Cats in the wild are some of the most incredible creatures in nature, and they have a number of adaptations that help them survive and thrive. One of the most important of these is their dental care routine, which is something that most people don’t think about. While cats in the wild don’t have access to toothbrushes, they still have to keep their teeth clean and healthy. So, how do cats in the wild clean their teeth? The answer is actually quite simple: they use their diet and natural grooming habits to keep their teeth clean.
Introduction
Table of Contents
Cats are incredibly clean animals, which is why we often see them grooming themselves for long periods of time. Cats in the wild, however, have limited access to the same grooming tools that domesticated cats have. So, how do cats in the wild clean their teeth? This article will explore the various ways wild cats keep their teeth clean, healthy, and free of plaque and other oral diseases.
Cat Anatomy and Teeth Cleaning
Cats have 30 teeth in their jaws, including 12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars, and 4 molars. These teeth are important for a variety of functions, including meat-eating and grooming. To keep their teeth clean, cats use their tongues and lips to remove food particles and bacteria. This process is known as “tongue-cleaning” or “licking”.
Cat Diet and Teeth Cleaning
The type of diet a cat eats can also affect the cleanliness of their teeth. Cats that eat mostly soft foods will have less tartar buildup and fewer cavities. On the other hand, cats that eat hard foods like kibble or raw meat will need to do more tongue-cleaning to remove plaque from their teeth. Additionally, cats that eat a lot of fish may have more plaque due to the high-fat content in fish.
Chewing and Teeth Cleaning
Chewing is another important part of a cat’s dental hygiene. Chewing helps to keep the gums and teeth clean by removing food particles and bacteria. This also helps cats to wear down their claws, which can become overgrown if they don’t get enough exercise. Wild cats will chew on bones, sticks, and grass to clean their teeth.
Cleaning Tools
Cats in the wild do not have access to the same cleaning tools that domesticated cats have. However, they do have a few tools that can help them keep their teeth clean. Grass and sticks can act as natural toothbrushes and help to remove plaque from a cat’s teeth. Additionally, cats will chew on small rocks and pebbles to clean their teeth.
Oral Hygiene Products
In addition to the natural cleaning tools mentioned above, cats in the wild can also benefit from oral hygiene products. These products come in a variety of forms, including gels, sprays, and chewable treats. Oral hygiene products can help to remove plaque and tartar buildup, as well as freshen a cat’s breath.
Conclusion
Cats in the wild have limited access to the grooming tools that domesticated cats have. However, they do have a few natural methods and oral hygiene products that can help them keep their teeth clean. By using these methods, cats in the wild can maintain healthy teeth and gums and avoid oral diseases.
## Common Myths About Cats and Teeth Cleaning
Myth: Cats in the wild don’t need to clean their teeth.
Fact: Cats in the wild may not brush their teeth as often as domestic cats, but they still need regular dental care. Cats in the wild consume a diet that includes small prey such as mice and birds, which contain bones and fur that can get stuck in their teeth. Additionally, cats in the wild groom themselves, which can help dislodge food particles and plaque from their teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do cats in the wild clean their teeth?
Answer: Cats in the wild clean their teeth by chewing on bones, raw meat, and other tough items that help scrape off plaque and tartar from their teeth. Additionally, cats in the wild will often groom themselves, which helps keep their teeth clean and free from plaque buildup.
Do cats in the wild have dental problems?
Answer: Yes, cats in the wild can have dental problems just like domestic cats. Dental issues are often caused by poor nutrition, as well as not having access to proper dental care. Cats in the wild can develop periodontal disease, cavities, and tooth decay if their diet is not sufficient or they do not have access to regular dental check-ups.
Conclusion
.
Wild cats keep their teeth clean and healthy by using their tongues, lips and diet to remove food particles and bacteria. They also chew on bones, sticks, and grass to help clean their teeth, and use small rocks and pebbles to help remove plaque. Cats in the wild can also benefit from natural cleaning tools such as grass and sticks, as well as oral hygiene products like gels, sprays and chewable treats. By using these methods, wild cats can maintain healthy teeth and gums and avoid oral diseases.
