Dr Bruce Fogle DVM is well regarded as a vet and writer. In some ways he states the obvious when he recommends that domestic cats be fed chicken with the bones in place and to train cats to accept this from an early age. This is because a diet with bones is entirely natural. And the bones help to keep gums healthy. Do wild cats suffer from chronic gum disease like their domestic cousins? I think not.
The issue is that cat caregivers are normally very protective of their pets and fear that the bones may fragment and get stuck in the mouth or gullet. And there is the possibility of Salmonella poisoning. Dr. Fogle argues that these are low risk and the benefits outweigh the health risks.
Further, gum disease is a major health problem in domestic cats. It is in the top ten most common health issues. I am referring to oral health in general of which gum disease is the more prevalent.
One thing not mentioned in the infographic is cleaning a cat’s teeth because it is about diet to minimize gum disease. However, one cat also train a cat at an early age to accept teeth cleaning. Very few caregivers try this as they know that their cat will strongly object and become defensively aggressive. It is the fear of the cat’s weapons which puts cat owners off.
I have decided to provide readers the benefit of Dr. Bruce Fogle’s words on the subject of feeding bones to domestic cats as stated in his excellent book “Complete Cat Care”. He says the following under the heading: “Bruce’s Bones Tip”:
Gum disease is the most common reason why I’m obliged to anaesthetise cats; I have to, in order to attend to their rotten teeth. Most tooth and gum disease can be avoided if a cat learns early in life to eat bones. I started my kitten on chicken bones at eight weeks of age. There are possible drawbacks. For chicken bones may carry salmonella bacteria, potentially dangerous to your cat and the people. A raw or cooked bone might get caught between the teeth in the roof of the mouth. Very, very rarely in my experience (in fact I can’t recall an incident in the last quarter-century), a cat will try to wolf down bones in a dog-like manner and may develop a blockage. This is exceptional, and to me, the benefits from a cat gnawing on bones lastly outweigh the risks.”
Here is an expanded version of the information in the infographic:
Minimizing gum disease in domestic cats involves a combination of diet, dental hygiene practices, and regular veterinary care. Dr. Bruce Fogle’s recommendation to encourage cats to chew on bones early in life aligns with the broader goal of promoting natural tooth cleaning through chewing. Here are some dietary recommendations to support gum health in cats:
1. Incorporate Raw Meaty Bones
- Benefits: Chewing on raw meaty bones can help scrape away plaque and tartar, stimulating gums and promoting healthy teeth.
- Best Choices: Opt for small, edible, non-weight-bearing bones like chicken necks, wings, or rabbit bones. These are soft enough for cats to chew without risking tooth fractures.
- Safety Tips:
- Always feed bones raw to prevent splintering.
- Supervise your cat during chewing to avoid choking or ingestion of large pieces.
- Ensure your cat is accustomed to chewing bones from a young age to reduce rejection.
2. High-Quality, Low-Carbohydrate Diet
- Gum disease in cats can be exacerbated by carbohydrate-heavy diets, which contribute to plaque formation.
- Choose a high-protein, grain-free diet that mimics the natural prey diet of cats, such as high-quality canned food or a balanced raw diet.
3. Dental-Specific Diets
- Some commercial pet food brands offer veterinary dental diets that are specifically formulated to reduce plaque and tartar. These foods often include:
- Kibble designed to stay intact longer, forcing the cat to chew more.
- Enzymatic coatings that help break down plaque.
- Examples include Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d or Royal Canin Dental.
4. Incorporate Dental Treats
- Offer dental chews or treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These are designed to reduce plaque and tartar while being palatable and safe for cats.
5. Supplement with Dental Products
- Use water additives, gels, or dental powders that can be added to your cat’s food or water to help control oral bacteria and reduce plaque buildup.
- Look for products with chlorhexidine or enzymatic agents.
6. Regular Professional Dental Care
- Even with an ideal diet, plaque and tartar can accumulate over time. Schedule regular veterinary dental cleanings and checkups.
Considerations for Bones:
If introducing bones, it’s essential to assess your cat’s individual needs and risks. Cats with dental disease, missing teeth, or small jaws may find bones difficult to handle and could benefit more from other dental-supportive foods and supplements. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes, especially regarding raw feeding or bones.
By combining these dietary measures with regular brushing and veterinary care, you can greatly reduce the risk of gum disease in domestic cats.
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