Causes of Cat Dental Calculus: Top Factors Explained

Section 1: Causes of Dental Calculus in Cats

1. High Carbohydrate Content in Dry Food

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they naturally do not require any food containing carbohydrates. In fact, commercial cat food is typically low in carbs. However, when cats consume dry food, they inevitably ingest an excessive amount of carbohydrates, leading to adverse effects on their health and teeth. This is because the carbs and sugars in the dry food serve as food for harmful bacteria already present in a cat's mouth, causing these bacteria to multiply rapidly and lead to inflammation in the oral cavity.

Moreover, cats' saliva does not contain enzymes capable of breaking down carbohydrates. Consequently, when cats eat dry food rich in carbohydrates, it can alter their saliva's pH balance, making it easier for harmful minerals to deposit on their teeth, exacerbating oral inflammation.

2. Persian and British Shorthair Cats Prone to Dental Calculus

Persian and British Shorthair cats, due to their naturally shorter upper and lower jaws and noses, often have teeth that are crowded or misaligned. This lack of space in the jawbone makes it difficult for their teeth to be properly aligned. Even with saliva production or manual cleaning by their owners, it's challenging to thoroughly clean these teeth. As a result, these cats are at a higher risk for gingivitis and other oral diseases.

3. Oral Inflammation Caused by Weakened Immune System

Cats infected with feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus are more susceptible to oral mucosal inflammation. This is because when a cat's immune system is compromised, it cannot effectively combat inflammation, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive and accumulate on the teeth, leading to the formation of dental calculus.

4. Soft Cat Food as a Contributing Factor

In addition, overly soft cat food is another significant cause of dental calculus, particularly for cats with naturally misaligned or irregular teeth.

Section 2: Cat Dental Care Methods

Now that we understand the causes of dental calculus in cats, how can we effectively care for our feline friends' teeth? Here are some tips:

1. Regular and Effective Brushing

Regular brushing is the most effective way to maintain your cat's dental health. It's crucial to clean the teeth before tartar hardens into calculus. This involves using a catspecific toothbrush and toothpaste, ensuring a thorough cleaning, and not taking shortcuts.

2. Utilizing Dental Chews and Mouthwashes

In addition to brushing, you can use dental chews, mouthwashes, and other products to remove plaque from your cat's teeth. These can also help prevent and control dental issues. However, it's important not to substitute raw animal bones for dental chews, as their hardness and shape can be detrimental to your cat's chewing abilities. Moreover, the sharp ends of bones can cause harm to the mouth and intestines, and raw bones can harbor bacteria and be difficult to digest. Always opt for highquality dental chews.

By following these tips, pet owners can ensure their cats maintain healthy teeth and a happy, healthy life. The OxyPet Doctor's guide to dental calculus in cats concludes here. We hope all cat owners take extra care when caring for their beloved pets. A healthy cat is undoubtedly the result of a very attentive and caring owner!