Periodontal Disease Prevention in Cats

Most observant practitioners would agree that there is a greater incidence of periodontal disease in purebred cats, especially Oriental breeds. It becomes apparent even at the early age of 8-16 weeks with the development of a more than average gingivitis and halitosis of teething. This early stage periodontal disease persists and at best does not deteriorate any further, but all too often worsens.

It has been stated that these breeds are "more prone" to developing mouth problems, with an unwritten conclusion that periodontal disease cannot be prevented in these breeds.

As a practitioner may I take this opportunity to record my observations regarding this problem. It is common practice for breeders to wean their kittens onto raw lean mince, and dry commercial biscuits.

It is my conclusion that it is this diet that leads to the problem. Two factors influence the development of the disease:

1. The mushiness of the mince gives nothing hard for the kitten to teeth upon.
2. The imbalance of the diet, especially the low calcium level in the meat only diet.

With gentle persuasion I have many breeders weaning onto raw chicken mince which has ground up bones included thus correcting the calcium imbalance. From four weeks of age raw chicken necks (without the skin) are offered.

Within 3-4 days the kittens are able to consume the whole chicken neck. This of course strengthens their jaw muscles, and more importantly strengthens the periodontal ligaments. Chewing the hard bones over an extended eating period is also important for plaque removal. Stop offering the chicken mince whenever they can consume adequate meat on the bone.

By the age of eight weeks these felines can be classified as adult cats at least from a dietary point of view.

The results speak for themselves. The gums are healthy, the natural gingivitis and halitosis of teething is totally reversed, and the kittens are extremely healthy. It is my experience that breeders are initially surprised but pleased with the improved health status of their kittens.

The early prevention of periodontal disease is essential and in my opinion more vital if ongoing prevention is to be accomplished by dietary means i.e. the raw meaty bone diet.

Despite some professional opinion to the contrary, periodontal disease can be prevented by dietary techniques and it is far from being an inevitable development for carnivores.

Try it and see for yourselves!

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