Pets

Oral Hygiene Is A Key Part Of A Cat’s Health

Posted: 11/12/2010

Oral health problems in cats are the second-most common health issue, after obesity.

(NAPSI) - There is good news for cat owners concerned about their pet’s well-being. There are practical steps they can take to promote better feline health.

The key is to schedule regular visits to the vet. Not having such visits to the vet can leave many feline health issues unchecked.

For example, one issue that can easily go unnoticed often starts in the mouth. According to feline veterinary specialist Dr. Margie Scherk, oral health problems such as plaque and gingivitis rank second only to obesity among health issues in felines.

“Any disease that affects the mouth can result in pain and thereby impact the well-being of the cat,” said Dr. Scherk. “In addition, bacteria and other pathogens from periodontal disease can easily get into the cat’s bloodstream. Veterinarians believe that these bacteria and pathogens put the cat at greater risk for developing heart, kidney, liver and respiratory diseases.”

How do you know if your cat has periodontal disease? Dr. Scherk suggests watching for changes in eating habits first. If their mouth hurts, there’s a good chance they’ll skip supper. Other things to watch for include sneezing, nasal discharge, facial swelling, tearing eyes and less effective grooming habits.

According to Dr. Scherk, pet owners can promote better health with daily oral care at home. While daily toothbrushing is the gold standard in oral care for pets as it is for humans, fewer than 1 percent of cat owners report that they are able to accomplish that, according to the American Pet Products Association’s annual pet owner survey.

Fortunately, there are easier alternatives that are considered effective, including treats such as Feline Greenies Dental Treats.

The treats are 100 percent nutritionally complete and balanced for adult cats, have less than two calories per piece, and are available in a variety of flavors at pet product retailers and many veterinary clinics. A new, larger, 6-ounce package makes daily control of plaque and tartar that contribute to periodontal disease even more convenient.

Said Dr. Scherk, “Giving treats to our cats is an important part of the relationship, but they should be healthy treats that are good nutrition and have a health benefit to the pet.”

To learn more, visit the website at www.greenies.com.