Meowllo evewypawdy, how ya’ duin’ today? As me told ya’ on or ‘bout da furst of this mumff me wuz gunna be duin’ sum educational postys this mumff seein’ as how it be National Pet Healff mumff and National Pet Dental Healff mumff and National Purrvent a Litter mumff and all. So me fawt today wuld be a good day to post one of those since mommy and me will be goin’ fur hers mumffly visit to hers doctow. Me wanted to talk a bit ‘bout dental diseases in kitties, so da learnin’ pawt of this posty’s gunna be in hooman speak so yous can all unnewstand evewyfin’. 

 

Your cat’s dental health is very important. What goes on in the mouth can affect the rest of the body as well. It seems most cat breeds are purported to have some degree of gingivitis. This is something we know all too well as sis Lexi has had chronic gingivitis her whole life. At least for as long as she’s had teeth. When looking up information about the different cat breeds even the hearty mixed “tabby” is prone to periodontal diseases of some kind. Just what kinds of diseases are we cats prone to you ask. Well, gingivitis is at the top of the list. It comes with inflamed red gums and bad breath. But it doesn’t stop there.

Gingivitis migrates to the bones ad ligaments that support the teeth and if left untreated will cause the teeth too become loose and fall out. (or they can be removed by a vet.) But the bacteria that causes all this inflammation can also be carried by the blood stream to the rest of the body such as the organs (liver, kidneys, etc.) and cause damage and even organ failure. This gingivitis is caused by a buildup of plaque (food and debris) on the teeth that doesn’t get removed and then turns to tartar (the yellowing near the gums). FIV and FeLV are known to cause gingivitis, (altho’ not backed up by studies) but even an otherwise healthy kitty can be afflicted as in Lexi’s case.

Tooth Resorption is another dental affliction that may affect your feline friend. It is estimated that 28%-67% of cats have some amount of Tooth Resorption. It’s the most common cause of tooth loss in cats. It is very painful and can cause many other problems as well. You can read more about it here. Stomatitis is another dental problem cats may be afflicted with. Little is known about the cause of Stomatitis, but it is painful and doesn’t respond very well to treatments. The best course of action although drastic is typically removal of the teeth.

Stomatitis is best described as an atypical immune response to the chronic presence of organisms. The classical Stomatitis lesions are located at the back of the mouth. Again FIV and FeLV can be precursors to this disease as well. But it’s important to remember that even an otherwise healthy cat may be afflicted. The treatment for all of these diseases is similar and may include antibiotics, dental cleanings and extractions among others. Please consult with your Vet for the appropriate treatment for your feline family member. Lexi would like all of you to know that a cat can live a happy and productive life without their teeth. And can continue to eat most everything. It’s always a good idea to train your cat early to enjoy getting their teeth brushed. And if possible daily brushings are best. Remember to use a toothbrush made for your cat or dog as well as toothpaste. DO NOT use human toothpaste it is harmful to both cats and dogs.

 

We have barely scratched the surface of dental diseases and their effects on your feline friend, but we hope we’ve shared enough to make you think about the dental health of your pets. And take some steps to help prevent tooth loss as long as possible. And maybe talk with your Vet about your cats teeth and gums and implement your own dental program at home. Dental health is important to your cat’s health and can effect other areas of their body, so it is something to take seriously. And while weez on da subject meez gotta go and get meez teefys bwushed wight now.

 

Meez weady mommy, giv me da toofbwush

 

 

So maybe this isn’t da bestest way to do

this but you get da idea. It’s weally

purrtant to take care of yous pets teef.

 

So, Till da nex time………………….Be Blest!!!

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses  

Dezi and Lexi