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Keeping Your Cat's Teeth Healthy With Brushing

Do you have a cute little feline friend? If so, you probably realize the importance of getting your pet its shots, feeding it properly, and keeping its litter box clean. If you are like many cat owners, however, you probably never even considered the need to brush your kitty's teeth. Nonetheless, brushing your kitty's teeth is an important part of its care.

Reasons to Brush Your Cat's Teeth

Brushing your cat's teeth is important because, just like humans, its teeth can become covered with bacteria and residue. As a result, your feline friend may develop gingivitis and tooth decay. Unfortunately, your cat's food does not contain anything to help keep your cat's teeth clean. In the wilderness, your cat's natural diet of capturing prey and tearing through bone and skin, would help keep its teeth clean. The same isn't true of manufactured cat food.

Brushing Your Cat's Teeth

In order to keep your cat's teeth healthy and free of plaque, you should brush your kitty's teeth on a regular basis. You should slowly introduce your cat to the brushing process. This way, it can be an enjoyable time for both you and your feline friend.

The first thing you need to do is get your cat used to you putting things in its mouth. You can introduce this by dipping your finger in tuna water or any other liquid your cat enjoys and calling to your kitty. Then, let your feline friend lick the liquid from your finger. As your kitty licks your finger, try rubbing its teeth and gums. After doing this a few times, your cat will look forward to these sessions.

After your cat gets accustomed to you putting your fingers in its mouth, wrap a piece of gauze around your finger and dip it in the liquid. With the gauzed finger, begin gently rubbing your cat's teeth and repeat this same process until your cat seems to be comfortable with it. To help with this process, be certain to give your kitty plenty of praise as you rub its teeth.

Once your cat is comfortable with this process, you can start using an actual toothbrush. Before putting it in your cat's mouth, however, allow it to investigate the toothbrush. A good way to do this is to put something tasty on the bristles and to let her lick it off. This way, your cat can get used to the texture and won't be upset when you put the brush in its mouth.

Now, it is time to introduce the actual toothpaste. You can purchase special pet toothpaste that is flavored like meat that your cat will enjoy. Allow your cat to lick a little off your fingers before brushing with it. As you brush your cat's teeth, talk to it and praise it in an encouraging voice. You might want to start off slowly by just brushing a couple teeth at first. Then, slowly add more teeth to the routine until you are brushing your cat's entire mouth. In no time, your cat will actually look forward to your little brushing sessions!

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com

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