to have a broken or abscessed tooth treated. In the wild, the cat's teeth are a weak spot as they are exposed, relatively small and needed to perform strong mechanical actions such as gripping resisting prey or crushing large bones.
In the pet setting, cats are still exposed to dental risk. As a matter of fact, it has been reported that approximately 30% of cat pet will need dental care at some time! Cats are difficult patients because they do not like to have their mouths examined in most cases. Many times it is necessary to perform general anesthesia to treat cat dental problems.
Pet cats are prone to developing tartar and plaque. Plaque and tartar are a by-product of the mixing of saliva, food and bacteria. When tartar hardens, it becomes plaque. Plaque is a nesting spot for harmful bacteria and enzymes which can damaged the surrounding teeth and gums leading to gum infection or gingivitis and all the common tooth problems.
One way to prevent that expensive vet visit is to exam your pet cat's mouth on a routine basis. In doing so, you will be able to know the normal appearance of the teeth and gums. That way, you should be able to notice problems or potential problems early before they may require anesthesia.
You may be able to brush your pet cat's teeth. A good brushing once a week may go a long way to preventing dental problems. One tip is to remember the mouth odor in a cat is not normal. If it persists for any length of time, there may very well be a problem.
Some cats will not take to kindly to any attempts to brush the teeth or to brush in the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. If that is the case or you would like to avoid the brushing altogether, there is a practical solution.
There is a dental spray that removes and prevents plaque and tartar. It is safe and easy to use. It will allow you to perform routine dental maintenance on your cat's mouth.
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Routine cat dental maintenance has just become a lot easier and practical. Start your cat's dental maintenance now with this spray. All you have to do is click on the link and find out more.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5950989
Before becoming a cat owner most people don't give two seconds of thought to cat dental health. It is more likely for a dog to have bad breath, hence the term "dog breath", so we are more apt to pay attention to their dental health over our feline friends. For your cat to be healthy she needs clean, sharp teeth and healthy gums. Pay attention to your cat's dental health and follow the steps below for perfect feline pearly whites!
1) Smell your cat's breath. Cats are smaller animals so it can be difficult to smell their mouth from a few feet away, unlike dogs. The smell of her breath should not be offensive, if it is, she may have gum problems that should be looked at by a veterinarian. Stinky breath can also signal digestive problems.
2) Check gums thoroughly. At the same time that you check her breath, you can check her gums too. You will have to gently push the lips back to get the best view. The gums should be firm and pink and white; red colors and swelling can pinpoint dental problems.
3) Know the symptoms of mouth problems. Your cat's teeth should be clean and free from brownish tartar, and none should be loose or broken. Watch for any of the following signs that could indicate problems in her mouth:
• Dark red lines along the gums
• Red and swollen gums
• Ulcers on gums or tongue
• Loose teeth
• Difficulty chewing food
• Excessive drooling
• Excessive pawing at the mouth area
If you cat is showing any of these signs, you should bring her to a veterinarian right away. Even though the problem could be small, it is best to rule out serious problems like gingivitis and gum disease. Avoiding these symptoms could lead to tooth loss, inability to eat and even internal conditions such as kidney disease.
4) Use a dental cleanser such as a gel, spray or tooth paste and brush.
5) Give your cat chew toys or dental chew treats. All cats love to play and need to satisfy their natural desire to chew. Chew toys can do the trick, while also making her teeth strong. You can also use a dental cleansing treat such as Greenies Dental Treats.
6) Keep on top of her diet. Some cats are more susceptible to mouth problems than others. There are special cat foods for cats with dental issues. You can ask a veterinarian to recommend the best food for your pet.
By following all of these steps, you will be well on your way to keeping on top of your cat's dental health.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7243561
The Persian is a long-haired breed of cat characterized by its round face and shortened muzzle. Its name refers to Persia, the former name of Iran, where similar cats are found.[dubious – discuss] Recognized by the cat fancy since the late 19th century, it was developed first by the English, and then mainly by American breeders after the Second World War. In Britain, it is called the Longhair or Persian Longhair. The selective breeding carried out by breeders has allowed the development of a wide variety of coat colors, but has also led to the creation of increasingly flat-faced Persians. Favored by fanciers, this head structure can bring with it a number of health problems. As is the case with the Siamese breed, there have been efforts by some breeders to preserve the older type of cat, the traditional breed, having a more pronounced muzzle, which is more popular with the general public. Hereditary polycystic kidney disease is prevalent in the breed, affecting almost half the population in some countries.
The placid and unpretentious nature of the Persian confers a propensity for apartment living. It has been the most popular breed in the United States for many years but its popularity has seen a decline in Britain and France.
It is not clear when longhaired cats first appeared, as there are no known long-haired specimen of the African wildcat, the ancestor of the domestic subspecies. There were claims in the 19th century that the gene responsible for long hair was introduced through hybridization with the Pallas cat, but research in the early 20th century refutes this theory.
The first documented ancestors of the Persian were imported from Khorasan, Persia into Italy in 1620 by Pietro della Valle, and from Angora (now Ankara), Turkey into France by Nicholas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc at around the same time. The Khorasan cats were grey coated while those from Angora were white. From France, they soon reached Britain.[1] Longhaired cats were also imported to Europe from Afghanistan, Burma, China and Russia. Interbreeding of the various types were common especially between Angoras and Persians.
Recent genetic research indicates that present day Persians are related not to cats from the Near East but to cats from Western Europe. The researchers stated, "Even though the early Persian cat may have in fact originated from ancient Persia, the modern Persian cat has lost its phylogeographical signature.
Data refer : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_(cat)
Teeth are used by mammals to hold, tear and chew both for eating, protection and keeping the tongue in the mouth. Since a cat is a mammal, it has the same structure and requires the same care.
Although the shape maybe different, the teeth have the same makeup. The innermost part is the pulp or root canal which contains blood vessels and nerves. Around the canal is the dentin. The visible portion is the crown which is covered by enamel. The periodontal ligament attaches the roots to the jawbone. The gingiva is the gum tissue.
A cat has two sets of teeth. The deciduous teeth or first teeth are incisors, canines and premolars. These are replaced by permanent teeth and molars emerge in the back of the jaw. It takes 5 to 6 months for a cat to grow its permanent teeth.
A cat can experience growth problems resulting in weakness in the dental structure, tooth decay and difficulty in chewing. If the deciduous teeth do not fall out as the permanent teeth are forming, early dental disease can develop.
Tartar and plaque can form on the teeth causing an inflammation of the gums. This can create bacteria in the mouth spreading infection through the body. If the bone and surrounding gum is damaged, the cat can have periodontal disease. Painful abysses and tooth loss may result if untreated. A cat can suffer from tooth resorptions, cavity like defects, which usually require extraction.
Bad breath, chattering, drooling, eating sparsely or not at all or a swelling in the cheek may be a sign of a dental problem. A veterinarian will be able to examine and diagnose the problem. He can also provide a thorough dental cleaning but this usually requires the cat to be anesthetized.
A daily two minute brushing at home can help reduce the plaque and tartar. Use a cat toothpaste that does not contain fluoride. Oral rinses, water additives and dental diets are other ways to keep a cat's teeth healthy.
Frank Loethen lives with his wife and three cats, Sunny, Sinclair and Midnite, in Georgia. My wife and I recently added a new member to the house. A long haired chihuahua from a rescue shelter. If you enjoyed this article, please visit my cat products website, [http://purrfectcatproducts.com/], your one stop site for all your cat and kitten needs. Cat food, cat toys, litter accessories and cat treats are among the many items on the site. You can also see my three cats on the site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5352031
Most people understand the importance of proper dental hygiene. However many people don't realize that it's also important for our pets as well. Cats are no exception. Proper dental care is an important aspect of cat ownership that's often overlooked. Let's take a closer look as some of the causes, as well as the steps that can be taken to ensure your cats teeth are properly taken care of.
Plaque
Plaque is the yellow buildup that forms on teeth gradually. It's caused by the many different types of foods that cats consume. If left untreated, it may lead to gum problems and possibly the loss of teeth. These problems usually start in the exterior face of the upper teeth.
Just like humans, some cats are more prone to tarter buildup then others. It's also important to note not every cat will have problems with plaque. Every pet is different after all.
Preventive measures
It the problem is bad enough, regular teeth cleaning may be the only solution. This can be done as often as needed, however once a year is suggested. It can be done at by taking your pet the vet, in which case the animal will be placed under general anesthesia. However this process may be costly.
If budget is an issue, another option is to have it done at home. Important - Most cats don't like this procedure! However it's for their own good.
The following are a few tips to make this procedure a bit easier:
- Place your cat in a towel straitjacket to help keep them still while you work.
- Use a small toothbrush that's designed for children.
- Use edible toothpaste. This can be purchased in most pet stores.
Don't allow your cat's teeth to fall out. For more information on how to care for your cats teeth, please read: Cat Dental Care [http://www.easycatcaretips.com/dental-care-for-cats.php] as soon as possible. This is an excellent article that will give you a step-by-step guideline on caring for your cats teeth. [http://www.easycatcaretips.com] is dedicated to helping people take care of their cats.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1534984
The American Curl is a breed of cat characterized by its unusual ears, which curl back from the face toward the center of the back of the skull. An American Curl's ears should be handled carefully because rough handling may damage the cartilage in the ear. The breed originated in Lakewood, California, as the result of a spontaneous mutation.[1] In June 1981, two stray kittens were found and taken in by the Ruga family. The kittens were both longhaired, one black and the other black and white. The family named them Shulamith and Panda respectively, but Panda disappeared several weeks later, making Shulamith the foundation female of the American Curl breed.
In 1986, an American Curl was exhibited at a cat show for the first time, and in 1992, the longhaired American Curl was given championship status by The International Cat Association (TICA). In 1999, the American Curl became the first breed admitted to the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) Championship Class with both longhair and shorthair divisions.
The American Curl is a medium sized cat (5–10 lbs), and does not reach maturity until 2–3 years of age. They are strong and healthy.
American Curl kittens are born with straight ears, which begin to curl within eighty-two days. After four months, their ears will not curl any longer, and should be hard and stiff to the touch. A pet quality American Curl may have almost straight ears, but showcats must have ears that curl in an arc between 90 and 180 degrees. A greater angle is preferable, but cats will be disqualified if their ears touch the back of their skulls.
Both longhaired and shorthaired American Curls have soft, silky coats which lie flat against their bodies. They require little grooming and enjoy spending time with their owners.
The American Curl, while still an uncommon breed, is found across the world in the United States, Spain, France, Japan, Russia, and many other countries.
Due to its large genetic pool with non-pedigree cats, the American Curl is generally a healthy breed.These cats' ears however require frequent cleaning to prevent infections, and needs gentle handling to prevent damage.
Data refer : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Curl
