How to Overcome your Cat Dental Visit Fears

It's completely understandable to have concerns about taking your cat to the vet. Many cat caregivers worry about the potential stress of the experience and underestimate how important a yearly dental cleaning really is in keeping your cat pain-free. Don’t let common fears stop you! Sylvester.ai can help.

Fear: Isn’t it painful?

Fact: Veterinarians perform dental procedures with minimal discomfort. Typically dental procedures will involve sedating your cat so they are asleep during the procedure and provide pain relief during and after the cleaning to make sure your cat is as comfortable as possible. 

Tip: Use Sylvester.ai to monitor your cat. Sylvester.ai uses advanced machine learning to analyze a photo of your cat in real time and determine if they are showing signs of discomfort. You can compare your results with your vet’s expected recovery timeline, giving you peace of mind during this time.

Fear: Doesn’t it stress out my cat?

Fact: Travelling to the vet can be stressful for your cat especially if your cat isn’t familiar with the carrier or riding in a car. The good news? There are steps you can take to minimize your cat's anxiety. [INSERT OUR ARTICLE HERE]

Tip: Before the visit, try familiarizing your cat with their carrier. Leave your carrier out for at least a week before their visit. Keep it in an area that the cat uses frequently and try leaving treats in the carrier. You can also practice taking your cat in the car for short rides. On the day of the dental cleaning, bring a blanket that your cat loves to provide comfort before and after the procedure. You can also use Sylvester.ai to take photos of your cat while they are relaxed at home, giving you a baseline to compare to after the procedure.

Fear: Are dental cleanings worth it?

Fact: It's estimated that up to 70% of cats experience gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), which is often the first step of more serious periodontal disease. Dental cleanings are an investment in your cat's long-term health – and can save you from more costly health problems in the future. Being proactive about your cat’s health and well-being is best.

Tip: Use Sylvester.ai to regularly monitor your cat for signs of mouth pain and discomfort. With 89% accuracy in pain detection, Sylvester.ai is a tool you can trust.

Although it may seem daunting, your cat’s annual dental cleaning doesn’t have to be scary. Dental visits can help find and address potential problems early on, preventing more serious issues and contributing to your cat's overall well-being. Take your cat to the vet - you’ll be glad you did.