- Joined
- Aug 8, 2016
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Hi everyone!
I am the new owner of a sweet siberian kitten, and this site has been a great resource to me, I'm so appreciative it exists!
I have been brushing my cat's teeth everyday in an effort to begin good hygiene habits. He's not the biggest fan when the toothbrush is in his mouth but he does get excited I think when I take the toothpaste and the greenies out. I've been taking them out together and giving him one half of a greenie treat after each tooth brushing to try to associate treat with doing well with teeth brushing. Is this a bad idea? I saw a vet do so in a youtube video showing how to brush a cat's teeth. Does anyone see a concern with a half greenie (and probably a full greenie as he gets bigger) every day?
I have also been using orijen treats and pinching pieces off to reward other good behavior, like when he doesn't hide from the vacuum cleaner, while harness training and when I do a little bit of clicker training.
I guess I am hoping to ascertain whether I am being unnecessarily stingy with the streets, or too indulgent. I will consult with my vet as well but thought I would ask some experienced cat owners too!
I have heard that C.E.T. treats are good, but they seem very large for his size, and less of an immediate reward treat. He's also young and seems to struggle with treats and such that are large and hard, it even takes him effort to eat half the greenie (hence his love of the soft orijen treats). Further, I have not gotten them yet and he may dislike them, eat cat is different. They're also a bit pricey and I thought perhaps with daily brushing the C.E.T. might be a bit unnecessary/overkill?
I would be ok with not giving him the greenies at all and giving him a bigger orijen piece. So far I was using greenies to show that it's different (teeth brushing time yay!) and to add some variety. Also there is *some* evidence that it might help with dental health, right? It seemed to make more sense to give a 'dental' treat after it than having him eat an average treat after toothbrushing (just cleaned those pearly whites!).
This post is a little bit broad, I know. It's hitting on dental health, product opinions, and nutrition. For those that read my wall of text and are willing to share your wisdom, thank you
I am the new owner of a sweet siberian kitten, and this site has been a great resource to me, I'm so appreciative it exists!
I have been brushing my cat's teeth everyday in an effort to begin good hygiene habits. He's not the biggest fan when the toothbrush is in his mouth but he does get excited I think when I take the toothpaste and the greenies out. I've been taking them out together and giving him one half of a greenie treat after each tooth brushing to try to associate treat with doing well with teeth brushing. Is this a bad idea? I saw a vet do so in a youtube video showing how to brush a cat's teeth. Does anyone see a concern with a half greenie (and probably a full greenie as he gets bigger) every day?
I have also been using orijen treats and pinching pieces off to reward other good behavior, like when he doesn't hide from the vacuum cleaner, while harness training and when I do a little bit of clicker training.
I guess I am hoping to ascertain whether I am being unnecessarily stingy with the streets, or too indulgent. I will consult with my vet as well but thought I would ask some experienced cat owners too!
I have heard that C.E.T. treats are good, but they seem very large for his size, and less of an immediate reward treat. He's also young and seems to struggle with treats and such that are large and hard, it even takes him effort to eat half the greenie (hence his love of the soft orijen treats). Further, I have not gotten them yet and he may dislike them, eat cat is different. They're also a bit pricey and I thought perhaps with daily brushing the C.E.T. might be a bit unnecessary/overkill?
I would be ok with not giving him the greenies at all and giving him a bigger orijen piece. So far I was using greenies to show that it's different (teeth brushing time yay!) and to add some variety. Also there is *some* evidence that it might help with dental health, right? It seemed to make more sense to give a 'dental' treat after it than having him eat an average treat after toothbrushing (just cleaned those pearly whites!).
This post is a little bit broad, I know. It's hitting on dental health, product opinions, and nutrition. For those that read my wall of text and are willing to share your wisdom, thank you