dental products

This is a carryover from my post about Archie's periodontal disease. One TCS member mentioned Wysong Dentatreat as something her vet said was ok to sprinkle on food for tartar and plaque issues.

Anyone have any other vet-related suggestions? Some of the stuff I am finding online has alcohol in it - like mouth wash - and that makes me uncomfortable to give to the cats.

Ideally, I would like to brush their teeth - but right now all they are tolerating is a grab-n-swipe with a small dab of enzymatic toothpaste. I would like to get to brushing eventually..but I do value my hands and fingers in an intact state.... thankyouverymuch.

Check out the CET products. Run the ingredients by your vet first for the rinse and water additive, though.
I used to use the CET cat treats regularly, my cats loved them (and they're not made like normal treats). But my vet stopped selling the cat treats.

c.e.t. products (made by virbac) are the only products that actually do anything beneficial. The c.e.t. toothpaste is an enzyme toothpaste, meaning it breaks down bacteria, preventing plaque and tartar build up.

Just getting it into the cat's mouth is beneficial. Swiping it on a paw for a cat to lick off even. Direct contact is preferable of course.

I have a little set of instructions I've written up on how to get a cat to accept dental care, if you'd care to read it, I will post it. .

Denta treat
Plaque off
breath less plaque zapper

two of the three have clinical studies outside the US showing they work

The above three all are enzymes like cet but unlike cet they do not have to chewed to work... I love cet chews for dogs but at least here no cat want s them .. the paste is great for kitties also and most will get used to it

I don't know anything about dental treats, as I do not give my cats treats.

So I will rephrase my statement to say c.e.t. is the only veterinary toothpaste that will do any good for your cat.

Otto

Your instructions likely would be helpful to most so if you would

Originally Posted by sharky

Otto

Your instructions likely would be helpful to most so if you would

Click to expand...

I started by just getting them used to me rubbing my finger lightly along their lip line, either side. Most cats like this any way. (if you are planning to use a brush, you might start this with the brush. I have always just used my finger)

While doing this, I was putting the c.e.t. toothpaste on a paw for them to lick off, and get used to the taste. (they actually like it!)

This helps them associate the finger (or brush) rubbing along the mouth with the taste of the c.e.t.

Then, I started making the action more purposeful, putting them in the "holding position", which is: me on my knees, feet crossed behind me, cat between my knees facing out.

Using a little more pressure which parts the lips, I'd be rubbing their teeth and gums instead of the lips, while they get used to me restraining them while doing it. After the action, again, putting a little paste on the paw.

So now they are associating the action with the taste of the c.e.t.

From there, I put the c.e.t. toothpaste on my finger, hold them in position, and rub it into their teeth and gums.

This was a bit messy, so lately I've learned to use my other hand to kind of pry open the lips so I can make direct contact with the molars and gumline.

All this took time of course, but cats can get used to any sort of handling if it's done gradually and gently enough.

Oh, I forgot to mention..I always wash my hands before starting and between each cat.