Question:
I'm wondering what you think of cats having teeth cleanings under anesthesia. My vet said I should stop feeding my cats canned food and only give dry so teeth cleaning won't have to be done again. It is difficult for me to believe that canned food could be the cause of teeth going bad in cats. What do you think?.
J.K., Saratoga Springs, NY May 13, 2007
Answer:
Your question comes up frequently. Some pet-nutrition experts believe that dry food does not help keep cats' teeth clean. My position is that it may, but only give dry food as a treat, because an all-dry diet can contribute to chronic bladder and urinary-tract problems. This is because some cats do not drink enough water to properly regulate their fluid balance, resulting in highly concentrated urine that can damage the lower urinary tract.Giving cats raw, scalded (to kill bacteria) chicken skin and cartilaginous wing tips to chew on can help keep teeth clean. Cats and dogs get used to having their teeth brushed regularly, which, for many animals, is necessary. Thorough teeth cleaning under light anesthesia is a lifesaving must for many cats.
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