Your Cat's Dental Health

It is so important to remember not to ignore your cat's dental health.

Veterinarians say that cats can start showing signs of periodontal disease (gum disease) by the age of 3. And unless you are dedicated enough to brush your cat's teeth at home, periodontal disease will progress.

The key to management of gum disease is Prevention, Prevention, Prevention!!!!

Brushing should start when your cat  is young and more agreeable.  Older cats will most likely fight you.

So when you are starting your brushing routine, start by letting the young cat lick the toothpaste off your finger.  Let them get used to the taste.  Do not use human toothpaste for it may be harmful if swallowed.

I would stick to a soft brush made for cats. Or a finger brush.  Even then, make sure you are gentle and if the cat shows any signs of discomfort, stop, and make an appointment to see the Vet.

Special attention should be paid to the upper outer teeth (canines) since they do the most chewing.

Understand that it may take a couple weeks to get your cat used to the brushing routine. There are plenty of online videos to help you.

 There are oral rinses and gels but some cats do not like the taste of those.

In rare occasions special dental diets may be ordered by your Vet.  Remember: dental treats do not replace good oral care.

It is also very important to have yearly dental exams done by your Vet.  They can catch early signs of gum disease.  If necessary, anesthesia may be required to remove plaque and tartar as well as extracting decayed teeth.

Here's a site that lists approved dental foods and treats :

(http://www.vohc.org)

On a personal note; previously on this blog I wrote about our cat, Mutchka.  Mutchka was found when he was very, very tiny and malnourished.  He had been deprived of his mother's milk and due to the lack of calcium and other required nourishment as a baby, he had terrible teeth.  He had some early decay and other problems.  He had to have several teeth filled and a few pulled.

Would I do this again even though it was an unexpected expense? Yes!  I would.  Mutchka was otherwise healthy and lived to the age of 18.  A beautiful white cat with gorgeous blue eyes.

https://icatcare.org/advice/how-to-brush-your-cats-teeth/

Memorializing Your Furry Friends

 

I know this isn't for everyone but I thought I would just throw it out there anyway in case someone is interested.  

Here is CC's wooden memorial box with her ashes. And a ceramic mold of her paw (Paw Print).

CC

When we had to put CC to sleep last July we decided to have her cremated.  

The Vet was so compassionate and allowed me to hold CC while she administered the medication.  It was a peaceful way for CC to pass on.  

We had been blessed with her company for 20 years.

Once my husband and I started taking in stray cats, we grew to love them so much that we did whatever was needed to keep them healthy.  That included yearly checkups, teeth cleaning, emergency care, etc.

We had 3 cats cremated. Since they were a huge part of our family we have no problem having their ashes on display in our home.

Ashes and Photos of:  CC, Buddy and Mutchka

Remember: You have options if your cat gets sick and needs to be euthanized.  Or if they die naturally. Your Veterinarian will guide you and explain your choices. 

This time our Vet took care of everything. The pet cemetery picked CC up from the hospital and returned her after the cremation in a modest cherry wood memorial box with the paw print. Our Vet had the prices as well and we paid there.

Buddy was euthanized and we took him to the cemetery ourselves.  They offered burial, cremation with burial or just cremation.  We chose cremation and wanted to take him home.

Mutchka died at home and we took him to the cemetery for cremation.  

You can buy a box or urn online, if you prefer, at sites like Amazon or Chewy.com.  Also, if you are limited on resources you have the choice of communal cremation ($30-70) vs. private ($60-150).  Some facilities will even allow you to be present for the cremation if you so wish.

Pet Cemeteries also offer private viewings in a chapel like setting with soft lighting, music, candles and flowers.  We did that with Mutchka.  It was quite lovely and peaceful.

Note: Do what is right for you.  Do what you can afford.  Don't feel pressured into making choices on the spot.  You can take a day or so and think about the options given to you.

Keepsakes

Do a simple online search to find lots of companies that can create items from cremated remains. 

• Jewelry can be created to store a small bit of your pet’s cremated remains. Some companies incorporate the remains into the jewelry itself. Others, like Eterneva, allow you to send in your cat's cremated remains and will turn them into customize memorial diamonds.

• Have a suncatcher made or another decorative item made of glass. 

• Consider checking out Etsy stores. Artists can create customized pieces.

• Turn your cat's ashes into cremation stones you can hold in your hand, with Parting Stone.

Let me know what you think and share your stories!

My Tractor

When I was a little girl in the 1950's my dad bought me this little pedal tractor.  I loved it.  We lived on a farm so it was natural that I would want to have a tractor like my dad.

It was very hard to drive it outside on grass and we didn't have paved roads so I drove it in our cellar.  It was a big cellar with plenty of room for me spend hours pedalling away.  I could ride it summer or winter.  It didn't matter.

My dad used to tease me that I was speeding and the police would come and give me a ticket.  I was too young to realize that was improbable since there was only one policeman/police chief and he worked shifts in the mill. When he was unavailable we would have to call the County Sheriff and their response usually took hours.  So I guess I was safe to go over the speed limit.  I was fearless.

Years later, in the early 70's, my niece discovered the need for speed.  She followed in her aunt's footsteps and took to the road (I mean cellar).

After my niece got older, my dad placed the tractor in storage.

A few years ago I discovered that my niece, who now lives in Georgia, has our beloved tractor. She sent me the photos and it brought back such great memories.  

It shows some wear and tear but that's only because we spent so much time on it.  We got lots of exercise due to that precious tractor.

My niece recently said she can't see herself parting with it.  I can understand.  I'm so glad it's still in our family.

Does anyone out there have a toy that has been handed down from generation to generation?  Would love to hear your stories.

 

Watch Out For Fanny!

Fanny most likely has a lot of Russian Blue in her lineage, so she shows traits such as enjoying jumping on your back or shoulder.

With such a cat you have to be alert when brushing your teeth because you never know when you'll have a cat on you.  

It helps to have someone home with you at these times since it is very difficult to get the cat off of your back. They won't go willingly. Trying to do it yourself will most likely leave you with bad scratch marks. The cat will extend their nails to maintain traction.  OUCH!

When on your shoulder they will rub up against your face and show you so much love.  That part is endearing.

Even when you sleep they will still try to be on you.

One thing for sure is that they will choose a favorite family member and there will be so much affection. They will be almost inseparable.  

In our case, my hubby has been the chosen one. As you can see from the photos, they have a very strong bond.

Fanny follows him everywhere, watches everything he does and must be as close to him as possible when he is watching TV.

They take naps together.  

I have noticed that she cries at the door if he is out of her sight for any length of time.  I have been told that she doesn't do that when I'm out of sight.  Hmmmm.

Well, be sure to follow this blog and please share any stories about unique traits your cat may have.

Until next time.....