As pet owners, we often pay close attention to our cats’ coats, diets, and playtime habits. We notice when they’re a little sluggish or when their appetite changes. But one of the most overlooked aspects of feline health is what’s happening inside their mouths. Many owners assume that if their cat is eating normally, their teeth must be fine. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous misconception.
Just like humans, cats are susceptible to dental disease, and it’s far more common than you might think. By the time they are three years old, most cats already show some signs of dental problems. Left untreated, these issues can lead to severe pain, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
This is where professional cat dental cleaning comes in. It’s not just about aesthetics or getting rid of bad breath; it’s a crucial medical procedure that can prevent suffering and extend your cat’s life. At Fox Veterinary Services, we see firsthand the consequences of delayed dental care and are committed to educating owners on why proactive treatment is so important.
The Silent Epidemic: Dental Disease in Cats
Cats are masters at hiding pain. It’s a survival instinct inherited from their wild ancestors, where showing weakness could make them a target for predators. This means your cat could be suffering from a painful dental condition without giving any obvious signs. You might not notice anything is wrong until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.
Dental disease in cats typically starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If not removed, this plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and leads to gingivitis—the earliest stage of periodontal disease.
Signs of gingivitis include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding, especially when eating or chewing
- Bad breath (halitosis)
If gingivitis is not addressed, it progresses to periodontitis, a more severe condition where the infection spreads below the gumline. This destroys the supporting tissues around the teeth, leading to loose teeth, abscesses, and eventually tooth loss. This process is incredibly painful for your cat.
More Than Just a Toothache
The dangers of poor dental hygiene don’t stop in the mouth. The bacteria from a dental infection can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, a condition known as bacteremia. This can cause inflammation and damage to vital organs.
Studies have linked periodontal disease in pets to serious health issues, including:
- Heart Disease: Bacteria can cause inflammation of the heart valves (endocarditis).
- Kidney and Liver Disease: These organs work to filter the blood, and a constant influx of bacteria can damage them over time.
- Diabetes Complications: Dental infections can make it harder to regulate blood sugar in diabetic cats.
A professional cat dental cleaning at a trusted clinic like Fox Veterinary Services is the only way to effectively remove tartar buildup from above and below the gumline, halting the progression of disease and protecting your cat’s overall health.
What Happens During a Professional Cat Dental Cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning is a comprehensive medical procedure that requires general anesthesia. This is non-negotiable for a thorough and safe cleaning. Anesthesia allows the veterinary team to perform a detailed examination, take dental X-rays, and clean every surface of each tooth without causing stress or pain to your cat.
Here’s what you can expect when you bring your cat to Fox Veterinary Services for a dental cleaning:
1. Pre-Anesthetic Exam and Bloodwork
Before any procedure, we conduct a full physical examination and run blood tests. This helps us ensure your cat is a good candidate for anesthesia and allows us to tailor the anesthetic protocol to their specific health needs, minimizing any risks.
2. Anesthesia and Monitoring
Your cat is carefully placed under general anesthesia. Throughout the entire procedure, a dedicated veterinary technician monitors their vital signs—including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature—to ensure they remain safe and stable.
3. Dental X-Rays
This is one of the most critical steps. About 60% of a cat’s tooth structure is below the gumline, hidden from view. Dental X-rays are essential for detecting problems like root damage, bone loss, and abscesses that aren’t visible during a physical examination. Without X-rays, it’s impossible to know the full extent of dental disease.
4. Thorough Cleaning and Polishing
Using specialized ultrasonic and hand scaling tools, our team removes plaque and tartar from all surfaces of the teeth, both above and below the gumline. After scaling, the teeth are polished to a smooth finish. This helps to slow down the re-accumulation of plaque in the future.
5. Charting and Treatment Planning
A veterinarian performs a tooth-by-tooth examination, probing for pockets and other abnormalities. All findings are recorded on a dental chart. If extractions or other treatments are needed, we will have already discussed this possibility with you and will proceed based on our pre-agreed plan.
6. Recovery
After the procedure, your cat is moved to a warm, quiet recovery area. We continue to monitor them closely as they wake up from anesthesia. Most cats are ready to go home the same day, along with instructions for at-home care and any necessary pain medication.
Partnering with You for Your Cat’s Health
Cat dental cleaning is a vital investment in your feline’s overall health and quality of life. At Fox Veterinary Services, we combine advanced technology, a compassionate approach, and thorough patient care to ensure your cat receives safe, effective dental treatment. Regular professional cleanings prevent pain, halt the progression of serious dental disease, and support longevity, while giving you peace of mind that your pet’s oral health is being managed proactively before problems arise.
Schedule a Dental Consultation Today
If you’ve noticed your cat has bad breath, or if they haven’t had a dental check-up in over a year, it’s time to take action. The team at Fox Veterinary Services is here to help you navigate your cat’s dental care needs.
Contact us today to schedule a dental consultation. We’ll perform a comprehensive oral exam and discuss whether a professional cat dental cleaning is the right next step for your beloved feline family member. Together, we can ensure your cat enjoys a long, healthy, and pain-free life.
