Hello, can I ask a food question (oral care)?

[redheadbaker]

I know for dogs, it's recommended to let them chew on raw bones, but I'm not 100% sure the same is true for cats, so hopefully, a kitty-knowledgeable poster will chime in.

Just didn't want to read and not comment.

[troopersmom]

Cats can be fed some raw bones so that may help as well. Would the cat let you brush his/her teeth?

[starburst]

My cat also has some tartar build-up and I was told that raw chicken necks were good for cleaning teeth. I haven't tried it yet though.

There are additives that you can put in your cat's water bowl that are supposed to help with tartar control.

I need to be more consistent with brushing my cat's teeth. He loves the chicken toothpaste, but isn't a fan of the actual brushing part.

[katietornado]

Definitely not Hill's!

Has your cat ever had a dental? Our one cat has awful teeth, and the last time he had a dental, we had the vet apply a sealant afterward called Oravet. The time between dentals is now doubled...that stuff is like a miracle.

People on the old Pets board used to say that eating dry kibble to clean off tartar is like eating a pretzel to clean off tartar. It just doesn't work.

[kellbell191]

I would keep feeding the felidae and brush. Our stasis even rubbing your finger over their teeth will rub off some tartar. The water additive was also suggested to us.

[kellbell191]

We found one vet who knew her shit and recommended good food and a minimal vaccine schedule. And then we moved. I still call to ask her for advice and I still miss her. She's the reason Darwin loves the vet, she was always do sweet to him.

I am so glad you refused the felv vaccine! Totally unnecessary in your situation. Mine will probably never let me brush, thanks for reminding me to order the water additive! We do rub their teeth with our fingers which our vet says helps.

[mrs.jacinthe]

We used to use the water additive, but Cat stopped drinking the additive water (it was the stuff in the cat room, versus the plain dog-water-bowl in the kitchen.) So there is clearly a taste to the additive, even though I was assured by several people that there's no flavor difference. Cat noticed and had a definite preference. So be sure to monitor water intake when you use the additive, to make sure they aren't refusing to drink it.

Our cats go in for a dental (yes, the sedative kind) every 2 years or so. Between dentals I just brush their teeth 1x per week. Hobbes loves it. Cat tolerates it. Make sure you get the good-flavored toothpaste. I use this: www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3261+1956+24578&pcatid=24578 in Tartar Control Seafood flavor

[katietornado]

It's definitely possible to prolong the time between dentals. And yes, by dental, I meant a cleaning with sedation. We have three cats. One has great teeth and has had them cleaned twice in his 7 year life. Another had 7 teeth pulled 2 years ago. The vet said she probably suffered from poor nutrition as a kitten or even in utero and this can interrupt development (not sure if I believe him, because he's an asshole, but whatever). And our third cat needs his teeth cleaned every year; he gets terrible gingivitis and his teeth turn all green.

I think that some cats just get good teeth and others don't. Food can help, and brushing will definitely help. Good luck!