2 Minutes a Day for Your Cat: How to Keep Them by Your Side for Longer

In the context of this topic, the phrase "repeated to exhaustion" doesn't exist, because if cat owners pay proper attention to this, they can not only extend their pet's life by up to 3.5 years but also spare them a lot of suffering. And they can save themselves a lot of expenses.

Just like us, plaque accumulates on cats’ teeth too, which if not removed regularly, can harden into tartar, causing numerous dental and general health problems. In today’s article, you’ll learn how plaque and then tartar develop in cats, and what you can do about it.

Plaque and tartar in cats

Plaque is a sticky substance made up of bacteria, saliva, and food particles, which forms a few hours after a cat eats. If not removed within 24 hours, this plaque begins to harden by combining with salts found in saliva. As the plaque continues to harden and mineralize, it turns into tartar. Tartar is a porous, rough material that can form both above and below the gumline. While owners can remove plaque, tartar can only be effectively and safely removed by a veterinarian.

The problem with tartar is that its porous surface provides a place for bacteria to hide and multiply. These bacteria can cause a condition called gingivitis, which can develop into periodontal disease over time. This is the most advanced stage of gum disease; at this point, the gums bleed, become inflamed, painful, and start to recede, exposing the tooth and its root to bacterial invasion. This process eventually leads to tooth loss.

Even this progressively worsening condition is painful and burdensome enough for the body, but dental diseases don’t just affect cats’ teeth. Bacteria can spread throughout the animal’s body by entering the bloodstream, causing significant problems. Including life-threatening issues, especially in the kidneys and heart. You can see that this is not a trivial matter; tartar is not just an aesthetic problem, but it poses a long-term threat to your pet’s life.

Make Tooth Brushing a Daily Routine

You can buy your cat as many plaque-removing treats as you want – we’re not doubting that these are useful – but if you don’t brush their teeth regularly, you’re leaving too much room for bacteria. We’re talking about 2 minutes a day, and once your cat gets used to it, you’ll be done in no time. You can think of this as an extension of your own dental care routine, so you won’t forget it, and you won’t have to allocate a separate time slot for it. This method is called habit stacking, which can be very useful in other areas of life as well. In fact, it can also make it easier to manage other responsibilities related to cat care. We think it works great, especially for less pleasant, disliked tasks.

And to complete the picture, take your pet for tartar removal annually or biannually (as recommended by your veterinarian). This will still be more affordable than the combined cost of medications and surgeries. Not to mention, your pet will feel much better. You probably know how horrible it is to live with a toothache.