Grin and Bear It?

Your kitty may be selective with her grin, but that should be because of temperament, not because her mouth hurts. Keep an eye out for these signs of dental issues before they become a problem for your cat.

Smell

There's cat breath, and then there's BAD cat breath. Smellier than normal breath is often the first sign of a problem.

Sight

Eventually, your cat's mouth will begin to look unhealthy. Teeth become discolored. Your cat may drool. (No, it's not true that dogs drool and cats rule! At least, not when it comes to periodontal disease.) Gums look red, and they may even bleed.

Behavior

Your cat may have a hard time eating and may drop food from her mouth.

Facial Symptoms

Periodontal disease can cause symptoms in places other than the mouth. Facial swelling or discharge from the nose can be symptoms of periodontal disease.

If you notice any of these signs of poor dental health, contact us today to schedule your cat's dental visit. And remember, in honor of National Pet Dental Health Month, we're offering complimentary dental exams and 20% off dental cleanings during the month of February. Schedule an appointment today!

Killer Kitty Breath

Good dental hygiene isn't something we automatically think of for our pets. After all, cats aren't supposed to have minty fresh breath! But, just as poor dental health can lead to bigger problems in the two-legged members of your family, it can have serious consequences for your pet, too.

Poor dental health can lead to periodontal disease, which begins with a familiar culprit: plaque buildup. If not removed, that plaque buildup can lead to inflamed gums (gingivitis), infections around the tooth root, and even tooth loss and destruction of the bone and supportive tissues around the teeth.

According to the American Veterinary Dental College, by the age of three, most cats already suffer from periodontal disease. Painful gums and tooth loss can make eating painful, which can significantly reduce the nutritional health of your pet. Some breeds (Siamese, for example) seem to be particularly susceptible to the disease.

To celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month, we're offering a complimentary dental exam AND 20% off dental cleanings all month long! Contact us today to make an appointment!

New Year's Resolution #4: Run & Play

The life of an indoor cat is typically much easier than that of an outdoor cat, and that truth can sometimes work against the well-being of your indoor kitty. While outdoor cats typically get enough exercise during their day, your indoor cat probably doesn't. Fortunately, you can help your cat get the exercise he needs.

Cats are instinctive hungers, and toys that allow them to exercise that instinct (and their bodies!) are good investments. Teaser toys that let you kitty pounce, chase and attack to his heart's content on good options. A catnip toy is usually a good way to get your kitty moving, too. Regardless of the toy, your cat needs to "catch" it occasionally to avoid getting bored or frustrated.

Another option is creating a kitty wonderland of all the bags, boxes and tunnels that your cat loves to explore. This wonderland can be rearranged from day to day so kitty doesn't get bored, and it's easily fixed or replaced if acrobatic play introduces a few rips and dings.