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.
cat dental spray [http://catteeth.org]
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.
Cat dental problems are best prevented.
prevent cat dental problems [http://catteeth.org]
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.
We love pets! Probioticsmart.com knows your pet deserves the very best care possible, and we're here to help. Visit our blog for more information, tips and stories on all things pet health and our site for all the pet supplements you need to help keep your pet happy and healthy!
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)
