February is Dental Health Month.

I, Tang, have beautiful teeth … at least I do now. Last year my humans found a tooth with a resorptive lesion (aka – cavity)!! I was mortified – me, perfect me … not perfect!!

My humans took care of me – they removed the diseased tooth and cleaned the rest of my teeth (under anesthetic of course – I won’t tolerate all the probing and squirting they have to do in the mouth).

Over 80% of cats over the age of 3 have some dental disease. It may be mild tartar and gingivitis, or a resorptive lesion, or it may be severe tartar, gingivitis, infection and periodontal disease (ouch).

Mild disease can be treated by a human at home. Brushing daily is the BEST way to keep our mouths healthy (I don’t let my humans do this but you might). Dental diets (those proven with research will have a mark/stamp from the VOHC – Veterinary Oral Health Council) may help. Most treats don’t do anything for feline teeth and gums.

Moderate to severe disease usually needs veterinary intervention. Dental cleaning (aka – a prophy) under anesthetic is the first step. If unhealthy teeth exist, the vet will usually xray the teeth and determine if there is a need to be extract.

Because I don’t let my humans brush my teeth I need a cleaning every couple of years.

Get your human to take you to your vet for a dental check up. Then they can make a plan for your teeth – brushing, a prophy, or maybe 14K gold grillz …

Yours truly,

Tangerang

My staff had a busy summer with clinic renovations. They expanded so I could have more room (to sleep, eat, sleep, etc. etc.). The clinic was in chaos for a while but my people are finally back to their normal worship of me. Please come by the clinic to see the changes (and me).

I had a shocking experience last month. I went to the Edmonton Cat Show. I was horrified to find that I am NOT the only beautiful and wonderful cat in the world. I hissed at the judges to try to convey my feelings. I guess no more cat shows for me. I prefer my world at the clinic where I am the centre of the universe.

Winter is coming so I have started to nap in the laundry room in MY laundry basket. Sophie has taken to stealing one of my napping spots by the front window … I guess I will let her … it was her birthday this month so I will be nice (plus I am too much of a chicken to stand up to her). Only 61/2 months until my birthday!! Yeah ME!!!

Tang

I have to put up with humans being annoyingly noisy lately.  The clinic is being renovated and expanded (moving into the shop next door).  I have tolerated the noisy and messy humans because I can’t wait for the end result.  More room for ME!

Some of my slaves have also had the nerve to not be here every day. These “holidays” are really cramping my lifestyle…how they can put their lives and families before me is a mystery.  I find it difficult to get through a day with less people to worship my greatness.

Another cramp in my lifestyle is the fact that I have roommates.  I have learned to co-exist with Sophie.  Sophie ignores me, I ignore her.  She smacks me if I get in her face…but what she doesn’t know is that I steal her food while she naps.  For the most part, this relationship works for us.

I do not appreciate having to share my humans with another cat!  The foster cat, Jazz, is too cute for my liking.  He is supposed to find a new home and then I will be the centre of attention again.  If you are reading this, and you of know someone whom might be interested in adopting Jazz, please let my humans knows…Ah, I dream of the day I can have my life back.

I need to get back to work … grooming myself is such a difficult job, you know.  I think I will have to take a nap before that though.  One should always be well rested to perform such delicate tasks.

-Tang

Spring has sprung so I am shedding more than ever!

Oh well, it just means my humans will have to work a little harder … after all, it is their job to take care of me. In exchange for their servitude, I bless them with my presence.

April 26 was Pet Parent Day … I did NOT get my humans a card. That’s something a dog would do.

To mark the special occasion, the clinic had a photo contest … for the cats of course (no human photos allowed). I am lodging an official protest that I was not awarded any prizes. I am the best most beautiful feline in the world … I am the best anything in the world!! My humans said something about a conflict of interest … as if I even care what that means.

Here are the cats who won …. I’m going to go shed on the chairs now.

Tang

Today, I am going to discuss teeth … the tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth…

We felines can have dental disease. Some of us are born with it … some vets think there is a genetic predisposition to some problems (ie: you can blame your parents). Gingivitis has several causes including immune mediated, viral (FeLV, FIV, calicivirus), and juvenile. Some dental disease develops over time … bacteria > plaque > tartar > gingivitis > owie > infection > tooth loss

What can we do about it???

The best thing is to teach your human to brush your teeth. IF your human is incapable of brushing your teeth (it is so hard to find good slaves these days) you can consider eating a dental diet. I recommend one with the VOHC stamp (veterinary oral health council). There are only 2-3 diets with this stamp … it means the diet is proven to help plaque/tartar/gingivitis. Just because a diet has dental or oral on the label does not mean it will help … there is more marketing than science on most labels.

BRUSHING IS BETTER … please order your human to at least try brushing your teeth … there are many flavors of kitty toothpaste (beef, chicken, seafood, etc.) that you might like …

You need to let your human have the vet look at your teeth regularly. Your vet can assess the level of gingivitis and tartar and alert your owner to the presence of resorptive lesions (kinda like cavities at the gum line but its not due to sweets). RL’s can be painful. We do not know for certain what causes them. The treatment is usually to extract the tooth if it is causing discomfort. Better to have no tooth than a painful tooth!

Well, time to lick my bum. Goodbye.

TANG

By age seven, we cats are middle aged (like a 45 year old human!).

By age twelve, we kitties are seniors (like a 65 year old human!).

As we age, medical problems become more likely. Thyroid disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease and cancers become more common as we age. Routine exams (including a weight check) and blood tests can help detect these problems.

I know how most of you fellow felines feel about the vet clinic. Its really not that bad here … if you pretend to like the vet, they will give you treats.

Older cats are also more likely to develop hair/coat problems (matting, etc.) and toenail issues (ingrown toenails, waxy toe jam, etc.).

Elderly felines can have arthritis. We kitties are not as wimpy as dogs so we do not always limp. Your human may notice you are stiff when you get up after one of your 20 daily naps. You might be a little slow going up and down stairs. Some of you may have trouble getting into the potty box if the edges are high.

Have your human speak to your vet about arthritis treatments. If you are plump, join weight watchers. Glucosamine can help if you find a tasty form of it. Anti-inflammatories can help but NEVER use your owner’s meds – human medicine can be very toxic … ASK your vet!

Well, I am bored now so I am going to ignore you.

Tang

We can also be reached by email catvet@glenoracatclinic.com
Please do not email in case of emergency.
Call us at 780-453-6666

Look for more information on here soon.

Directions

Fairwoods Shopping Centre

12230-107 Avenue

Edmonton Albera

T5M 4A8

Our Hours of Operation are: