It’s Dental Health Month: Time to Throw Away Your Cat’s Toothbrush

Some of our cat owners have cats that will graciously tolerate a daily toothbrushing. If this is your cat, congratulations are in order, and please, continue with your daily brushing. But cat lovers also recognize that there are some cats, no matter how much coaxing, who will not allow tooth brushing. So, if your cat falls into this category, today is the day to throw away your cat’s toothbrush and consider what you can do daily to protect your cat’s dental health that doesn’t involve the dreaded brush. After all, the best dental routine is one that works for both you and your cat every day.

To discuss cat dental health that goes beyond the toothbrush, we talked to Broadway at Pike Shift Lead Alyssa Homan. Alyssa has worked at Mud Bay for 18 months, and she’s spent years in the pet industry and has learned a lot about dental care. She also has a cat of her own, Penny, who doesn’t love brushing, so Alyssa has explored many of the feline dental options available.

MB: Some cat owners don’t do much to support their cat’s dental health. Can you tell us why you think it’s important?

AH: It sounds silly, but good dental care is part of the foundation of overall good health. Bad dental health can lead to periodontal disease, which can cause heart issues and weaken the underlying jaw bone and gums. Over time, it can become painful to eat, and your cat may stop eating entirely. Dental problems also can cause inflammation that causes other problems throughout the body.

MB: So, if you know that brushing won’t be part of your routine, what do you recommend to support dental health?

AH: Certain cat foods will help support dental health, but it won’t eliminate the need for extra dental care. But I still recommend starting with your cat’s diet. The food that’s going to have the biggest positive impact is going to be raw food. Frozen raw especially has some bone inside, as well as good enzymes to help prevent plaque, but any raw food will support better dental health.

I know some people think that hard kibble is better for cat teeth. But unless you’re feeding your cat a prescription dental diet, there’s no evidence that kibble helps a cat’s teeth. What it does do is deprive your cat of moisture that helps their kidneys and other organs. Human’s don’t eat crunchy foods and then ignore their teeth. We still brush every day, so your cat will need the same dental health help no matter what food they eat.

MB: After your cat’s diet, what’s the easiest way to support dental health for your cat?

AH: Dental supplements help break down or prevent plaque from sticking to teeth. There are a lot of different supplements you can place in food or water, but you must remember to use it every day.

I use a water-based supplement with my cat, but she isn’t picky about water. Other cats might avoid water-based dental supplements and won’t drink enough water. If the supplement is minty, I’ve found that many cats avoid it. But if it’s tasteless, some cats will drink it. You should always have a fresh water source available without the supplement if you choose that route.

Otherwise, there are dental supplements that you can mix directly into their food. Cats are more likely to like these supplements because the food will mask any supplement taste. Icelandic sea kelp is a natural supplement that helps prevent plaque. But there are plenty of other dental supplements that any Muddy can show you.