Is getting a cats teeth cleaned really necessary?

My vet says that my cat who is about 10 needs to have his teeth cleaned, but it costs a ton of money. Just wondering if others have had this done, or if people didn't and regretted it later.

Is getting a cats teeth cleaned really necessary?
oh my gosh yes they do need to have their teeth cleaned! Although cats can't get cavities, they can get infections of the gums , this can lead to tooth loss which will make eating painful as well as difficult. Infections of the roots can travel into the sinuses and effect their breathing. And it has been recently found ( in humans too) that gum disease can lead to heart problems. Do your sweet kitty a favor and get it's teeth cleaned, it is a quick and painless pocedure, and I'll bet it is the bloodwork that needs to be done to keep you "senior" kitty safe is a big part of the expense not the cleaning itself.
Reply:I had it done after he was a year old, I could see the plaque build up, after another year I did it again. I never ever had my dogs teeth cleaned and he lived to be 13yrs old and had all his teeth, I don't think I'll do it again unless really bad. I guess it does help but its expensive, I will continue to try and brush his teeth best I can.
Reply:Yes, it's like asking, "Is getting dentist checkups really necessary?" Cats can get toothaches, gum disease, and loose teeth (which they are not supposed to get) among many things. Also, it is best to do what your vet advises. However, after this teeth cleaning, just brush your cat's teeth every few days or so and take care of his teeth and gums.
Reply:no, I have 3 cats, 2 are 12 years old never had them cleaned they are fine, depends what they eat I suppose, stictly fancy feast cans ( 1 a week) and purina dry
Reply:Yes. You should start when thay are about 3 years old or sooner if they need it. It is recommended that you have their teeth cleaned yearly, just like humans. The cats mouth is the gateway to the body. Tarter build-up and infection of the gums and mouth can lead to other problems within the body! You should ask your vwterinarian about this if he or she did not go over it with you! Since your cat is older, I would strongly recommed, and i am sure your veterinarian has also, you have a blood test done before it is put under anesthesia! You want to make sure all of the organs are functioning properly so there is less of a risk. Have you asked your vet about no anesthesia dental? It is safer for older cats. It may also run you cheaper. The only thing is that the teeth are not cleaned as well. Reasons being, they are fully awake, Not 100% cooperative! At least the big chunks of tarter can be cracked away. Hope this helped.
Reply:YES! Pay close attention to what "GoldDigger" said... I couldn't have said it any better! For health reasons my friend, and if you LOVE your cat, it's worth every penny. And it sure makes their breath smell better too! :)


OH... and about a human not doing and regretting it? A friend of mine's grandmother actually died from lack of care to her teeth... bacterial infection which affected the heart. I didn't know her personally, but, I can almost bet that she regretted it.
Reply:yes, do take cats in for teeth cleaning, baterial infections can kill your pet and or make it suffer in later years in life resulting in more expensive treatments, like teeth pulled and other medical problems, also don't listen to ezdawd, he feeds his cat one can of fancy feast a week and the rest dry? How ingnoant, how would he like to eat strictly dry food? This can cause serious urinary and kidney problems. Must feed them at least 2 servings a day of canned food, and keep a bowl of dry to munch on and it helps their teeth too! I feed mine a half can twice daily, sometimes more, like if I am up late or I give them tender vittles and treats, they have cravings and desires too. And the love you get back, Oh my, a friend that will always love and care for youalways is what you have......
Reply:Yes cats need dental care just like you do.





Kitty will thank you :o)
Reply:A couple years ago I asked my vet about cleaning my cats teeth and he said it really wasn't necessary if there didn't appear to be a build up of tartar. He said whether a cat has build up or not is dependant on his genes. If your cat has build up I would take the time to clean them. There are special brushes out there you can do yourself. If he doesn't have a problem with build up you should be fine
Reply:as my cat gets older, her breath is gradually becoming stinky. it is best to lightly brush your cat's teeth sometimes to get rid of cat food breath and plaque. especially if you give him/her wet food. ask your vet for more info.