Oral care at home can be especially challenging for cat owners. Cats may like to have their chin scratched a little but they typically draw back when someone is near their mouth. But with just 10% of cats visiting their veterinarian for oral care each year,* daily care at home is especially important in preventing oral disease.

When deciding on the right at-home regimen for your cat, here are some things to consider:

1)      Pick a familiar flavor of pet toothpaste. Veterinarians and pet care companies have created toothpastes just for pets, made in all types of pet-friendly flavors and safe to use. Cats are notoriously finicky, so first try toothpaste that’s the same flavor as their food.

2)      Pick a product that engages their teeth: Unlike dogs who chew, a cat’s natural instinct is to bite, rip and tear their food and may only crunch down once or twice before swallowing. Pick a product that gives them multiple opportunities to bite.

3) Make daily oral care fun and non-invasive: Only 2% of cat owners own a toothbrush but the average cat owner gives 3.4 treats a day.* Why not put those treats to good use and choose ones that are good for their oral health?

When we designed FELINE GREENIES^® dental treats, we wanted to make oral care simple for cat owners and enjoyable for cats. With five flavors and less than two calories per treat, cats can have cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and still maintain a healthy weight! Offer these treats to your cat as recommended:

This week our post series focused on answering common pet owner questions about how to brush their pet’s teeth and deciding which GREENIES^® products are right for their pet. But it’s important to know about all of the options available for at-home care, including:

• Pet food with a special dental benefit
• Tooth gels and sealants
• Vaccines
• Wipes
• Drinking water additives

Veterinarians recommend twice-yearly oral exams and dental cleanings as needed, and an at-home care plan. Pet owners should talk with their veterinarian to determine which at-home options are best for their pet.

Tell us: How do you care for your pet’s oral health every day?

* American Pet Products Association, Inc. National Pet Owner Survey 2009-2010.