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Jennie: making a statement?

post #1 of 12
1/18/11 at 7:39am
Thread Starter 
Jennie really hates having her teeth brushed, though I KNOW she likes the taste of the paste, no matter how much she swears about it.

More than a week ago I accidentally got some c.e.t. paste on her ear, the furry outside of her ear. I kept expecting her to wash it off, she usually is so meticulous about things like that. But that paste stayed on that ear, day after day.

Then, yesterday when I was having Raptures with her I happened to give her ears a scratch and she protested a little, like it hurt. I realized the dried paste on those short fine hairs of her ear must be acting like a mat would, pulling on the skin.

So I got a paper towel dampened with warm water and washed the ear off, she let me and purred very loud while I was doing it.

I asked her, did she leave that paste there to make a point? To show me that she hated it so much, she would rather have a dirty ear, than lick the paste voluntarily?

She wouldn't say.
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post #2 of 12
1/18/11 at 4:00pm
Maybe she didn't realize there was toothpaste on her ear till it was too late.
Jennie's purr is a nice way to say thank you.
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post #3 of 12
1/18/11 at 9:58pm
LOL!

I have one that is bad with teeth brushing, I feel ya!
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post #4 of 12
1/20/11 at 5:28am
I don't think she planned to leave it there for you. I will say that my cats (and dogs) get very appreciative for a fix up. It's like they know I know something is amiss and needs tending to. As for brushing their teeth...a death sentence for me. Flossing is also out. When the howling stops, I'll take 'em to the vet. Gotta say, with dry food, their teeth stay pretty clean.
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post #5 of 12
1/20/11 at 5:35am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Katkuddler View Post
I don't think she planned to leave it there for you. I will say that my cats (and dogs) get very appreciative for a fix up. It's like they know I know something is amiss and needs tending to.
I agree with you, they know when they need help and are glad of it.


Quote:
As for brushing their teeth...a death sentence for me. Flossing is also out. When the howling stops, I'll take 'em to the vet. Gotta say, with dry food, their teeth stay pretty clean.
Dry food doesn't clean teeth, that's a fallacy In fact, kibble crumbs are more likely to stick to teeth and gums, causing bacteria/tartar build up.

My cats had to be trained to accept teeth brushing, but they are all used to it now. They get it done after their night time kibble snack, which is when I figure it's needed most.
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post #6 of 12
1/20/11 at 5:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
Dry food doesn't clean teeth, that's a fallacy In fact, kibble crumbs are more likely to stick to teeth and gums, causing bacteria/tartar build up.
News to me. Our vet hasn't commented on problems like that. He knows we use primarily dry food. All three get high marks for their health when we bring them in. He cleans their teeth (actually, a tech probably does it) because he has a huge mortgage, and Mercedes don't come cheap.

Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
My cats had to be trained to accept teeth brushing, but they are all used to it now. They get it done after their night time kibble snack, which is when I figure it's needed most.
You brush your cats teeth every night??? That is admirable. I love all my animals, but that won't happen in my lifetime. Although, I could be talked into a couple of times a week.
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post #7 of 12
1/26/11 at 2:40pm
I am new to the forum and I am learning alot. In your valued opinions, is it important to brush my cats teeth? I give her the teeth cleaning treats. When I took her to the vet they didn't really talk about her teeth. Thanks for any advise.
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post #8 of 12
1/27/11 at 4:58am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by meow purr View Post
I am new to the forum and I am learning alot. In your valued opinions, is it important to brush my cats teeth? I give her the teeth cleaning treats. When I took her to the vet they didn't really talk about her teeth. Thanks for any advise.



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Treats don't clean teeth. Yes I think home dental care is important for cats.

You have to use an enzymatic toothpaste though. Most pastes you buy for pets are useless. c.e.t. made by Virbac is an enzyme toothpaste meaning it breaks down bacteria. Just getting the paste in their mouths is beneficial.

If you would like my method of training a cat to accept teeth brushing, I will be happy to post it.

NEVER use human toothpaste for cats. It's toxic to them.
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post #9 of 12
1/27/11 at 8:05am
I try to brush my cats teeth and they are not good about it. I just keep trying and am very gentle. Even if it is for a few seconds they are learning and then they get a treat! Only use pet safe paste. People toothpaste will make them sick. My vet suggested using gauze around the finger and just rubbing the teeth instead of the rubber brush. It is much easier that way, at least for me
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post #10 of 12
1/27/11 at 8:40am
Ah, one of the upsides of having a toofless kitty... Holland hates having her claws clipped, I can't imagine what hell it would be to have to worry about dental care too!
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post #11 of 12
1/30/11 at 6:00am
I hate to admit it but mine only get teeth brushing when I notice staining/build-up which is usually every 2-3 months. And I check often. I do them every 2-3 months even if there is no build-up. I have a little scaler thingy if there is a stubborn spot, but I mainly use that on the dog. Cat teeth are so tiny lol.
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post #12 of 12
1/30/11 at 7:07am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mystik Spiral View Post
Ah, one of the upsides of having a toofless kitty... Holland hates having her claws clipped, I can't imagine what hell it would be to have to worry about dental care too!
Tolly doesn't have many teeth left...he's had FORL (resorptive lesions twice). Because of his seizure disorder and phenobarbital use, putting him under for dentals is even riskier than normally, so I am dligent in this, and if I am doing him I might as well do them all, right?

Home care has allowed him to go three years without a cleaning, but he will need one this year.

Mazy (7) and Jennie (5) have not needed a cleaning yet, and of course Queen Eva doesn't either.
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