Companion Animals

Companion Cat Dental Disease Prevention Lifetime

A lifetime approach to preventing dental disease in cats, starting from kittenhood through to geriatric care.

Key Facts

Dental disease is the most common health problem in cats over three years of age
Daily tooth brushing started in kittenhood is the most effective prevention
Annual professional dental assessment under anaesthesia catches early disease
Dental diets and chews provide partial benefit but do not replace brushing
Severe dental disease causes chronic pain that significantly reduces quality of life

Welfare Considerations

Dental pain is pervasive but often invisible in cats. A lifetime approach to dental health, beginning in kittenhood, can largely prevent the chronic suffering associated with untreated periodontal disease. Prevention is far less costly and more welfare-positive than treatment.

What You Can Do

Start tooth brushing with your kitten using specially formulated feline toothpaste
Request dental assessment at every annual veterinary health check
Use VOHC-approved dental products as supplements to brushing