We all love our feline companions for their gentle purrs, quirky personalities, and playful antics. However, there's an aspect of their health that often goes unnoticed but demands our attention—dental care.
Dental disease affects a significant number of cats, with estimates showing that between 60% to 85% of cats experience some form of dental issues by the age of 3 years old.
At Maneki Neko Cat Rescue, we have witnessed the impact of dental disease on cats who come to us for shelter and care. A number of these cats require dental procedures, ranging from a simple scale and polish to more complex and expensive treatments such as extractions or even full mouth extractions with ongoing medication.
These necessary dental interventions can cost anywhere from $350 to $1500 per cat, making it challenging for us to provide all the care they need without the support of our community.
Cats, like humans, have two sets of teeth in their lifetime. The baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, emerge within the first two months of their life, totalling 26 teeth. By the age of 3 to 6 months, the adult teeth replace the baby teeth, and by 7 months old, all 30 adult teeth should have come in.
Despite the significance of their dental health, felines are not immune to dental problems that can lead to severe discomfort and pain. Dental health not only impacts their ability to eat and groom but also affects their overall quality of life.
Dental problems can take various forms, and our feline friends are susceptible to several oral issues, including:
1. Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums in the presence of bacteria, which can cause discomfort and pain.
2. Endodontic Disease: Inflammation of the dental pulp, affecting the innermost part of the tooth.
3. Periodontal Disease: This condition occurs due to a build-up of plaque on the teeth, leading to the formation of pockets between gums and teeth, and often resulting in bone loss.
4. Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions: A painful condition where the tooth structure is broken down for an unknown reason, affecting a considerable number of cats.
5. Tooth Abscess: A collection of pus around the tooth caused by bacterial infection.
6. Stomatitis: Severe inflammation of the gums and mouth, which can be a very painful and debilitating condition.
Addressing these dental issues is crucial to ensuring the well-being and comfort of our feline friends.
We are reaching out to our compassionate supporters to seek assistance in the form of sponsoring or donating towards dental procedures for the cats in our care.
Every dollar donated will go towards covering the costs of dental treatments, including cleanings, extractions, and medications as needed.
Every cat deserves a happy and pain-free life, and your support can make that a reality.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the well-being of our feline friends.
Donate at www.neko.org.au/donate use the reference 'SMILE'