Caring for a cat is a very responsible task. In order for the animal to remain healthy and happy, you need to take care of its wool, curls and even teeth on a regular basis.
The formation and structure of the jaw
Most often, the cat's jaw is well developed and has one feature: its movement occurs only in the vertical direction. Entering food cats seemed to be cut with their sharp teeth. The upper and lower jaws have a symmetrical location relative to each other.
The structure of the teeth in the animal is almost the same as in humans. Each cat tooth has a pulp, dentin, dental enamel and root. The diagram of the placement of teeth at the cat is quite simple.
- 12 incisors are placed in front, which are designed for the most part in order to keep prey in grazing and cut food before swallowing.
- A little further are very long fangs: two of them are at the top, and two are below. They are intended to grind food, and also need cats for self-defense. In the attack of aggression, the cat can even contact the hand of man.
- Behind the fangs are premolars - these are short and fairly wide teeth. On each side there are 3 premolars from above and 2 below.
- The most extreme teeth are molars - are in the depths of the jaw. They are only 4 pieces: 2 from above and 2 below - one in each corner.
The first cutters are cut, then fangs are formed. It happens 1 month after the birth of the kitten. Immediately after their formation, and in some cases and at the same time with fangs, premolars begin to appear. The latter molars climb.
Number of teeth
The teeth of cats grow a little faster than a person. So, for example, without teeth, they live only 2-3 weeks after birth. If the cutters do not appear at this stage, it is already a reason for visiting the vet.In kittens
At first, the kittens appear dairy teeth. At this time, the pets can bite, as the gums are very squeezed. In addition, the saliva begins to actively stand out. And although usually people do not pay attention to this, The kitten suffers as well as the human child.
Therefore, those who cares about their cats, best to purchase Special painting agent in a veterinary pharmacy. They need to smear the seats of teeth. Already by 3 months in kittens, 26 dairy teeth appear, 14 of them are on the top of the jaw, and 12 - on the bottom.
In adult cats
After 120-160 days, the dairy teeth fall out and constant, in the same sequence as milk. The whole process of the formation of the jaw is completed by 8 months. An adult healthy cat should appear 30 healthy teeth . If their number is less or more, it is already considered a deviation from the existing norm.
Possible pathology
In cats, like people, various teeth problems may appear. In this case, it is best to turn to good specialists. There are veterinarians who specialize in dentistry.However, the owners themselves need to know about the basic problems that may arise from their wards.
Yellowness
Most people do not pay attention to it. However, experienced breeders or animal owners who participate in exhibitions immediately look after this moment. And it is completely correct, After all, this problem is nothing more than a dental stone that may appear from any animal.
The main reason is a curing of a dental fly, which slowly sends to the teeth of the pets, and then begins to destroy enamel. Subsequently, caries arises, and then the teeth fall out. In addition, this happens and when the cat is fed only with soft food. So that this does not happen, you can give a kitten of crackers, only without any chemical additives.
Dropping out
If we talk about this pathology, then there may be a lot of reasons:
- the slightest jaw injuries;
- The disease of the stomach, as well as the slowdown of metabolism in the cat;
- irregular treatment with antibiotics;
- any viral infections;
- Pet aging;
- Receiving some hormones.
In addition, not every host can immediately notice such a process. Only pay attention to such details when the cat begins to experience discomfort when taking food. At this time, saliva begins to stand out, and the gums swell.
Resorption
Such a pathological deviation, like teeth erosion, can occur both in young cats and in adults. Usually it is formed around the neck of the tooth, and sometimes even deeper. This problem manifests itself most often in cats with bad genetics.
Not only any owner is capable of noting the changes, but not every specialist. After all, the cats are very mobile and it is difficult for them to sit in one place so that they are examined. Therefore, if there is no concrete complaint about such a problem, it is unlikely that the doctor will hardly delay his attention on this.
Often you can see between the teeth of the animal something resembling chewing gum. This born gum fabric, naturally, is not good in this. Immediately after the detection of such a deviation, you need to quickly contact the specialist in order to prevent the dental falling into the future. Damaged teeth must be removed, since the treatment in this case will be just useless.
Perodontosis
Most often, such a problem appears as a result of a lack of vitamins or due to problems with the stomach. First, the teeth begin to creak and wander, and then they can even start falling out. Treatment must be carried out only under anesthesia Since any touch will be very painful not only for a kitten, but also for a person, because during an inspection, a cat can scratch it.
Age-related changes
The first changes in cats occur when the dairy teeth change to permanent. It begins to occur in a period of approximately 5 to 8 months after their birth. 2 years later, the lower cutters begin to wear. It is almost impossible to prevent such a process. However, it is possible to delay a little time if you provide the correct care for them.
Approximately 10-11 years of life in animals can fall out several teeth. This is considered the norm.
How to determine the age of teeth?
As the teeth are changed by the cat, you can determine the age of the animal. This can be done according to the following signs:
- When the cat is 1 year old, it must have 30 white healthy teeth;
- After 1.5 years, yellow appears;
- In 2 years of age, the central cutters located on the lower jaw begin to be stitched;
- In 3 years, the central cutters of the upper jaw are erased;
- For 5-year-old pets, a dark bloom is characterized practically in all teeth;
- Upon reaching 8 years, the cats erased all the upper and lower cutters;
- At 10 years begins the fallout of the cutters in the lower jaw;
- After 13 years, the cat may not be a single cutter;
- After 15 years, fangs completely fall out.
The older the animal, the brighter the yellowness of the teeth will be expressed.
Recommendations for care
In order for the teeth of animals as long as possible in good condition, it is necessary to ensure proper care, as well as to pay special attention to feeding their pets. After all, healthy teeth will help properly chew all the incoming food. And if you brush your teeth on time, it will warn the appearance of a dental stone.Feeding
It is very important to properly feed your pets. It is necessary that their diet be completely balanced, that is, it included all the necessary vitamins and minerals. This is especially important during the growth of the animal, because at this time its bone tissue is fully formed. And this will allow cats in the future to have healthy strong teeth.
If the feed is used by the store, it is not necessary to give the vitamins, especially if the nutrition is characterized by high quality. Such food can be purchased only in specialized veterinary pharmacies. If you buy food in supermarkets, then it is best to immediately acquire vitamins, since they can be not enough in the composition.
Those who use natural feed, it is recommended to refer to the vet so that it prescribes the pet extraction of vitamins. It is not worth noting them yourself, because hypervitaminosis is the same problem as vitaminosis.
Water
With it, you can perfectly clean the cavity of the cat's mouth. The irrigation of the grazing allows you to wash off all the appeared bacteria. Therefore, it is better if the water will always be in the area of access of a beloved pet. It is advisable to change it several times a day, water must be clean. In addition, it is important to wash the bowl every time before water is poured.
Hygiene
An important role is played by the oral hygiene. And because the toothbrush needs a cat no less than a person. However, to use toothpaste, which is intended for people, is better not worth it. In veterinary pharmacies or pet stores, you can purchase a toothbrush and paste, which are designed for cats. If there were no such goods in urban stores, you can order them on a specialized site.
The process of cleaning the teeth is almost no different from the usual person. It is necessary to remove all pollution. It is necessary to clean from the density of the teeth, not in a hurry.
It is necessary to conduct such a procedure 2-3 times a week. Starting to teach a kitten from childhood. Only in this case, an adult cat or a cat will sit quietly during such a procedure.
However, if an animal has some kind of teeth, then Clean them best under anesthesia, because it can cause it painful sensations. Accordingly, the cat can or scratch a person, or even bite it. To clean the cleaning procedure happened more painlessly, the brush is best taken for children. In addition, you can use a bandik, which you need to wind on your finger, and then spend your pets on your teeth. This complete cleaning will not replace, but in this case will be more calm.
Summing up, we can say that The teeth for the cat are no less important than for a person. Therefore, so that they are always healthy, it is necessary to take care of their cleanliness. In addition, you should not forget about vitamins that will help them remain as as long as possible.
On how to brush your cat's teeth, you can see in the following video.