Best Toys for Cats

kitty cavities - health tips from Petplan USA

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kitty cavities

Our feline friends are prone to a unique dental condition called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, otherwise known as FORLs, or neck lesions. FORLs affect a cat’s teeth at the gum line and occur in more than 50 percent of the general cat population, regardless of breed or age. 

Veterinarians don’t completely understand why FORLs occur, but they remain the most common cause of tooth loss in feline friends. Teeth develop lesions resembling large cavities at the gum line, and when enough of the tooth is affected, it can break off. Sometimes the tooth root is resorbed, and sometimes it is not.

In any case, FORLs are extremely painful. They may cause decreased appetite, weight loss, bad breath, trouble chewing and depression. Pet owners may notice gingivitis (redness of the gums), and occasionally can spot the FORLs themselves.

Veterinarians can diagnose FORLs during a physical examination. Because severe disease causes the crown to fracture, dental X-rays are always taken to check for the degree of tooth root resorption. It is not unusual to find tooth roots still present where there are no visible teeth, due to severe resorptive lesions.

Treatment involves completely removing the affected teeth under anesthesia. It may sound scary, but don’t worry. Though your cat may come home with fewer teeth, he’ll never miss them (or the pain they caused)!

Cats Need Oral Care, Too

Cats seem pretty self-sufficient and independent. They do not require regular daily walks, they can be and are usually left alone for long periods of time provided there is ample food, water, and a litter box nearby, and they do not typically require frequent bath and grooming like their canine counterparts.

But there is one thing that cat owners often neglect (not out of malice, of course) and that is a cat's oral care. Most cat owners have surely experienced foul kitty breath.

Now, it is not easy to imagine your kitty cat letting you brush its teeth. Most cats would have a major objection if you even try to put a toothbrush in their mouth. However, what you can do is offer cat treats such as Feline Greenies to keep your cat with healthy teeth, gums, and, of course, help minimise bad breath. If your cat seems to be in discomfort due to potential oral issues, talk to your vet. If your cat seems to have generally good oral health, treats can be a great proactive aid to keep things that way.

Feline Greenies

Feline Greenies are great treats that most cats really like. It is available in several popular flavours including chicken, ocean fish, and mixed flavour. Giving dental treats to your feline friends serves the purpose of sharing a good moment with them, showing how much you truly care by helping minimise bad breath and other possible dental problems.

About Greenies Pet Treats

Feline Greenies has received great reviews. Pet owners rave over the healthy treats that their pets actually enjoy. They are slightly more expensive than other feline food treats. Nonetheless, if you try to compare the oral care benefits and the healthy nutrients that each treat contain against the costs, it easily shows that it is indeed worthwhile to give your cat with Feline Greenies on a regular basis.

Greenies are available in several walk-in pet supplies stores, or better yet, through online pet supply and accessories. There are a wide variety of choices for pet food treats that are nutritious, tastes great, and help provide pet oral care benefits. It is also available for your canine friends. Many dog owners use Greenies as a training aid, and like the fact that it provides an added benefit for your pet's oral care. Most cats are not exactly trainable, but most cat lovers know that shaking a bag of treats can, at the very least, get your cat running to you.