Tartar in cats: the silent danger in your cat’s mouth

Tartar: also a danger for cats

Cats have a predatory dentition with long canine teeth – the fangs – and molars shaped as carnassial teeth, which allow them to tear meat in the wild. By eating their prey, wild cats also get a natural dental cleaning. Chewing on bones removes plaque from the teeth.

Indoor cats, which of course do not hunt and eat mice, are therefore at risk of developing tartar.

Did you know that around three quarters of all domestic cats have dental problems? Tartar is a precursor that can lead to serious diseases.

What is tartar in cats?

It starts harmlessly with a coating on the teeth – plaque. The main cause is bacteria that feed on food residues. The plaque is initially soft and like a sticky, transparent film on the teeth.

If plaque is not removed in time, it combines with minerals from saliva. Through this mineralization, it hardens and becomes tartar. This is a hard, rough deposit on the teeth. It usually starts near the gums and between the teeth because these areas provide the best environment for it to develop.

This layer is very difficult to remove and, if left untreated, it will continue to grow slowly and lead to gum inflammation, gum pockets, and periodontitis. In the worst case, the cat will lose its diseased teeth. And for a predator, healthy teeth are essential for survival.

Why do cats get tartar?

Although domestic cats have a kind of self-cleaning mechanism for their mouths, they can still develop tartar. There are various causes for this.

A common cause is the food. With wet food, cats don’t really need to chew, so their teeth aren’t cleaned. Additionally, the soft food gets stuck between the teeth more easily and coats the teeth. Some foods and treats even contain sugar. And just like humans, cats love sweets. But this is just as unhealthy for animals as it is for people. The result is plaque and cavities.

Another cause of tartar can be misalignment of the teeth. Although this occurs less often in cats than in dogs, it cannot be ruled out. If detected and corrected in time, you can avoid problems with tartar.

If your cat doesn't drink enough, bacteria multiply more easily and plaque forms. If your cat is picky, there are various ways to make the water more palatable—for example, by using a cat drinking fountain.

Possible causes of tartar:

• Wet food
• Sugar
• genetic predisposition
• too little water

How can you recognize tartar in your cat?

If you want to know whether your beloved pet has tartar, take a closer look at its mouth and teeth.

Healthy teeth are white, and occasional slight discoloration is normal. However, if you notice a thick, brown layer that you cannot remove by brushing, your cat probably has tartar. Another sign is reddened and irritated gums near the brown spots, which may bleed even with slight touch.

In advanced tartar cases, an extreme odor from the mouth develops, which comes not only from the plaque on the teeth but also from gum inflammations.

If the teeth are already in very poor condition, chewing causes the cat pain. It therefore avoids hard food or refuses to eat altogether.

Watch out for these symptoms:

• yellowish, soft deposits on the teeth
• brown, hard deposits
• strong odor from the mouth
• reddened, irritated, or bleeding gums
• altered eating habits
• Abscesses in the mouth

What are the consequences of tartar in cats?

Tartar may seem harmless at first glance, but it is a precursor to serious diseases. Painful gum inflammations and swelling in the face or around the nose can occur.

If tartar is ignored, it can lead to periodontosis and periodontitis. Once the bacteria reach the jawbone, the teeth are often beyond saving. If the infection reaches the bone, it can spread throughout the body and affect vital organs. This can result in serious illness for the cat.

Should you take your pet to the vet or remove tartar yourself?

A visit to the veterinarian is recommended if you notice symptoms that may indicate tartar. If your cat is prone to tartar, it's best to discuss with your veterinarian how to prevent it and how often professional tartar removal should be performed.

Our tip: The earlier you start caring for your cat's teeth, the longer they will remain in good condition.

In addition to treatment by a veterinarian, there are now also options to remove tartar yourself. However, there is a risk of slipping and injuring the oral mucosa, gums, or tooth enamel. This can create microscopic grooves in the tooth where bacteria can easily accumulate, leading to new tartar forming quickly.

There are also special dental gels for cats that can dissolve or remove plaque within a few weeks. If you choose this method, it needs to be applied over a longer period of time. Watch out for allergic reactions or intolerances in your cat.

Prevent tartar in cats with good dental care

To keep your cat's teeth shining in healthy white for a long time, you should effectively prevent tartar buildup. This way, you give your family member a better quality of life.

If wet food is the cause, for example, you can offer more dry food. Sugary food should be completely eliminated from the diet. Also make sure that your cat drinks enough.

Another option for dental care we offer you with our 'Sea Treasure'.

“Sea Treasure” dental care for cats

Our dental care product "Sea Treasure" contributes to healthy oral hygiene. The natural powder is made from algae, silica, and chamomile flowers, and can easily be used as a dietary supplement mixed into food.

The cat's saliva is optimized by dental care, so that plaque softens or even loosens on its own. You can then easily remove it.

The "Sea Treasure" supports daily dental care and helps prevent and remove plaque. It can also help reduce bad breath.

Feele's dental care is also ideal for cats with food intolerances. It is easy to use and requires no additional time. We recommend using the "Sea Treasure" as a treatment every 3 months for 10 to 14 days.

Advantages of “sea treasure” at a glance:

• 100% natural
• grain-free
• cleans the teeth
• cares for the gums
• prevents plaque buildup
• helps with bad breath
• easily digestible
• Also ideal for feed intolerances
• for all cat breeds
• Suitable for all ages (including kittens)
• easy to use

FAQs about tartar in cats

What can I do if my cat has tartar?

It is better to take your cat to the vet sooner rather than later and have the cause professionally diagnosed. The vet can remove the tartar, but there are also ways to take care of it yourself.

How can I prevent tartar build-up in my cat?

Always ensure that your cat has a species-appropriate diet. Dry food and sufficient fresh water should also always be available for dental care. You can also establish a dental care routine with your cat, such as brushing its teeth or giving it dietary supplements that specifically combat plaque.