Toothpaste Revisited

Moki (who lives with Gardener) asked me about toothpaste. Moki - you will wish you never did.  I had some toothache but I hide these things well until it all became a bit much for me.  That was years ago and then I was really really really unwell and I had to be rushed to hospital and get 'switched off' as Moki put it.  When I woke up the pain was gone but there were a couple of teeth missing.

I heard the V-E-T explain to my human that some cats don't produce the enzymes in their salvia to inhibit the build up of plaque on their teeth and they are prone to mouth infections as a result.  My humans were told to use an enzyme paste on me - it doesn't involve brushing thanks goodness for all of us or we would have ceased to be friends a long time ago.  They were told by the V-E-T that they simply had to get it into my mouth (which they do by wiping a loaded cotton bud around under my top lip).

The toothpaste is allegedly fish flavoured.  I hate fish.  I don't get on with the toothpaste but I have learned to suffer it because I get treats afterwards.  My humans were told they could just put it on my paws and wait for me to lick it off.  They realized that would just make messy paws.  I wouldn't lick it.  If Mr B gets toothpaste on my shirt (in my hair, behind my ears... he is a bit kak-handed with it), I leave it there until it dries white and F spots it and cleans it away.

Moki you shouldn't have asked.  I bet your human will read this.  It might put her off if I say that the toothpaste is not a miracle cure.  I still have to get my teeth checked from time to time and sometimes the V-E-T flicks off a bit of scale with a pair of tong things.  No 'switching off' involved.  It has definitely slowed the rate at which I develop inflamed gums and mouth infections, and F watches me like a hawk when I am eating so if I do favour chewing on one side .... it is off to the V-E-T for me.

Selfie 

Comments

  1. I’m not a fan of dentists. So I guess like you I just have to keep looking after my teeth to try and avoid expensive and painful procedures Angela

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  2. You have a great caregiver there, ole Tigger.

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  3. after reading this I can see that felines can be as expensive as canines and have as many different illnesses as the dogs, just different. UMMM a cat that doesn't like fish?? have you not seen all the cartoons that involve cats and the eating of fish?? of course I am reminding myself you are not the Average Feline! love you Tigger. Wish I could meet you.

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    1. Oh yeah, felines have their medical issues too. V-E-T says that unlike k9s we hide our pain and weaknesses which makes us pretty darned ill by the time someone notices we are no longer coping.

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  4. Hari OM
    My word - the things one reads on blogs... who knew pawsonal hygiene for cats could be so interesting! Hugs and whiskeries, YAM-aunty xxx

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  5. Tigger dear, be so thankful your humans care for you so much. Imagine the struggle if you had to get by with no teeth (I don't believe they make dentures for cats yet). I love your selfie photo :) xx

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    1. V-E-T said I'd be fine without teeth. Fortunately my humans don't agree, unfortunately that means daily toothpaste.

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  6. Well I think the less said about toothpaste the better....
    Toodle-oo!
    Nobby.

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  7. Toothpaste and felines are not a good combination! Arilx

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  8. I don't know if you can buy them here but here we have dental treats for cats and dogs, my 4 love them. Mr Tiger has been told by our vets that he needs a teeth clean and an extraction in March so his need a bit of work too.

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