Tartar in cats is a common problem that can seriously jeopardize your cat’s dental health. Tartar in cats is a build-up of plaque that hardens and attaches to the teeth. If you don’t have the tartar removed in time, it can lead to serious dental and gum disease.
Can cats also get tartar?
Tartar in cats occurs when plaque, a soft bacterial layer, is not removed regularly. Over time, the plaque hardens due to minerals in the saliva and forms solid tartar. Tartar is not only unsightly, but can also have serious health consequences. If tartar is not removed, it can inflame the gums and lead to serious dental diseases.
Why is tartar a problem in cats?
Tartar in cats is not just a cosmetic problem, but can severely affect your cat’s health. The accumulation of tartar leads to inflammation of the gums, bad breath and pain. In severe cases, it can even lead to tooth loss and chronic infections. In addition, tartar is an indicator of poor oral hygiene, which increases the risk of other diseases.
Ursachen für Zahnsteinbildung bei KatzenCauses of tartar formation in cats
The formation of tartar in cats can have various causes. One of the main causes is the accumulation of plaque, which hardens into tartar. However, the cat’s diet, age and grooming habits also play an important role. Below we take a look at the most common causes.
What are the main causes of tartar in cats?
The main cause of tartar build-up in cats is the accumulation of plaque on the teeth. Plaque consists of bacteria and saliva components that build up over time. If plaque is not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar. Inadequate dental care and a poor diet are common reasons why plaque is not removed.
What role does diet play in the development of tartar?
Diet plays a major role in the development of tartar in cats. Food that is high in sugar or contains too few abrasive substances promotes the formation of plaque and tartar. Dry food can help in some cases as it is abrasive and removes plaque from the teeth. Nevertheless, regular dental care is crucial to prevent tartar in the long term.
Can the wrong food promote tartar in cats?
Yes, the wrong food can promote the formation of tartar in cats. Soft, sugary food promotes plaque formation and therefore also tartar formation. Cats that are mainly fed wet food tend to have a higher risk of developing tartar. Dry food that rubs off well in the teeth can help to prevent tartar.
How does the age of the cat influence tartar formation?
The risk of tartar build-up in cats increases with age. Older cats often have less resistance to bacterial build-up in the mouth, which encourages the formation of tartar. Young cats are less susceptible to tartar if they receive good dental care. Regular check-ups at the vet are particularly important for older cats in order to detect dental problems at an early stage.
Symptoms of tartar in cats
The symptoms of tartar in cats are often difficult to recognize, as cats are usually very good pain hiders. However, there are some signs that may indicate that your cat has tartar.
Wie erkenne ich Zahnstein bei meiner Katze?
Tartar in cats is usually easy to detect if you check your cat’s teeth regularly. Look out for yellowish or brownish deposits on the teeth, especially on the back teeth. Bad breath is also a clear sign of dental problems. If your cat has difficulty chewing or can no longer grind its food properly, this could indicate tartar.
What symptoms indicate tartar in cats?
Typical symptoms of tartar in cats include bad breath, inflammation of the gums, redness of the gums and difficulty chewing. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it is advisable to visit a vet to have the tartar professionally removed.
Other signs of dental problems in cats
In addition to tartar, other dental problems such as gingivitis, tooth decay or abscesses can also occur. Watch out for other symptoms such as loss of appetite, increased salivation or swelling in the jaw area. If your cat suddenly refuses to eat, you should consult a vet immediately. If your cat reacts unusually sensitively to touch in the mouth area, a visit to the vet is also advisable.
Dangers and consequences of tartar
Tartar is not only unsightly, but also dangerous for your cat’s health. If it is not removed, serious dental problems can develop, which are associated with high costs and painful treatments.
Why is tartar dangerous for my cat?
Tartar in cats can inflame the gums and lead to periodontitis, an inflammation of the periodontium. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if the teeth are not treated in time. Tartar is also a breeding ground for bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream and damage other organs. In severe cases, this can lead to infections in the kidneys, liver or heart.
Can tartar lead to tooth loss?
Yes, tartar in cats can lead to tooth loss. If tartar is not removed in time, the gums can become severely inflamed. In this case, it can no longer adequately support the teeth. This leads to tooth loss. It is therefore important to check and treat tartar regularly to prevent this painful condition.
Can tartar increase my cat’s general health risk?
Yes, tartar in cats can increase the general health risk. The bacteria that accumulate in tartar can enter the bloodstream via the gums and damage other organs. The heart, kidneys and liver are particularly at risk, which can lead to serious health problems.
Tartar and its effect on the gums
Tartar not only leads to painful inflammation of the gums, but can also destroy the structure of the periodontium. The teeth lose their hold and can eventually fall out. If tartar leads to periodontitis, the gums are permanently damaged and can no longer be regenerated.
Treatment of tartar in cats
If your cat has tartar, it should be removed as soon as possible. There are various methods for treating tartar, which are carried out by the vet.
How is tartar treated in cats?
The treatment of tartar in cats is usually carried out under general anesthesia. The vet removes the tartar using special equipment that removes the tartar from the surface of the teeth. In severe cases, dental treatment may also be necessary, in which teeth have to be extracted.
Does the tartar have to be removed by a vet?
Yes, tartar in cats must be removed by a vet in most cases. The vet will use special instruments to remove the tartar safely and effectively without damaging the teeth. In some cases, a dental cleaning under anesthesia may also be necessary.
What methods are there for removing tartar?
The most common method of removing tartar in cats is professional teeth cleaning under anesthesia. The vet uses special ultrasound equipment to remove the tartar. Less advanced tartar can also be removed manually by the vet.
Scaling under anesthesia
The removal of tartar in cats is usually performed under anesthesia in order not to stress the cat unnecessarily and to ensure thorough treatment. During anesthesia, the vet also examines the gums and teeth for possible inflammation or infection.
What happens during dental treatment at the vet?
During dental treatment, the tartar is removed and the gums are cleaned. The vet will also check whether there are any other dental problems, such as tooth decay or abscesses, which also need to be treated. After treatment, the cat is usually monitored for a few hours.
Prevention of tartar in cats
The best treatment for tartar in cats is prevention. There are several ways to promote your cat’s dental health and prevent tartar.
How can I prevent tartar in my cat?
Preventing tartar in cats starts with proper dental care. Regular brushing with a special toothpaste for cats can prevent plaque and tartar build-up. Cats should also be regularly checked by a vet to detect any dental problems at an early stage.
What dental care products are available for cats?
There are special dental care products for cats that can help prevent tartar. These include toothpastes that have been specially developed for cats, as well as toothbrushes and chews that clean the teeth and remove plaque. Special mouthwashes can also help to prevent tartar.
Can I brush my cat’s teeth myself?
Yes, you can brush your cat’s teeth yourself. Use a special toothpaste for cats and a soft toothbrush. It is important that you start slowly and get your cat used to dental care. If you brush your cat’s teeth regularly, you can effectively prevent tartar and other dental problems.
What types of food and chew toys help against tartar?
In addition to dental care, certain types of food and chew toys can also help to prevent tartar in cats. Chew toys that clean the teeth can remove plaque and promote dental health. There is also special food that is designed to reduce tartar.
How often should I have my cat’s teeth checked?
It is advisable to have your cat’s teeth checked regularly by a vet. Especially older cats or animals with known dental problems should have their dental health checked every six months. This helps to detect and treat dental problems at an early stage.
Common misconceptions and myths about tartar in cats
There are many misunderstandings and myths about tartar in cats. We clear up the most common ones.
Do I have to take my cat to the dentist regularly?
Not necessarily. It is important to check your cat’s teeth regularly, but not every cat needs regular visits to the dentist. If you brush and check their teeth regularly, many dental problems can be avoided.
Can I remove tartar myself at home?
No, tartar in cats should not be removed at home. The tartar must be removed professionally by a vet. Doing it yourself can injure the gums and lead to further problems.
Tartar in cats is a serious problem
Tartar in cats is a serious problem that can be avoided with proper care and regular check-ups. Pay attention to your cat’s dental health and act early if you notice any symptoms.
Check your cat’s teeth regularly and brush them if possible. As your cat gets older or has dental problems, its teeth should be checked more often by a vet.