Natural Cat Tartar Prevention

Tartar, a build-up of bacteria and food particles that mineralize on the teeth, begins as plaque, a soft white or yellow coating at the gumline. If not removed, plaque continues to accumulate and hardens to form tartar, a dark yellow or brown substance that is difficult to remove. Tartar causes gingivitis, or inflamed and irritated gums. Gingivitis causes the gums to separate from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria growth leads to periodontal disease, abscesses and tooth loss. Removing plaque to prevent tartar buildup helps prevent periodontal disease and maintain oral health.

  1. Diet

    • Tartar control diets are a high-fiber dry kibble.

      Dry tartar-control diets help prevent tartar build-up in three ways. First, the larger sized kibble requires more mastication, or chewing, before swallowing. Second, the kibble is very hard and dense. The teeth must penetrate the kibble more fully to break it apart. Third, the kibble contains higher levels of fiber, which have abrasive properties that prevent food particles from sticking to the teeth. The Veterinary Oral Health Council certifies effective tartar-control diets and treats, which display the VOHC seal on the package.

    Brushing Your Cat's Teeth

    • Regular brushing removes plaque manually. The easiest way to brush a cat's teeth is to wipe the tooth surface daily with a thin, damp washcloth wrapped around your index finger. Alternatively, brush your cat's teeth every few days with a cat toothbrush and toothpaste. Fingertip toothbrushes that slide over your finger and have soft, rubber bristles are the easiest to use.

    Raw Bones

    • Veterinarians Will Falconer of Austin, Texas, and Tom Lonsdale of the University of Sydney recommend feeding cats raw, meaty bones daily for oral health. Cats who chew raw bones must work their jaws to gnaw the meat and marrow from the bone, creating a natural toothbrush and tooth polisher. Falconer and Lonsdale both assert that virtually all cats who consume raw bones daily have white teeth, healthy pink gums and fresh-smelling breath. Raw bones appropriate for cats include fresh chicken necks and wings, which the cat can completely consume. Cats should not be fed cooked bones because they are more likely to splinter. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association cautions pet owners that feeding raw meat contaminated with bacteria harmful to humans can result in a pet shedding the bacteria in its feces. The American Veterinary Medical Association also cautions against feeding raw meat to pets because of the risk to pet owners associated with handling raw meat. Cat owners who decide to feed raw bones should follow safe handling practices, use gloves when cleaning the litter box and prevent children from handling raw meat and cat feces.

    Removing Tartar: Cat Dentals

    • When plaque turns into tartar buildup, a veterinary dental cleaning is the only way to remove it. During the procedure, the cat is anesthetized and plaque is scraped from the teeth at and under the gum line with a metal scaler.