Cats are susceptible to plaque build-up on teeth which can lead to gum problems and ultimately loss of teeth. In cats, plaque accumulates mostly on the outer side of the upper teeth. If your cat’s gums are red and irritated, plaque is a factor. Once plaque hardens, it must be removed by a veterinarian, often with the cat under general anesthesia. You can prevent this costly and uncomfortable procedure by brushing your cat’s teeth at home.

What you’ll need. Use a soft child-sized toothbrush. Cat toothpaste is available, but dry brushing works well too. Establish a weekly brushing schedule. Cats won’t be fond of this at first, but will gradually become used to the process.

Breath check. If your cat’s breath smells different, it could indicate a problem. Diet could be the culprit, so make sure your cat is getting a balanced diet to reduce the chance of bad breath. Red puffy gums and odor during teething (around 6 months) is a temporary situation and not a cause for concern, but red puffy gums not associated with teething is a sign of gum infection or gingivitis which requires treatment. An abscessed tooth will produce odor, and possibly drooling. Get to the vet, as an untreated infection could spread to your cat’s sinuses.

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