My cat has tartar! How to properly care for cats' teeth

How does tartar develop in cats?

Tartar develops from soft deposits (plaque) consisting of food residues, bacteria and saliva. If this plaque is not removed regularly, it hardens over time. The solid tartar in turn provides ideal conditions for bacteria, which can cause inflammation of the gums and ultimately lead to tooth loss.

Some cats are genetically more prone to tartar build-up - the first deposits can appear after just one year.

How can I recognize tartar or toothache in my cat?

Some typical warning signs are

• Bad breath (often the first sign)
• Yellowish to brown deposits on the teeth
• Redness or bleeding of the gums
• Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
• Weight loss
  

As cats are masters at hiding pain, many owners often only notice it late. Regular check-ups at the vet are therefore essential - preferably once a year, e.g. as part of routine vaccinations.

Our tip: Are you unsure whether your cat has dental problems? We have the perfect solution for you.
We know that many cats don't like visits to the vet. That's why, as a Calingo customer, you have the opportunity to chat or call a vet online for free and from the comfort of your own home. The online vet consultation helps you to better assess your cat's dental health, gives you tips on what you can do and helps you to decide whether a visit to the vet is necessary.

Can I remove tartar myself?

A definite no. Please never attempt to remove tartar yourself using tools or sharp objects. This can be painful, injure teeth and gums and cause great stress for the cat.
Only a vet can perform a safe and thorough removal under general anesthesia.

How to prevent tartar

Tartar can rarely be completely prevented, but you can do a lot to slow down its formation:

Regular tooth brushing
The most effective method is gentle tooth brushing with a special animal toothbrush and animal toothpaste. Ideally, you should get your cat used to this as a kitten. Adult cats need to be accustomed to the procedure step by step.

Anti-plaque products
If your cat does not tolerate tooth brushing, special anti-plaque sprays or gels can help to reduce plaque. But be careful: only use if your cat accepts it well - safety first!

Tooth-friendly food & treats
High-quality dry food and special dental care treats encourage chewing and can thus mechanically rub off plaque. Wet food alone usually contributes less to dental care. You can find out what else you need to consider when feeding your cat in our article"How to feed your cat properly"
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Plenty of water
Drinking a lot helps to keep their mouth healthy. Drinking fountains or several bowls in different places encourage your cat to drink.

Fewer snacks between meals
Constant snacking can encourage plaque build-up. It's better to feed at fixed times.

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Professional teeth cleaning - when is it necessary?

Despite all care, professional dental scaling is often unavoidable - usually from a certain age. This treatment is always carried out under general anesthesia so that deposits under the gums can also be thoroughly removed.

Anesthesia is essential to make the treatment as stress- and pain-free as possible for the cat and at the same time ensure safety for the veterinarian and veterinary practice assistants.

As anesthesia always involves a certain amount of risk, the vet will carry out a thorough health check before the procedure. In this way, possible pre-existing conditions can be identified and the anaesthetic risk minimized as far as possible.

What costs will I incur?

The cost of tartar removal varies depending on the complexity and the veterinary practice. In Switzerland, they are usually between 150 and 500 CHF - depending on anesthesia, duration and additional material. Particularly in older cats, follow-up treatments may also be necessary, which then entail additional costs.

Why cat insurance is worthwhile

Dental disease is more common in cats than many people think - and treatment can quickly become expensive. Good cat insurance not only covers the costs of vaccinations and routine check-ups, but often also dental diseases, treatment under anesthesia and necessary operations. This not only protects your cat's health, but also your wallet from unexpected expenses.

Our tip

• Take your cat to the vet at least once a year.
• Ensure healthy teeth with consistent dental care.
• Take out suitable insurance for your cat so that you can give your feline friend the best treatment at all times.