Cats are frequently affected by dental disease. The building up of food and bacteria on the teeth and gums brings about dental disease, a potentially life-threatening condition. Keeping your cat’s teeth clean is therefore essential.
Your cat’s teeth may benefit from dental treats if they accumulate plaque and tartar. Are they effective? How can you tell?
Using cat dental treats can provide some benefits to your cat, so this article covers how to use them, what to look for when choosing the best products, as well as the recommended dental treats for cats.
Let’s begin!
Are Dental Treats Really Effective?
The chewing action of food items with a firm texture partially removes plaque accumulation throughout the day. Adult cats begin with 30 teeth. We have flat surfaces on our teeth, but their teeth have pointed surfaces.
It is important to note that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they survive primarily on meat. Chewing may not be a big part of their natural diet when they are in the wild. Combined with a tongue that assists in propelling prey to the back of the mouth, their sharp, pointed teeth kill and propel prey. Feathers and fur from ingested prey serve as the natural toothbrush for cats in the wild.
Pet cats eat mainly small kibbles, which can be swallowed whole, as their diet. There is more surface area available for abrasive cleaning action on the tooth surface with dental treats as opposed to kibble. Dental diets and treats will not benefit your canines. A canine tooth is used for capturing prey, while an incisor tooth is used for grasping. Chewing and grinding take place with the cheek teeth or premolars and molars.
Benefits of Dental Treats to Cats
The best way to maintain your cat’s oral health is to brush regularly and take her to the veterinarian regularly. However, dental treats are an easy and convenient way to supplement her routine. It is possible to prevent common dental problems with the help of these small biscuits. Treats for the teeth can:
Get rid of rotten breath
It is not uncommon for cat owners to complain about the bad breath of their furry friends. There may be a need for thorough dental care for your cat if this is the case. There is also a possibility that gastrointestinal issues could be the culprit. Your cat’s breath will be freshened by treats containing chlorophyll.
Bad breath is more than just an unpleasant smell; it can cause heart disease if left untreated. You should consult your veterinarian if you notice your cat has chronic bad breath.
They can control plaque and tartar buildup.
Your cat’s teeth can develop plaque and tartar, which can cause bleeding gums and other oral health problems. The recession of gums and loss of teeth may eventually result from periodontal disease.
They can prevent plaque buildup and dental diseases with tartar control treats that contain bacteria-fighting enzymes.
Ensure clean teeth and a healthy lifestyle
Chewing produces saliva naturally. Plaque and other dental bacteria are thereby prevented from building up on their teeth, keeping them clean and preventing problems associated with dental disease.
How Many Dental Treats Should I Hand My Cat?
There are no set amount of dental treats that are appropriate for all cats. It depends on the treatment type and the size of the cat. Following the instructions on the package is vital since each product has a different recommendation. There is no recommended number of treats per day, but you can give 3 to 17.
A simple way to help your cat lose weight is not to give him too many treats. It is recommended to adjust the daily calorie count according to the number of treats given. Cats should generally consume less than 10 per cent of their daily calories from treats.
A cat that won’t eat dental treats is not going to benefit from them, of course. To make sure your cat can’t resist it, make sure that the flavour, shape, and consistency are irresistible to him. It shouldn’t be too difficult for you to find a cat dental treat they’ll love since they come in a variety of flavours, from catnip to salmon.
Selecting a Cat Dental Treat
It’s a simple concept: As your cat chews their cat dental treats, plaque and tartar are removed from their teeth. It is important to note that these dental treats are more challenging than most kibble that is intended to be fed regularly. Your cat gets a bit of exercise from them! It’s not uncommon for cats to devour them if they’re tasty.
Some cats can benefit from specially formulated treats that promote good dental health, while mint-flavoured kibble won’t. Cat dental treats that contain enzymes that break down bacteria in your cat’s mouth can reduce the likelihood of plaque and tartar buildup. The best cat dental treats are low in ingredients building residue.
The Best Dental Treats for Cats
Purina DentaLife Tasty Chicken Flavor Dental Cat Treats
The natural chicken flavour will satiate your cat’s craving for chicken while simultaneously cleaning his teeth. Crinkly cat treats with a porous texture allow the tooth to penetrate more efficiently, allowing it to be cleaned effectively and safely.
With supplemental calcium and taurine, Purina DentaLife dental cat treats reduce tartar buildup and help reduce dental disease. There are two varieties of these cat treats; chicken and salmon. To ensure your cat never runs out of his favourite treats, you can choose from 1.8-ounce bags or 19-ounce canisters. Furthermore, the treats contain less than 1.5 calories each, so you won’t have to feel guilty about giving in to your cat’s cravings.
Virbac C.E.T. Intellident Cat Bites
From Virbac, an established pet food company, these treats provide three benefits for your pet’s dental health. It cleans teeth and maintains healthy gums at the same time.
Almost all cats enjoy eating these tasty, crunchy cat bites. Your cat’s diet will consist of less than eight calories per day from these products, which are low in fat and without artificial preservatives. The recommended number of treats per day is three. Plaque and tartar buildup can be reduced by using them in conjunction with your cat’s natural chewing action.
There is no need to take more than three chews per day, it supports gum health, and it is low in calories. However, some cats are not fond of the taste of the new formula, and some cats find it less tasty.
VetriScience Perio Plus Feline Bites Dental Cat Treats Review
Your cat’s dental health can be improved with the help of these cat chews, which contain probiotics, herbs, and other ingredients. Coenzyme Q-10, chlorophyll, zinc, and zinc are some of the ingredients that are antibacterial or anti-inflammatory. Deodorisers and pumice are added using natural zeolite.
The combination of active ingredients in these treats may make them more appealing for cats than other dental treats, but there is a problem. Most cats do not like them.
As a result of the treats’ hardness and size, cats are theoretically encouraged to bite into them and benefit from them. However, many customers complain that the complex, large treats are too tricky for their cats to consume, so they stop feeding them.
Feline Greenies Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor Adult Cat Dental Treats
When you hear the term “dental treats for cats”, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Greenies. These treats are marketed as the #1 vet-recommended dental cat treat, have been proven to control tartar by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, and are highly effective.
They rely almost exclusively on the idea that crunch equals clean teeth. As small kibble treats, your cat might crunch them and swallow them whole-you can’t be sure whether there will be any abrasive action in its mouth.
Five of the first six ingredients in the chicken formula are chicken meal, wheat, brown rice, and corn gluten meal. They’re carbohydrate-heavy, potentially worsening the bacteria count in your cat’s mouth.
WoLover Silvervine Sticks for Cats
You can treat your cat to these 100% natural silvervine sticks if you want a treat that will last more than a bite or two. They are made from a single ingredient and help remove dental plaque and tartar for a fresher breath for your cat.
Cats are naturally attracted to these cat chews since they are made with silvervine. Some cats are attracted to silvervine, but it is much more potent than catnip and appeals to a much greater number of cats than catnip does.
Additionally, the chew sticks are also free from harmful ingredients and artificial additives, making them highly attractive to cats. You can provide hours of entertainment for your cat by letting him chew on the sticks for hours on end. Chewing on the sticks can help stimulate your cat’s brain and relieve stress.
Conclusion
It may seem like getting a no-brainer, but owning a cat entails many risks and responsibilities. You should give dental treats regularly to prevent painful dental issues. A healthy diet and fresh breath are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dental treats work for cats?
Providing your pet with dental treats shouldn’t hurt, as long as they don’t contain too much fat, salt, or sweetness. Nonetheless, dental treats are not a substitute for regular brushing and a dental checkup with our veterinarian.
Is it a good idea to brush my cat’s teeth?
Your cat will benefit from brushing her teeth if you let her, as it improves dental hygiene, prevents bad breath, and keeps her teeth and gums healthy. For best results, use specially designed cat toothpaste and toothbrushes. When your cat is young, it is best to begin brushing her with a toothbrush.
What can I do to effectively help my cat’s teeth?
It is easy to find fluoride-free toothpaste for cats that is flavoured with beef or chicken. If you want to brush your cat’s teeth with something specifically designed for cats, either use rubber toothbrushes or finger brushes made out of sterile gauze.
What does it mean when your cat’s breath stinks?
There is a possibility of bacteria buildup. Your cat’s bad breath is most likely caused by bacteria that produce odours on its teeth and gums. When your pet’s teeth are not cleaned properly, tartar and plaque build-up, and there occurs an overgrowth of bacteria.
How bad are too many treats for cats?
Cats can become obese if they consume too many cats treats because of the high-calorie content and digestive problems such as vomiting or diarrhoea. Treating your cat too much also means he is not getting the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from his nutritionally balanced diet.