I’ve been listening to CAT CHAT whenever I can. I drive trucks and listen while driving, but sometimes I miss you due to loading or fueling while you are on. I’ve been very interested in the canned, raw, and real meat approach to cat nutrition. It all makes sense. But I have a question that I have not heard addressed: the main reason we’ve always been told to feed dry food to cats is the teeth. What about the dental care? Wet food is supposed to cause dental problems (according to the dry food advocates). Is this not true? I have heard of brushing dog’s teeth, and have seen the special toothbrushes for it, but I don’t think my three cats will stand for it.

Your show is interesting, fun, and informative, and makes the miles go by easily. I’m glad you’re there!

From: Christy, on the road

Dear Christy,

First of all, thanks for writing in. I love my truckers, and would hate to have you miss anything I say that you’re interested in.

Dry cat food as an aid to dental health is an utter myth, to put it politely, promoted by dry food makers. Think about it: if corn chip makers told you they were good for your dental health, it would be pretty much the same thing -- and would you believe that?

Highly-processed carbohydrates aren’t just bad for a cat’s overall health, they’re especially bad for dental health. Ironic, no? Dry cat food is not a toothbrush. Cats don’t chew at their gum lines, which is where dental health issues reside (in humans, too). Cats chew on the chewing surface of their teeth. And as for keeping teeth clean, forget the special “animal brushes” -- get a tiny baby human soft toothbrush, and a cat-flavored toothpaste (the paste itself breaks down plaque and tartar as much as the brushing does). You can even use your finger if the brush causes too much resistance. Gently rub it where the gum meets the tooth. Only a few scrubs at a time. You can’t wear out their patience.

Your vet, as with so many, needs to learn that canned, fresh, or frozen raw cooked protein sources are what cats must have to live long, healthy lives. There’s no longer any doubt that this is true.

So please read the Q & A section on catchatradio.com as soon as you can, and keep listening, and whistling while you drive! Thanks again.

Tracie Hotchner