Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for your cat’s overall health and well-being. Regular toothbrushing provides an opportunity to monitor your cat’s oral health. Look out for signs of dental problems, including: bad breath, red or swollen gums, tooth discoloration or tartar buildup.

  1. Choose the Right Tools:
    • A soft-bristled toothbrush or finger brush designed specifically for cats
    • Veterinary-approved cat toothpaste in a flavor your cat enjoys, such as poultry or seafood
  2. Introduce Toothbrushing Gradually:
    • Begin by getting your cat comfortable with having their mouth touched. Gently lift their lips and massage their gums with your finger.
    •  Allow your cat to sniff and lick the toothpaste to become familiar with the taste.
    • Practice touching the toothbrush to your cat’s teeth and gums without applying pressure to get them accustomed to the sensation.
  3. Establish a Routine: Consistency is key when it comes to brushing your cat’s teeth. 
    • Aim to brush your cat’s teeth at least three times a week for optimal dental health.
    • Choose a time when your cat is relaxed, such as after a meal or a play session.
    • Start with short brushing sessions, gradually increasing the duration as your cat becomes more comfortable.
  4. Technique: When it’s time to brush your cat’s teeth, follow these steps for an effective technique:
    • Lift your cat’s lips and gently brush the outer surfaces of their teeth and gums using a circular motion.
    • Focus on the areas where plaque and tartar tend to accumulate, such as the back molars and along the gumline.
    • Avoid brushing aggressively or forcing your cat if they resist. Be patient and offer plenty of praise and treats for cooperation.

Grooming

Regular grooming is a crucial aspect of their overall health and well-being.

Regular grooming helps prevent matting, which occurs when loose fur becomes tangled and forms knots. Matting can be uncomfortable and even painful, leading to skin irritation and restricted movement. It reduces shedding, by removing loose fur from your cat’s coat, you are reducing the amount of hair they shed around your home. Helps in maintaining healthy skin, regular brushing stimulates blood circulation to the skin, distributes natural oils and removes dead skin cells, promoting a healthy coat and skin. Prevents hairballs, cats ingest loose fur while grooming themselves, which can accumulate in their digestive tract and lead to hairballs.

Regular grooming is a crucial aspect of their overall health and well-being. It can even help you detect health issues as you will have the opportunity to inspect for skin abnormalities such as lumps, wounds or parasites. 

 

Cat Grooming tips:

  1. Brushing: Start by gently brushing your cat’s fur in the direction of growth, paying extra attention to areas prone to matting such as behind the ears and under the armpits. Use a comb to remove any stubborn knots or tangles. I recommend using a gentle everyday grooming brush and NO de-shedding tools as these could damage your Maine Coon's undercoat.
  2. Nail Trimming: Keeping their claws trimmed will prevent them from becoming overgrown or ingrown. Use a pair of cat-specific nail clippers and trim only the tip of the nail, avoiding the quick (the pink portion that contains blood vessels and nerves).
  3. Ear Cleaning: Check your cat’s ears regularly for wax buildup or signs of infection. Use a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball to gently wipe the outer ear, avoiding the ear canal. If you notice any discharge, foul odor, or redness, consult your veterinarian.