Your teeth are a reflection of your health. This is true for both people and pets. Keeping the teeth and gums healthy relates strongly to your cat’s general health. Excess plaque and tartar can lead to gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums), which can allow bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream. From there, bacteria can travel throughout the body and cause problems in your cat’s heart, liver or kidneys.

“It’s important for the health of the cat not to have tartar on the teeth, because tartar harbors bacteria,” says holistic veterinarian Pamela Fisher of North Canton, Ohio.

**Get the February 2008 issue of CAT FANCY to read the full article.**