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Dental Rinse for Cats?
My two Manx cats have bad teeth. We get them cleaned about twice a year, and every time they need to have teeth extracted. :-( Recently, one of them was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and the vet said that she wouldn't likely be able to continue going under anesthesia for dentals. She prescribed C.E.T. dental rinse, and my husband and I have been rinsing their teeth every night before bed. One kitty is getting good at it, but the other constantly fights us! Her breath seems to be better, so I don't mind keeping it up.
Has anyone every used dental rinse on a cat before? If so, what results have you seen? Any advice on administering it successfully? I try to gently lift her lip and squirt it on to her teeth, but she always thrashes around, so it often goes on her tongue. I've tasted it, and it is a bit bitter tasting, so I can imagine that she doesn't like the way it tastes.
I want to get to a point where I can give it to them by myself... Any pointers would be lovely!
Thanks!
Re: Dental Rinse for Cats?
I actually brush my cat's teeth with enzymatic veterinary toothpaste, and give her C.E.T. enzyme chews, every morning. I know this probably sounds crazy to many cat owners, but believe it or not my cat LOVES it. Of course, it took weeks of training. And it helps that my cat has an oral fixation and is extremely food-oriented.
My vet had recommended a finger brush to me, but actually I found it difficult to use b/c my cat would get so excited that she'd bite, HARD, which hurt! I bought a canine toothbrush that has a long handle, and a very small, compact bristle head. The toothpaste is C.E.T. and I began training her by putting a small dab on the toothpaste, and just letting her lick it off. As soon as she did this, I'd praise and offer her the enzymatic chew treat. Did this for a week or two. Then gradually, I'd try to run the toothbrush over her teeth just once - in the beginning, I could hardly run it over the top teeth of just one side of her mouth before she'd get irritated and scurry back a little - at which point I'd immediately praise and give the treat. Over time she learned to love the toothpaste flavor so much, and expect the chew treat after, that she'd get more and more patient with me, and tolerate the brushing more in order to win over the treat. Within about a month and a half, I could brush the top and bottom of both her teeth (exteriors only for now) before she'd eventually flick me off. I now can do about 10 strokes on each side top, and 10 strokes on each side bottom, in one brushing.
Hope this helps! It takes a LOT of patience and commitment, but its all about prevention, and if it works, is much safer and better than having the cat put under for dentals each year.
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