December 19th, 2011
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Kittens have 26 teeth, which start falling out between 3 and 4 months of age. Those baby teeth are replaced by 30 adult teeth — 12 tiny incisors, used mostly for grooming; four canines for catching and holding prey; 10 premolars designed for tearing meat off bones; and four molars far in the back of the mouth.
Unlike those of humans and dogs, cats’ jaws can move only in an up-and-down motion. The lack of side-to-side movement makes it impossible for cats to grind food, which is why they usually swallow kibble whole instead of chewing it. Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people. |
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and doesn’t stop. She starts meowing and then cuts it off xD
So what is the deal about the kibble that is supposed to help with dental health, e.g. Science Diet T/D? Is there anything other than brushing to help with keeping teeth and gums healthy?
Marketing, what else! Cat’s don’t chew like dogs don’t really chew, and even if so, the food can’t really clean teeth. And it is calorie dense. They do crunch a bit more with the Science Diet T/D or Oral as the kibble is larger, but as with anything else, getting puppies and kittens used to brushing, clipping, teeth brushing, etc. when young, hopefully these things will be fairly easy. Cats might tolerate even just gauze around a finger to wipe teeth; there are a few ways to do it.
OH! I guess I’ll stop trying to remind my Zoe to chew when I give her treats. I thought she was just gulping them down as fast as she could so I would keep giving her more.
Has anyone ever noticed that even cats with no teeth absolutely love their dry food and treats? They all swallow it whole anyway! Very seldom do I hear cats “crunching” on their kibbles or treats!
While we’re talking about cat’s mouths I must know, why is it that all kitties have breath that smells like fresh fish even when they hadn’t had any fishies??
I have a question-how bad is the bacteria in their mouths—even young very healthy cats?? I’d like to know because my darling loves to lick and kiss right up on my lips and inside if I let her!! Thanks,I haven’t become ill yet!
So, usually I have to a walka walka with Ruby to the food dish so she can do her crunch crunch with her dry cat food. Trust me, she chews.
Cats do not need their teeth brushed! That is nothing but a marketing ploy! I am 58 years old and I am not falling for that crap! It’s nothing but someone else with their hand out for YOUR MONEY!! Keep it in your pocket where it belongs! Shame on those preying on the gullibles.
Cats love catnip tea.