How to Keep Your Cat Happy When You Are a Student
Your cat may be your only friend that makes you happy while attending college. It is tolerant to your communication issues, lack of time, or poor training techniques. Running between coursework, assignments, and being active in college can be overwhelming and take a huge chunk of your time with your tom.
While playing with your pet is one of the ways to make it happy, you can’t be around it all day. Here are a few cat care skills to help you keep your cat happy while keeping up with your student’s life.
Play with the cat
Yes, as a student, you deal with so much in college, from difficult coursework, assignments, exams, while trying to balance your social life at the same time. This can take time from your cat, which needs company too. You need time to bond with your cat. An informative essay writer can make use of an essay service like EssayService, an essay writing company, to help balance their college workload and create more time for leisure activities like playing with their cat. You can do this by engaging an essay writing platform. Ca.EduBirdie is a Canadian essay writing company for university students that will enhance their essay writing and create time to play with your cat. When I need to write my essay but lack ideas, essay writing Canada service always comes to my rescue. And with time on your side, you can play hide and sick with a mouse toy filled with catnip, blow babbles outside to let it play, or go for a walk.
Get a scratching post
An excellent scratching post is an important aspect of your cat’s happiness while in college. Gifting your cat with scratching is like getting one’s nails done. It is a love language and the cat gets busy with its clutches. A scratching post also saves you a great deal with your coach and expensive curtains from going to waste, as a cat has to play and scratch something. This is also a great way to keep your cat busy while attending your lectures and a form of physical exercise for the cat. While choosing a scratcher, go for horizontal, vertical, or inclined. Consider a good quality scratcher for long-term use.
Set up the right litter box
Cats can be massively fussy with their litter box, hence the need to be particular when choosing a cat litter box tailored to meet your cat’s needs. Creating a cat-friendly litter box is essential to get your cat comfortable ad eventually at a happy place. Always make sure the litter box is improved and meets your cat’s needs, is clean, and doesn’t endanger your cat.
Paying attention to the litter box also helps you know if it is old or your cat has outgrown it in size. Make sure it is always clean, and the better option will be a natural litter box. It’s easier to clean and doesn’t expose your cat to health risks.
Catnip herb
The National Wildlife Federation recommends the catnip plant. It is most popular with cat owners. It is scientifically an herb in the mint family, which has an aromatic scent that makes cats excited. Get dry catnip leave and place it around your cat’s baubles. When the cat gets in contact with the catnip, it will create a pleasurable and temporary high.
This does not work in all cats, especially kittens. If you want to know your cat is happy after a long day with students’ course work, you will notice your cat rubbing, tossing, or flicking around, and also meowing a little.
Show love to your cat
Loving your cat is not just how it makes you feel. You need to let them know they are important and hold a special part in your heart. You already know how much you love your cat through the bonds you have created. Unlike dogs, they don’t show affection expressly, hence the need to dig down the love a little bit.
Building the bond also requires you to take note of the small signs that are so subtle to notice most of the time. For example, it might sound crazy to mimic your cat’s voice but the cat will passive it as a love language.
Conclusion
All said and done, all work and no play makes top a dull cat, hence the need to find a better way to enhance your cat’s happiness. Creating a conducive environment should just be one of the ways to balance your cat’s emotional, physical, and mental needs. Just in case your cat care routine was off the trail for a minute, these tips will help improve your relationship with the cat and make them happy, although they don’t ask much for most parts.
Click on the links in the article to see where it takes you.
Until our next cat convo
-MARTIN
Boost Your Cat's Energy, Happiness and Overall Health With These 6 Tips
If you are a cat owner, you likely understand how rewarding it is to have this furry creature in your family. Their affection and love are often wonderful incredible benefits; however, as a pet owner, it is also important to you to understand your role in this relationship. These small creatures are reliant on you to make all of the decisions that affect their health and wellness. Here are 6 tips that can help improve their overall health, happiness and energy levels that can help you give them the life they deserve.
Well-Balanced Diet
For many pet owners, knowing what to feed your cat can sometimes be tricky. Not only can kitties be a bit picky, but you also need to find the right balance of nutrients. You need to find the right balance of ingredients in their meals. It is key to find options that are low in carbohydrates and fillers and higher in the ratio of protein and fats like Solid Gold. Make sure that their diet supports a healthy system and gives them the energy that they need to play, cuddle and go about their days.
Water Sources
It is not surprising the hydration is a key part of keeping your cat happy and healthy. Kitties will get quite a good bit of their hydration through wet food, and you need to monitor how much wet food and water they are consuming to the best of your abilities. Cats may consume water in a few different forms from bowls of stagnant water around, small kitty water fountains from the tap. You should always have one form of water available for their use at their leisure.
Their Own Space
Kitties are very territorial creatures, and they need to have their own bed or space away from other pets and humans. Having somewhere they can retreat to can help them navigate stressful situations and help them feel safe. Make sure that you find spaces for them to feel comfortable that they can consider their own.
Play Time
Cats spend a significant amount of their time resting and this can often be deceiving for pet parents. While your kitty may need naps, they also need playtime. Much like their human owners, staying active and getting exercise can help them maintain a healthy weight, reduce their risk of dangerous health conditions and keep them happier. While your cat will need playtime, you can also benefit from this, as playing with cats can be incredibly amusing and fun for you as well.
Engagement and Mental Stimulation
Cats were once wild creatures who roamed the earth, exploring and venturing off on their own. While cats have largely been domesticated, their instincts and behaviors are still rooted in their desire to explore. You need to let their natural instincts thrive and find a happy medium between their needs and yours. For indoor cats, there are plenty of ways to keep them engaged and stimulated and everything from cat trees, platforms, backyard engagement enclosures or mentally stimulating toys to help keep them energized, healthy and happy. Not only will this improve their life, but it also can reduce the likelihood of behavioral issues.
A Safe Home Environment
A cat’s natural desire to explore can be a wonderful thing, but it can also present challenges. Cat owners need to be vigilant to ensure that their home is safe and keep toxins away. While cleaning products and other household toxins may seem obvious, cat owners also need to be cognizant of certain types of plants and foods like chocolate, grapes and garlic that can cause tremendous harm if ingested. Make sure that you pet-proof your home as any exposure to harmful agents can cause significant harm to their health and safety.
As a pet parent, there are many things that you need to do to ensure that your furry family member can thrive. Everything from keeping them well-fed to ensuring that you have an engaging space to removing potential risks, there are many things that you need to account for. Do the research that is necessary to have a safe and healthy space for your kitty.
Click on the links in the article to see where it takes you.
Until our next cat convo
-MARTIN
Tips on how to store cat food properly
Being as mindful as you can about your cat’s diet is one of the most significant responsibilities a petparent can take. The love we feel for our furry friends backs up the belief that quality nutrition is not merely about fewer trips to the vet and lower vet bills but about making an immediate difference to your cat’s overall health and, subsequently, the longevity and quality of life. Still, even the highest-quality bag of kibble can lose its freshness or even go bad completely if not stored appropriately, at which point we end up with upset stomachs, loose stools, food poisonings, and the like. As for the question of what you can do about it, how you can store cat food properly, committing to a quick read of this article is the sign you’re headed in the right direction.
The importance of the ‘best by’ date
It is important that you take a step back and reflect on the importance of purchasing the freshest food bag (or can) on the shelf. We should make a habit of checking the expiry dates and buying the food which expires far in the future. Both wet and dry cat food always have an expiration date, and it is usually stamped on the bottom or the side of the package.
Inspect the packaging before you make a purchase
Also, never forget to examine the food packaging before purchasing it. If the cans are dented, leaking, or bulging, and the bags have any tears, rips, or discoloration on them, then a good storage solution and earning how to store cat food properly will not be of much help at all, as the contents are certain to go bad a lot faster. Therefore, you should inspect each bag or container before taking it home with you to your cat, as any damage on the surface could be a direct indicator that the contents have been exposed and, thus, contaminated. Another good rule of thumb is not purchasing large packages of food, unless you are a proud owner of multiple cats, because like that, you will ensure all of it is fresh when served.
Storing dry cat food
What to protect it from?
The natural antioxidants of your cat’s dry food are meant to preserve food from fat oxidation that destroys the content’s vitamins and causes rancidity. However, once the bag is open, its contents are immediately exposed to environmental elements that accelerate the spoilage through the oxidation of the fats. To make sure that the food keeps its nutritional value and remains fresh, you need to avoid the following:
Exposure to air. Although it is unreasonable to think you can remove all air from an opened package, you can at least protect its contents by keeping it tightly closed. Press on the bag to release as much air as possible before rolling the bag’s top edges and keeping it closed with either a clothespin, tape, or a clip.
Sunlight. Avoid leaving the bag directly under the sunlight because it elevates both the food & temperature, eventually causing it to spoil more quickly, and humidity levels, which is the main culprit for mold.
Hot temperatures. Keep the bags in a cool dark area, away from heat sources, such as the radiators, and preferably in a temperature not higher than 20°C.
Humidity. All dehydrated foods are quick to absorb moisture, so it is essential to keep them safe from all water sources, as moisture absorption might promote the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Pests. It is no secret that food attracts various pests, such as insects and rodents. For this reason, it is highly advisable that you keep them from accessing it.
Where to keep it?
To protect the cat food from the environmental elements and pest infestation, you need to know how to store it properly. You should never throw away its original packaging. It is made of a special material designed to protect the freshness and keep pests away. Therefore, it is the best option to store cat food properly (this especially goes for high-quality food bags) and always keep it tightly closed.
For extra protection, whether in storage or your home, you can put the original packaging inside of a container - most preferably, a glass or porcelain one - and then close it with a lid. Lastly, dry cat food should be consumed 6-8 weeks from the moment you open the bag.
In case your preferred way of shopping for cat’s food is ordering it in larger quantities, then you most probably keep it somewhere outside of your home. Wherever you store it, just remember that this space has to be dry, cool, and away from direct sunlight. And, since garages and balconies belong to a category of uncontrolled environments, climate-controlled storage is your best option.
Storing wet cat food
When closed, canned cat food can retain its freshness for years if you store it in a dry and cool location, like, for instance, your pantry area. On the other hand, it is best to be sure that your cat will eat it at one stroke upon opening because open canned food will spoil very quickly.
If your cat eats only half, you can keep it stored in your refrigerator, but no longer than a day or two. Also, remember to either seal the can in a plastic wrap or use a plastic pet food lid on the top of the can to minimize the effect of air exposure and prevent moisture loss. If you have already poured all of it into a bowl, as far as the nutrition dos and don’ts are concerned, leaving it to sit at a normal room temperature longer than an hour or two is a big no-no.
If wet pet food comes in a bag instead of a can, what your cat doesn’t consume can be left inside if you fold down the bag’s edges, tightly fix it with tape or a clip and then store it in the fridge. Still, it is best that your cat consumes it or that you discard it within the first 24 hours.
We all want to do the best for our pets to ensure they live a happy, healthy and long life. Dental hygiene, vaccinations, regular vet visits are all important. But the diet of our pets is what really makes a difference in their quality of life and what will prevent many health problems.
Click HERE to see what products we recommend or on the links in the article to see where it takes you.
Until our next cat convo
-MARTIN
Nutrition do's and don'ts for cats
Nothing can substitute a good diet and its health benefits and cats are no exception to this rule. The best way to make your cat friend thrive is to provide it with the best possible nutrition, love, and care. And don't forget: cats in the wild are obligate carnivores, unlike dogs who act more like omnivores.
Even though its lifestyle greatly differs from her ancestors', your cat likely still retains most of her instincts and nutritional requirements. It means that it requires food almost entirely based on protein and fat. With that in mind, nutrition for cats and its do's and don'ts are based on a few very simple rules.
Insight into cat nutrition
It is extremely important to maintain a strong relationship between your cat and its veterinarian, since only they can recommend the best diet for your feline pet. This is partly due to varying requirements cats have at different life stages. Pregnant and lactating cats will need certain supplements in their diet, newborns will drink only milk for a few weeks, and young, adult, and senior cats will all have different nutritional needs.
Throughout your cat's life, you will need to change and adjust its diet, as carefully as possible. Sometimes, you might need to reach out for supplements and vitamins, but only after consulting your cat's veterinarian. Finally, you should avoid common feeding mistakes in cats to keep your pet healthy. Grass that felines sometimes munch on helps with the process of digestion but doesn't have nutritional value. It is a mistake to assume that a diet rich in vegetables benefits cats, as they don't have the enzymes needed to digest veggies.
The most important cat nutrition do's and don'ts
When you're buying cat food, take a good look at the nutrition table on the packaging as well as the list of ingredients. If the list starts with carbohydrates or the list of grains and vegetables is longer than the list of meat, avoid the product. Carbs make cat food less expensive, but cheap cat food will actually cost you more in the long run, not to mention that it is likely not beneficial to your cat.
A way of providing proper nutrition for cats is in the balancing act between an affordable and nutritious diet. However, it is not only food that matters in a cat's life, even though cats make it seem like that. Note that only a happy living environment for your furry friend combined with proper nutrition will keep your cat healthy and extend its life.
Cat nutrition do's
Always look for a note from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the cat food packaging stating that the food is balanced and meets cats’ nutritional requirements.
Feed your cat at dawn and dusk, as those are the times they would normally hunt for food in nature. Most cats will eat only as much as they need, so you can leave the food out. However, if your pet is not a very good judge of that, always feed them at a specific time and then put all the food away until the next meal.
On average, a cat's ideal daily intake is about 200 calories, although the number of calories depends on the cat's age, size, and lifestyle. Your cat's vet will tell you exactly how much your pet should eat in a day.
If your pet's favorite food is not sold anymore, you need to know how to best change your cat's food to a new brand and maintain its required nutritional value. Once again, read the labels carefully and consult with the vet.
Give commercial cat food to your pet, as it is specifically formulated for cats. However, if you wish to feed your cat the food that you've prepared, talk to your vet first.
Make sure your cat has its own food bowl and wash it regularly to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.
Always make sure that your cat has access to fresh drinking water, especially during hot months. If their diet consists mostly of wet food (moisture content of about 75% to 78% water) cats will drink less water, but they still need it. In comparison, the water content in dry foods ranges from 6% to 10%.
Cat nutrition don'ts
Avoid giving your cat cow's milk and raw eggs. Cats are lactose intolerant. Aside from the risk of salmonella, frequent consumption of raw eggs can cause skin inflammation, hair loss, and poor hair growth to your cat.
Don't overdo it with raw meat. While raw meat is the closest to what they'd eat in the wild, it also may contain bacteria such as salmonella, listeria, E. coli, or parasites. Take very good care when you're feeding your cat raw meat.
Don't give your cat raw fish. Raw fish contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1), whose deficiency causes serious neurological problems in cats, even leading to convulsions and, in the worst-case scenario, coma.
Don't provide vitamins and supplements to your cat if they already have a balanced diet. A vitamin overdose for cats and humans alike is dangerous just like a vitamin deficiency. If your cat has some health issues, then vitamins, supplements, and cat nutrition go hand in hand, with the vet's approval, of course.
Don't give your cat your leftovers or too many treats between meals. Most human food is not nutritious to cats, and too many treats will surely lead to obesity. How many treats is optimal? Between 5% and 10% of their daily calory intake.
Don't let the wet food sit in your cat's bowl for too long. After an hour, there will be too much bacteria, causing your cat digestive problems.
If your cat ever becomes overweight, it is partly due to an unbalanced diet and partly due to lack of activity. Your vet will study your cat's case and recommend the best course of action.
Click HERE to see what products we recommend or on the pictures and the links in the article to see where it takes you.
Until our next cat convo
-MARTIN
Cat Vaccinations 101: Everything You Need to Know
We can all agree that vaccines are vital as they keep some of the worst diseases at bay. When it comes to cats vaccines, there are many widespread rumours on their side effects. This has left many cat owners asking whether to or not to vaccinate their furry friends. To put your mind at ease, here is everything you need to know about cat vaccinations.
Are Vaccines Necessary?
Vaccines protect your cat against fatal and contagious diseases. Vaccines also help your cat fight future infections as they trigger immune responses. Cat vaccinations have saved many felines from some of the worst diseases. They have also rendered some past common diseases rare. So yes, vaccines are an absolute necessity if you want to keep your pet in good health.
There are two types of cat’s vaccines:
Core vaccines
Non-core vaccines
When you choose a kitty from us you will have peace of mind that we include in all our cats age-appropriate vaccinations, plus:
First year’s Rabies vaccine
Spay/neuter
Testing for feline diseases
Microchip
De-flea/De-worm treatments
TICA paperwork
Related: How To Maintain Good Dental Hygiene For Your Pets
Core Vaccines for Cats
The core or mandatory cat vaccines are provided by the Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel after regular evaluations and research on feline health and recent developments. Currently, there are four core cat vaccinations, as explained below:
Rabies – Rabies is a highly contagious disease. There is also no cure for this disease which is why your cat needs to get vaccinated. Your cat will get rabies from a bite from an infected mammal. The illness incubation period is around two months, after which your cat will exhibit signs of disorientation and aggression. The rabies vaccine is mandatory in many regions, and it is vital as it keeps you and your pet safe.
FVRCP Vaccine - The Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia vaccine is also referred to as distemper. This vaccine is a three in one vaccine that protects your furry friend from feline distemper.
This vaccine combines the below three vaccines:
FPV vaccine - The FPV vaccine protects your cat from the Feline panleukopenia disease, which is highly infectious. The early signs of this disease are low appetite, lack of energy, diarrhoea and vomiting. The illness also lowers your cat white blood cells as the illness attacks your feline’s bone marrow and immune system.
FHV-1 Vaccine - This vaccine protects your cat from the Feline herpesvirus that causes a severe respiratory infection that affects your cat’s throat and nose. Some cats will not exhibit any symptoms, although they act as carriers and will spread the virus to others. The symptoms of this illness include nasal congestion, uncontrollable sneezing, blepharospasm, conjunctivitis and fever. Kittens and pregnant cats are at a higher risk of getting this illness. The disease is common in homes with multiple cats. There’s some good information on what paperwork you’ll need when you get a cat and want health insurance here.
FCV Vaccine - This vaccine protects your cats from the Feline calicivirus. The calicivirus affects your cat’s tract, mouth, intestines and musculoskeletal system. It's highly infectious and can occur in cats of all ages. However, kittens aged six weeks and above are at a higher risk of being infected. It commonly occurs among kittens that live in multi-cat homes and households that are poorly ventilated.
Non-Core Cat Vaccinations
Some cat vaccines aren’t mandatory, but your vet will recommend them if your pet is susceptible to a particular disease. Here are some of the optional cat vaccinations.
FeLV Vaccine - The FeLV vaccine protects your cat from Feline Leukemia. Cats with this illness often become anaemic and are likely to suffer from other infections due to reduced immunity. Feline leukaemia is passed from one cat to another through blood, saliva, urine and faeces. Kittens can also contract the disease through their mother's infected milk. Even a healthy cat may spread the virus as cats with the infection often go through a regressive stage.
Bordetella -The Bordetella virus causes upper respiratory abnormalities in your cat and dog. It is spread through the air or contact with an infected pet. This vaccination is often recommended for pets that visit a groomer or cats that board or visit daycares.
Feline immunodeficiency (FIV) - Feline immunodeficiency is a viral infection that makes your cat’s immune system weak, leading to secondary infections. The disease is passed from cat to cat through deep bites from an infected mother to her kitten. It is often recommended to cats who play outdoors as this is where aggressive territorial fights often occur.
Chlamydophila Felis - The Feline chlamydophila disease is a type of bacterial infection that causes conjunctivitis and ocular infections. Infection is usually through direct contact with an infected cat. Symptoms are seen a few days after infection in the form of watery eye discharge, discomfort and pain in the eye. Your sick cat may also have a fever and nasal discharge. If untreated, the infected cat sheds the bacteria in the form of ocular secretions infecting other healthy cats.
Cat Vaccines Adverse Effects
Every vaccine comes with some risk. However, the adverse effects of vaccination in cats are less than 1%. Such effects are also mild in the form of fever, lethargy and inflammation.
Sarcoma, which is the growth of a cancerous mass at the place of vaccination is one of the most debated cat vaccination effects. Sarcoma is rare as it occurs in 1-10 of every 10,000 vaccinated cats.
Nonetheless, it’s good to monitor your cat’s injection site for any swelling. If the swelling persists for more than a month after vaccination, surgery can be done to treat it.
Vaccinations are necessary for your pet. They keep them healthy and also trigger your feline’s immunity. Your vet will help with a suitable vaccination schedule for your pet based on their age, vaccination history and their exposure to various diseases.
Click on the pictures or the links in the article to see where it takes you.
Until our next cat convo
-MARTIN
Secondhand Smoke and Pets
Those who have pets understand that our animals’ happiness and wellbeing is of paramount importance. But often we do not realize that our own habits can affect the health of our favorite animals. By understanding the facts of second-hand smoke, we can find out how best to protect those we love, and what we can do to prevent unnecessary health issues in our pets, caused by the toxins in second-hand smoke.
What is Second-Hand Smoke?
Second-hand smoke is the smoke or fumes that occur as a consequence of smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products. Often referred to as ‘Passive Smoking’, this smoke is often invisible, so no matter how much you attempt to control the fumes you are producing as a bi-product when you smoke, the largest percentage will still be inhaled by those around you.
Second-Hand Smoke: The Facts
Health guidelines around smoking and the dangers of second-hand smoke are well published.
The truth is:
- That secondhand smoke causes approximately 7,330 deaths from lung cancer, and 33, 950 deaths from heart failure each year.
- All exposure to second-hand smoke carries a risk- there is no risk-free level of exposure, and;
- It only takes 20-30 minutes to cause excess blood clotting increasing the risk of a heart attack.
- It severely affects those with asthma, leading to more frequent and severe asthma attacks.
- More minor problems are ear infections and respiratory infections such as bronchitis.
- Second-hand smoke can lead to what is known as ‘third-hand smoke’, which is a cocktail of toxins that cling to carpets, upholstery and clothes and can be a hazard to infants and children.
- Second-hand smoke stays in a room for 5 hours, meaning one cigarette can cause 5 hours of harmful toxins in one room.
Effects of Second-Hand Smoke on Pets
As previously stated, there is no risk-free level of passive smoke exposure, and this also applies to pets. Extensive research has found that pets are even more susceptible to second-hand smoke-related problems than humans.
- Exposure in dogs has been linked to eye irritations, infections, greater occurrence of allergies, and respiratory problems (including lung tumors).
- Cats are likely to even more likely to develop problems than dogs, as they meticulously groom themselves using their tongues. This means that they can ingest the tar, smoke and carcinogens as they land on their fur and surfaces around the house causing throat and lung diseases and cancers.
- Other common household pets are birds, who can have their eyesight affected and gain respiratory problems from second-hand smoke. Nicotine residue on a smoker’s hand when touching the bird may also cause skin problems.
- Reptiles such as snakes and lizards are also commonly kept as pets. Their lungs are smaller and more delicate than that of mammals, and therefore can become more irritated by second-hand smoke and develop lung and respiratory problems and diseases.
You can find the full resource on smoking around pets here.
Solutions
Clearly the effects on our beloved pets can be detrimental, and so naturally, we would want to reduce these effects. Some ways you can help lower the risks for your animals are:
- Smoking outside with the door closed can help prevent the damaging particles from collecting on upholstery and pet fur.
- Never leave ashtrays or cigarette butts where pets can get hold of them
- Always wash your hands after smoking to reduce contact issues
- Regularly clean carpets and upholstery, steaming them where you can, to remove carcinogens and toxic particles.
How to Get Help Quitting
Whilst the aforementioned preventative measures can help, the best way to avoid health problems for your pet from second-hand smoking is to quit. This can feel like a daunting task but there are many services available to help. Smokefree.gov is a government scheme to help you quit effectively, to help your health and the health of your pet.
Click on the pictures to see where it takes you and the links in the article.
Until our next cat convo
-MARTIN
How To Maintain Good Dental Hygiene For Your Pets
Pets are great companions. While it may be fun having them around, things can get ugly when they have bad dental hygiene. If you’re a pet owner, you know how unpleasant it is to have a pet with bad breath. Many people assume that bad breath is normal for pets, but in truth, it can be a sign of gum or periodontal disease.
Just like your health, your pets' healthcare and wellness are also important. Studies show that more than 80% of pets over three years old have periodontal disease. That's quite a large percentage for an easily preventable disease.
Here are some tips you can use to keep your pet's dental hygiene in check:
Brush Their Teeth Regularly
It's not the most fun thing to do, but hey, it'll help prevent a lot of problems down the road. Brushing your pet's teeth is the first step in maintaining good dental hygiene. You don't have to brush them daily—two or three times a week will work just fine. Plaque starts accumulating after some hours of brushing, and that's why brushing is important to prevent the over-accumulation of plaque.
When brushing, use a soft-bristled pet toothbrush or a finger brush and a pet toothpaste. Concentrate on the outer surface of the teeth and be sure to reach the teeth in the back of the mouth. Be sure to use both toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for pets. Human toothpaste can be harmful to pets if swallowed.
At first, some pets might be resistant to brushing, but you can start slow as you train them to tolerate the process. It’s even better if you start when they’re younger. Over time, they’ll get used to brushing regularly.
Feed Them The Right Diet
The foods your pets eat play a key role in their dental hygiene. Homemade meals are good, but they’re not always the best choice for your pet's dental hygiene. Avoid feeding your pets toxic foods. A generally balanced meal is the best option for keeping their dental hygiene healthy. Kibble is a great option for most pets. Their ingredients help minimize plaque and tartar accumulation.
There's also a debate on choosing between canned (wet) food or dry food for pets. Both are okay, but dry food is generally the better option because they keep the teeth healthy by reducing plaque and tartar accumulation. Canned foods may cause plaque and tartar accumulation, which can later lead to more serious dental problems. On the brighter side, canned foods help keep your pets hydrated, which is something that dry food can't do.
Dental Treats
Dental treats such as rawhide chews, dental bones, and dental biscuits for dogs, and dental chews for cats can help reduce the plaque and tartar accumulation. Dental treats mechanically scrub off the plaque and tartar from the pet's teeth, and they can be great substitutes for brushing teeth.
However, you need to be careful when giving treats. Avoid very hard and cut bones to minimize the risk of dental fractures, and match a treat according to your pet's size. Remember, swallowing excessively large chunks of treats can cause choking. The general rule of thumb for treats is that, the smaller the pet, the smaller the treat.
Dental Toys
Dental toys are not edible, but they’re used to keep your pets busy and engaged. Chewing dental toys can help remove bacteria from the pet's mouth. Dental toys can also be used to distract them from chewing items they’re not supposed to. Some good dental toys include durables, plaque attackers, and dental balls.
Regular Dental Checkup
Your pet won't inform you when they have dental issues, and it's up to you to figure out when there's a problem. Look out for these signs of dental disease.
Bad breath
Bleeding gums
Visible yellow or brown tartar
Losing teeth
Bloody saliva
Difficulty chewing
Blood left on chew toys
If you pay close attention, you’ll also notice a behavior change in your pet, which can be a sign that they’re not healthy. Be sure also to seek professional pet teeth cleaning services annually for a more comprehensive checkup.
Wrapping Up
There comes a time when you need professional help for your pet. This is when the situation has gotten out of hand, and not even home remedies can help. Professional vets are more experienced and they’ll help ensure the health and wellness of your pets. They’ll also conduct a thorough dental examination to figure out the problem, and prescribe the necessary medication.
Click on the pictures to see where it takes you and the links in the article.
Until our next cat convo