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Kitten Basics: Taking Care of Your Kitten’s Oral Health banner
Kitten Basics: Taking Care of Your Kitten’s Oral Health

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Maintaining Your Kitten's Oral Health: A Guide for New Pet Parents

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As a new kitten parent, maintaining your pet's oral health is crucial. Teething is one of the most important stages and it is essential to start good oral hygiene practices during this period. A healthy mouth is vital for your kitten's overall wellbeing. It can prevent dental issues such as plaque, tartar, and tooth decay. Not sure how to support your kitten’s oral health during its growth years? This guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to keep your kitten's teeth and gums strong and healthy.


Understanding the development of kitten teeth
 

To ensure proper oral care, it is important to be aware of the stages of your kitten's dental growth. Kittens are born toothless but begin to develop teeth once they turn 2 or 3 weeks old. By 8-12 weeks, they will have all their primary teeth. These baby teeth will eventually be replaced with permanent adult teeth during the teething stage. This can cause discomfort, pain, swelling, or bleeding gums. It is imperative to consult your vet and make this period a little bearable for your little pal.


How to brush your kitten's teeth
 

Want to ensure your kitten's dental health? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to properly brush its teeth:

  1. First, introduce your kitten to a toothbrush and toothpaste. Let them sniff and lick it to become familiar with the taste and sensation. Start by allowing them to play with the toothbrush and toothpaste, and gradually move on to brushing.
  2. Gently lift your kitten's lip and brush their teeth in a circular motion. Make sure to reach all surfaces. Use a soft-bristled brush designed for cats and toothpaste formulated for them.

  3. Use a small amount of toothpaste and make sure your kitten doesn't swallow it.

  4. Reward your kitten with a treat or cuddles after each brushing session to make the experience a positive one for them.

  5. Gradually increase the frequency and duration of brushing once your kitten becomes more comfortable with the process. Remember to be patient and gentle when brushing your kitten's teeth as it may take some time for them to get used to it.

     

Kitten dental care and prevention
 

Maintaining the dental health of your kitten is crucial for their overall wellbeing. Here are some tips on how to prevent plaque and tartar buildup to keep your kitten's teeth and gums healthy:

  1. Brushing and toothpaste: Regular brushing is the best way to prevent plaque and tartar buildup and should be started early. Buy a tube of toothpaste that is specifically formulated for cats as regular toothpaste can be harmful for them. Brushing your kitten's teeth at least two to three times a week can help to remove plaque and tartar and keep its teeth and gums healthy.
  2. Dental wipes, rinses, and pads: Dental wipes or pads can clean your kitten's teeth and gums. In fact, it is a useful alternative to brushing. Dental rinses can also freshen your kitten's breath and kill bacteria

  3. Dental treats: Providing your kitten with dental treats can also keep their teeth clean and healthy. Look for treats formulated to reduce plaque and tartar. Moreover, avoid cat treats that are loaded with sugar.

  4. Regular vet check-ups: It's essential to have regular check-ups with your vet to ensure that your kitten's teeth and gums are healthy. Your vet can also help you identify any issues that may arise and recommend an appropriate course of action.

 

Maintaining good oral health is essential for a cat’s overall wellbeing; hence, you must establish oral hygiene habits from its early age. Following the steps outlined in this guide can ensure that your kitten's teeth and gums remain healthy and strong throughout its life. Regular brushing, dental treats, and vet check-ups can help keep your kitten's mouth healthy. With your care and attention, your kitten can enjoy a fresh and healthy mouth for many years! Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns or questions about your kitten's oral health.

Kitten Basics: Taking Care of Your Kitten’s Oral Health
Kitten Basics: Taking Care of Your Kitten’s Oral Health

Frequently asked questions

  1. At what age are kittens teething?
  2. Kittens typically begin teething when they are around 3-4 weeks old. By 6 months of age, a kitten should have a complete set of 30 adult teeth. However, some kittens may take up to 9 months to fully develop their adult teeth.

     

  3. Do kittens bite a lot when teething?
  4. When kittens are going through the teething process, they may bite more frequently to relieve discomfort and pressure associated with new teeth growing. To help alleviate this behaviour, it is important to provide appropriate chew toys and discourage the biting of hands or other inappropriate objects. It's always best to consult with a veterinarian for further advice.

  5. When should you start brushing the kitten's teeth?
  6. It's recommended to brush your kitten's teeth as soon as they develop adult teeth, i.e. when your pet is around 3-4 months old. However, it's important to consult with a veterinarian first to ensure that you are using the right technique and check your kitten's dental health before starting a regular tooth-brushing routine.

     

  7. How can I keep my kitten's teeth healthy?
  8. To maintain the oral health of your kittens, it is essential to schedule regular dental check-ups with a veterinarian, brush their teeth every day using toothpaste made for cats, and provide them with toys and treats that promote dental hygiene. Additionally, make sure that they are consuming a diet that supports dental health.

  9. Can I keep my cat's teeth clean without brushing?
  10. Yes, it is possible to maintain your cat's dental hygiene without brushing its teeth. This can be done by giving them hard and crunchy food, providing them with chew toys, and scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings with a veterinarian. Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on your cat's eating habits and address any dental issues as soon as they arise.

     

  • Why adding chicken to your cat’s diet is essential for their health
    Why adding chicken to your cat’s diet is essential for their health
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    Why adding chicken to your cat’s diet is essential for their health

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    AMS Cat Food offers chicken as number 1 source to build up cat’s nutrition and immunity 


    Author: Dr. Cissy Ramos

    To help owners better maintain the health and development of their cats, IAMS has developed a line that is uniquely tailored for cats’ needs and has chicken as its number one ingredient. IAMS Cat food includes Taurine as an additional supplement for natural variability and production process.

    A study conducted by WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition reports that cats prefer food that is similar to their natural prey such as mice or birds. Likewise, the evolutionary ancestors of cats did not consume fish. 

    Cats are considered as strict carnivores and they’re still highly related to their ancestors. Their teeth and skull conformation are actually designed to hunt and kill prey efficiently.

    In fact, cats are obligate carnivores and they eat meat out of biological necessity. The same study also found that 52% of a cat's calorie intake is from protein, which can be synthesized best through animal-based protein. Therefore, cats require quality protein sources to be included in their diet for sustenance. 

    Animal-based protein can help cats maintain healthy muscle structures and provide them with natural forms of amino acids. Adding certain sources of protein, especially animal sources, cats can easily process it, break it down, and use it up in their body. Animal sources proteins like chicken can greatly contribute to the quality of protein in their diet and they do get appropriate amount of essential amino acids from it.

    In total, cats can internally produce 11 essential amino acids. ​However, the remaining 11 categories of amino acids can only be provided through a nutritious diet to meet their needs. When you have good quality protein, the cat can receive a good amount of amino acids that are important for its health. The protein from chicken contains multiple levels of essential amino acids, such as Lysine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, and Taurine.

    Cats can get a great amount of Lysine from chicken. If there is deficiency in Lysine, the side effects would be low appetite and depression for cats.

    Another crucial essential amino acid for cats would be Phenylalanine. If cats have a low amount of Phenylalanine, there are instances that black cats can turn into brown cats because Phenylalanine is in charge of production of melanin for cats. It’s not just for the coloring but that’s the most obvious sign that there’s a deficiency.

    Cats need more Taurine compared to other mammals as it supports excellent eyesight. We know for a fact that cats are hunters, and they need good eyesight for that.

    Taurine, an especially essential amino acid for cats, is a critical component that supports heart muscle function, vision, digestion, and fetal development. The recommendation of Taurine for cats is around 35 to 55 milligrams of Taurine per kilogram per day. In fact, low levels of Taurine in kittens can lead to blindness, heart failure, congenital defects, and poor immune response. 

    It is necessary for cat owners to choose a diet that is made by a trusted brand like IAMS: palatable, complete, balanced, contains high quality protein, and enriched with amino acids. This will play a key role for the proper development and normal functioning of cats and enhance their wellness.  

    The importance of considering the life stage of cats when feeding them is also crucial for cat’s nutrition. With this, IAMS food products offer different varieties of cat foods–dry or wet and for each life stage. For each life stage, there are specific recommendations for the amount to feed and the levels of nutrients that they need.

    IAMS cat food is formulated with colostrum and contains DHA found in mother’s milk for kittens cognition, as well as a signature blend of wholesome fiber and FOS natural prebiotic for healthy digestion. IAMS is scientifically proven to help increase the level of Vitamin E in your cat for healthy natural defense.

    In addition, IAMS food products can help address specific health concerns in cats. Cats habitually groom themselves and have a tendency to ingest their fur. Of course, the risk of hairball formation is much higher for long-haired cats. Additionally, indoor cats tend to be obese due to overfeeding, inactivity, or sometimes it is simply caused by genetics.

    IAMS offers hairball formula which cater to cats in order to reduce the passage of hair in the cat’s digestive tract. . IAMS also offers cat food that is specifically designed for weight management for cats who are obese. 

    Having protein in your cat’s diet is vital for its overall health and long-term wellbeing. For more information about IAMS Cat visit https://iams.asia/my/. IAMS Cats is available at all leading supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide. 

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