Is there others ways besides brushing my cat's teeth to prevent gum disease?

Question

Recently my 1st cat named Shirley(which i no longer take care of) was recently diagnosed with gum disease and breast cancer. I now take care of a young cat named Monster who still has good teeth, but i need to take some action in order to prevent what Shirley faces and so his teeth won't be falling from left to right.

Also the sound holding my cat down and opening his mouth to brush his teeth seems like a hassle

Answer 1

My cats will not let me brush their teeth, but my vet recommended pet toothpaste that has enzymes in it. My cats absolutely LOVE eating it. I just put a tiny amount on a pet toothbrush, and the cats kind of chew/lick it off. Then I repeat, and the cats chew/lick off more of it. While this isn't exactly "brushing" their teeth, they are distributing the toothpaste in their mouths, and the enzymes work well to decrease tartar buildup. The brand I use (that I first purchased at the vet, but now purchase online) is C.E.T. My kitties love the poultry flavor. It's very reasonably priced (about $5.99 a tube) and seems to work very well. Good luck!

Answer 2

I have a 13 year old cat and she too is loosing teeth and has the gum disease you are referring to. I asked my vet about that. She said that there was really not much to do and no not to brush their teeth, but to try and feed them things that are not so hard and painful for them to eat. When she was young I gave her treats that had tartar control. My vet told me to give her soft food and at this point to give her what ever she would eat. As a rule when cats are younger they say not to give them the wet food because the tooth decay will start sooner. The wet doesn't have the nutrients they need for good health. My cats stomach stays upset all the time too so I feed her small amounts several times a day and because I also have a 1 year old cat in the house I have to keep the dry food out although I am having to use kitten food with extra small pieces so that the old cat doesn't break the teeth before they would otherwise. My young cat doesn't really care for the wet food, when I start to feed Precious some wet the young one comes in and begs, but when you get it in his dish he lays to the side of the dish and waits for Precious to come and eat his too, so knowing the routine I put a teaspoon in each bowl because I know she will eat his too. Now if it is something he really likes he will start eating right away, but when the old one finishes hers and comes to his he steps away and lets her have it. My Precious doesn't have a lot of time left with me so whatever she wants she gets. My husband gets pretty mad when she has an accident and throws up on the carpet......
She is old and he knew this when he married me 2 years ago and my cat was already old and was moved from the only home she had ever known into his home. She has had to go through some major adjustments. She and I came as one unit-----had he not agreed to let her come I would have never married him.
She is my child and she depends on me and I would have never left her/ she comes first!!!!!!! She was less than 2 weeks old when I got her and she had to be droper fed then bottle fed and she has been fixed and de-clawed. She will be with me until she passes and I hope its no time soon unless she is suffering and in that case I would not try to prolong her life when God decides she is ready for "Cat Heaven"!!!!!! Good Luck.

Answer 3

Get some raw chicken necks from your local butcher and cut them up into small bite size pieces. Your cat will love these and chewing on the bones is a great way for cats to clean their own teeth. Still use a variety of food but throw in some chicken necks svery now and then and you will see an improvement.

Answer 4

My cat is 5 yrs. old and has only been fed dry Science Diet food, table scraps (meat) and cat treats since he was born. At his annual physical this year he was given a perfect bill of health, including a dental check. No tarter, no gum disease.

Answer 5

Please learn from my mistake!! My 6 year old lost five teeth because I didn't know to regularly take her to the Vet for a teeth cleaning. Now it's in the budget to do it once a year. It's the simplest and most effective way!!

Answer 6

I also believe that giving them RAW chicken wings is good for their teeth. I just throw out the whole wing. They gnaw on them for a while and this can help their teeth. Don't give them cooked ones! Very bad for them.

Answer 7

Yes besides brushing they sell the greatest cat treats that treat all the dental problems, and fur balls ect.. Its alot easier, and a tasty treat for kitty.

Answer 8

there is food out there that is specially for cats teeth. I have a kitten and I give it Sunshine Cat Cafe.

Answer 9

Get his teeth cleaned annually and use the anti-bac toothpaste from the vet at least once per week. Good hard food helps.

Answer 10

Dry food and regular cleanings from the vet should be enough to prevent problems. Once the problems are there, you may have to give soft food so that they are able to eat.