Everyone thinks of dogs when they hear bone treats, but cats also benefit from chewing on bones. It provides mental stimulation, exercises and strengthens their jaws, and cleans plaque and tartar from their teeth.
Bones are a natural way to keep your cat busy, but it’s important to understand the risks before incorporating them into your kitty’s diet. Choose soft, small bones like chicken necks or wing tips instead of weight-bearing bones that can splinter or break your cat’s teeth.
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Chewing Exercise
Chewing exercises are a great way to engage your cat in a healthy, natural activity that will help keep their teeth and gums in good health. They also help keep your cat busy, which will prevent them from chewing on pens, shoelaces and other household items.
In addition, chewing exercises are a good way to train your cat to chew on appropriate treats and toys. This will help them learn to treat things in a more responsible manner and prevent them from chewing on dangerous items.
Bones are a good, calorie-dense source of nutrition for your cat and can be fed as supplemental meals or as treats. They are a great source of calcium and can help to promote healthy bone development.
The best bones for your cat to chew on are small and soft. These include chicken necks, wings (cut up), feet and quail bones.
Mental Stimulation
Chewing on bones is a classic cat behavior, and it’s also a great way to provide mental stimulation for your kitty. Bones are meaty and provide lots of vitamins and minerals, which are important for a healthy immune system and teeth.
Having a mentally stimulating environment is key for the development of brain architecture and function. Children who are not exposed to a healthy level of mental activity early in life have a higher risk of developmental problems later on, such as learning, attention, behaviour and language difficulties.
In adults, a high level of mental stimulation can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. This is because it increases the number of neural connections, or synapses, in the brain.
It also improves cognitive functions such as processing speed, information memory, logical thinking and lateral thinking. It can also increase subjective wellbeing, reducing anxiety and depression.
Dental Health
Dental health is one of the most important aspects of a cat’s overall well-being. It prevents a variety of diseases from gingivitis to internal infections caused by bacteria in the mouth.
Gingivitis, a condition where the gums become inflamed, typically starts with the buildup of plaque, a film of bacteria that coats the teeth and gums. Without appropriate care, it can progress to more serious conditions such as periodontitis and tooth resorption.
Keeping your cat’s teeth clean and fresh can help reduce the risk of developing other illnesses, including heart disease, lung problems, diabetes, and kidney disease. Taking care of your cat’s teeth and gums from an early age is essential to the long-term health and happiness of your pet.
Feeding raw meaty bones can help your cat achieve good oral hygiene. They also provide an external source of calcium, zinc, phosphorus and potassium, plus taurine.
Healthy Teeth
Cats are prone to tooth problems and dental issues. Thankfully, they can easily be prevented with good daily dental care, professional cleanings at the vet and dental treats that encourage healthy teeth.
One way to help your cat’s teeth stay clean is by incorporating a diet that includes natural chews and raw meaty bones into their meals. Chicken necks or turkey necks are a tasty and calorie-dense option that can tone your cat’s jaw muscles while helping to break up plaque and tartar.
Another approach is to add a water additive that delivers plaque- and tartar-finding enzymes within your pet’s drinking water. These supplements work just like food enzymes and help to keep your pet’s mouth clean, fresh and healthy.
