June's Cats Mews

February 2024

The Month of Love


February brings with it the celebration of love, and we would be remiss if we didn't recognize the great love you have for senior cats. Your monthly support is the backbone of June's work. It's your dedication and generosity that keeps us going!


This Valentine's Day, we will be holding the JSCR seniors close and telling them how much you love them.

Let’s Talk “Teefs”


In addition to celebrating love, February is also national Pet Dental Health Month. Cats have 30 teeth, that’s only two fewer teeth than humans. A cat’s mouth is made up of:


  • 4 molars and 10 pre-molars, aka “the chompers”, used for chewing and grinding food


  • 4 canines, the “vampire” teeth, used to tear food into smaller pieces


  • 12 incisors, including those adorably tiny front teeth, used for gripping food and grooming


Just like humans, dental health is vital to maintaining a cat’s overall health. Cats left without dental care can experience periodontal disease, tooth decay, infection, pain, poor quality of life, and even heart disease. Bacteria and microorganisms can travel from your cat’s mouth into their bloodstream, which can impact their hearts, liver, and kidneys. Teefs really matter! Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about your cat’s oral health. They will thank you for it!

Dental Care at June's Senior Cat Rescue

 
 
 

As you can imagine, we often have seniors come into our care with severe dental issues. Many cats have gone their entire lives without proper dental care, leading to tooth decay, broken teeth, and abscesses, all of which can be extremely painful. Managing dental problems becomes more complicated in seniors, especially when they occur alongside other age-related issues such as renal (kidney) failure. 


Because dentals require anesthesia, we take many things into account before deciding, with our trusted veterinarians, to perform a dental. Due to the severity of the dental problems encountered, these procedures are more costly. The average dental for a June’s cat costs about $500.  


Last year, we had nine, that’s right…nine, cats who required dentals to maintain their quality of life, making 2023 our largest dental year since we opened our doors in 2013. 



So far in 2024, we already have three cats who received or are scheduled for a dental. That's why, for the month of February, we are proclaiming our love of the feline fangs and hosting a dental campaign. Our goal is to raise $5,500 for the dental care of June’s cats throughout 2024, and to create awareness about the importance of dental health for cats everywhere.


If you'd like to make an additional donation to our dental campaign you can click the donate button below. You can also help us by sharing this newsletter with your cat loving friends and family. Let's raise awareness together!

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