One of the most prevalent dental problems in cats is periodontal disease. About 70% of cats over two years of age, and about 85% of cats over five are affected by periodontal disease.
The good thing is that it is possible to prevent this dental problem and the key factor is the cat food and diet.
Dental Cat Food 2023 – Our Toplist
Cat food for dental health problems needs to satisfy special criteria to be effective and nutritious. Conditions such as gingivitis or gum desease can be prevented with proper care. This is why cat food brands create special formulas that will help with oral care. Below we list our recommendations:
| Cat Food For Dental Health | Deals |
|---|---|
| Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Health | Check |
| Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Health | Check |
| Hill’s t/d Prescription Diet Dental Health | Check |
Each of these foods has a VOHC Registered Seal. VOHC stands for Veterinary Oral Health Council.
What makes these foods special is the kibble that is larger than the usual kibble in cat food. Inside of the kibble there is also a special matrix that helps with teeth cleaning while cats eat.
Periodontal Disease in Cats – Gum Disease
Periodontal disease in cats starts when bacteria and remains of food accumulate. This is forming a plaque on the cat’s gum. Plaque will eventually harden into a tartar.
There are not many early signs of periodontal disease. The one that is easy to notice is the bad breath.
Since there are not so many signs of the disease, this dental problem often remains untreated.
This is a result of health problems that are more serious. Painful inflammation, heart and liver damage, tooth loss… these are some of them.
How Can I Tell If My Cat Is Having Dental Problems?
Cats are some kind of expert when it comes to hiding pain. This originates from their wild ancestors. Any sign of weakness would mean the difference between life and death.
It would be great if cats could tell us when they are in pain. When their gums, teeth or mouth hurt.
Dental health problems in cats are usually well advanced at a time when we can clearly notice teeth chattering or drooling. These are typical signs of mouth pain.
Identifying dental problems in cats on time is very important in maintaining quality of life for your cat.
10 Signs of Dental Problems in Cats
1. Loss of Appetite or Difficulty Swallowing – Dysphagia
If your cat is using only one side of the mouth to chew, or if you notice that your cat is avoiding his dry food, these may be signs of pain. Another sign may be dropping food from her mouth or vomiting food that is unchewed. Difficulty swallowing is one of range of conditions that affect cats’ mouths.
2. Drooling while eating – Ptyalism
Drooling while eating can be caused by cervical line lesions, gingivitis, or any other dental health problem.
You should especially pay attention if your cat’s water bowl is slightly coloured with blood, or if you notice blood in cat’s drool.
3. Chattering teeth
Chattering teeth is a sign of dental problems seen in cats with resorptive lesions on their teeth.
Teeth chattering is a painful condition that turns tooth roots to the bone. It causes holes in the teeth that are cavity-like.
It usually happens when a cat eats. You can also notice it during grooming or face washing. Chattering teeth at cats can be loud enough for you to hear it.
Cat teeth chattering is always a strong sign of a dental problem. This is not normal behaviour and you should visit the vet as soon as possible.
4. Bad Breath – Halitosis
Your cat’s bad breath may be caused by disease. This could cause infection, cancer, tooth resorption, periodontal disease or any kind of gum or tooth disorder that may be a possible cause of pain. Find best cat treats for bad breath.
5. Teeth Grinding and Excessive Yawning
Your cat might have difficulty closing her mouth if the oral pain is very strong.
6. Pawing at her mouths
If your cat is pawing at her mouth this might be a way for her to express signs of pain in the mouth.
7. Less Self Grooming
If you notice that your cat is not grooming as often as she used to, this could be a sign of a problem. Dental problems such as gingivitis sometimes make grooming painful for cats.
8. Head Tilting or Shaking
Head tilting or shaking are usually associated with problems related to ears. However, a cat that has dental problems can also shake her head to the side of the mouth that hurts.
If you notice that your cat is shaking its head, and especially if you notice drooling or any other sign from this list, visiting the vet is a must do since this is most likely related to dental health problems.
9. Meowing or Pulling Away When Touched
If your cat usually enjoys being pet on the head or on the chin she will start pulling away or meowing in case of dental problems.
10. Changes in Cat Behavior
Sudden aggression or growling could be a sign of health problems. For example, if your cat bites you when you try to pet her, that might be a reaction to the pain in her mouth.
Dental Cat Food for Preventive Care
As we mentioned before, it is very important to feed your cat with high quality food. And in the case of dental health problems, the best option is to choose one of the following cat foods with AHOC Seal:
The special matrix inside of the kibble helps in cat teeth cleaning.
What makes these foods special is the kibble that is larger than the usual kibble in cat food. Inside of the kibble there is also a special matrix that helps with teeth cleaning while cats eat.
Taking a bite into it, a cat tooth goes straight into the kibble and a special matrix rubs off the plaque from the tooth. This way the tooth is cleaned while they eat.
The food is formulated by veterinarians with the goal of preventing tartar and plaque formation.
Prevention Is The Best Medicine
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is very common among cats. The fact that many people have problems with gum disease does not mean that your cat has to experience dental health problems as well.
Prevention is the most important key in keeping your cat’s mouth healthy.
Pay attention to your cat’s behaviour, feed her with high quality food and don’t hesitate to visit veterinary if you notice anything weird.
Best Cat Food For Dental Problems FAQ
Some of symptoms may be loss of apetite, drooling, teeth chattering, head tilting or shaking. Always consult veterinarian for a correct diagnosis.
It’s possible your cat suffers from periodontal disease. It is a gum disease. Make sure to visit your veterinarian.
Pay attention to your cat’s behavior and feed it quality food. New types of food contain ingredients that clean the teeth. If something is suspicious, visit a veterinarian.