Periodontal disease is the most common health problem in cats. It is estimated that 85% of cats and dogs are affected by it. Risk factors associated with the development of periodontal disease include aging and neutering. With the help of your veterinarian, it is important to regularly check your pet's oral hygiene since periodontal disease can have an impact that goes beyond the teeth. Periodontal disease has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and linked to histological changes in the kidneys, liver, and heart.

How do I detect periodontal disease in my cat?

The most common symptoms associated with periodontal disease include:

• Swollen gums with bleeding (keep an eye out for traces of blood in your cat's water bowl)
• difficulty taking food in your mouth
• loose teeth.

We recommend talking to your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan for your cat's health that includes their dental health. Regular check-ups with tooth brushing as well as food and dental treats can help maintain a healthy mouth.

Specialized cat food

The kibble for cats in our dental food line has a unique shape and size that encourages chewing to help decrease plaque and tartar buildup.Our ingredient list also includes pea fibre, an ingredient that creates a brushing effect on the tooth to help remove plaque. In addition, the products in the Vetdiet^® Dental Care line contain sodium hexametaphosphate, which has been proven to reduce the formation of dental tartar in cats <a href="http://<a="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7574160">">¹.

What is sodium hexametaphosphate?

Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is an ingredient found in our Vetdiet^® Dental Care for Cat products. SHMP works by binding to the calcium found in tartar, creating a complex that is eliminated by the cat's saliva, reducing the accumulation and formation of tartar.

What is sodium hexametaphosphate?

Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is an ingredient found in our Vetdiet^® Dental Care for Cat products. SHMP works by binding to the calcium found in tartar, creating a complex that is eliminated by the cat's saliva, reducing the accumulation and formation of tartar.

Is sodium hexametaphosphate safe for my cat?

The simple answer is yes. Health Canada supports the safety of SHMP when it is included in the food composition of foods. It is currently used in many products such as frozen dairy desserts, jams, beverages, infant formula and bakery produ <