Your animal’s teeth are no different to yours – neglect them and nasty dental problems will occur. With this in mind you need to make sure dental care is offered to your pet and that you ensure your pet’s teeth are checked with the vet at regular appointments.
If an animal gets a build up of plaque or suffers from gum disease it can lead to premature tooth loss. You can help to minimise this and there are some great teeth cleaning products available on the market, designed for home brushing. However, cleaning a cat or dog’s teeth can of course be tricky so you need to make sure you buy the right equipment.
In addition to brushing you can help your pet’s oral hygiene by feeding abrasive foods. Offer your cat dry food on a daily basis (always offer water with dry food). Burgess Supacat is now specially formulated with Stayclean, an active ingredient which helps to reduce the build up of tartar. If you have a dog remember that chews are not just treats. Dog chews and bites are abrasive and so help to keep teeth clean as well as providing a workout for the jaw.
Many of us are unaware that having too many cats in the home without sufficient resources can actually be highly stressful to the animals. Cats love to feel in control and can be territorial, so sharing a small space, toys, cat food etc with other felines can cause distress.
Some cats can enjoy the company of other cats but as an owner we need to consider our cat’s personality and what we can do to create a harmonious environment. A cat is more likely to be friends with cats from the same litter, so those he/she has grown up with.
Make sure you have sufficient space for your cats so they are able to spend time apart whenever they choose. You should also provide separate resources for each cat, so one food bowl, one water bowl, one bed etc per cat. Where possible, offer your cat outside access so they have an opportunity to play, explore and engage in their natural environment. Keep your eye on the access points to the home; a dominant and territorial cat may guard a cat flap or open window to prevent your other cats coming in or going out.
If it is not safe enough to allow your cat free range time outdoors (perhaps you live by a very busy road or in a high rise apartment building) then you should take steps to enrich his / her indoor environment. You could try:
- Growing grass on a windowsill which they can eat, as they would in the wild, helps your cat to eliminate fur-balls.
- Offer scent stimulation by buying catnip toys
- Keep windows ajar where possible so the cat has access to fresh air
- Provide toys for the cat to chase, chew and play with for mental stimulation
- Offer a claw mat or scratch post
Each individual cat needs a safe and comfortable core territory which is safe from intruders so make sure your cat has his / her own bed where he can snuggle at night.