Feeding Accessories

Wild and domestic cats that have freedom to hunt, feed by tearing apart the flesh of their preys and swallowing it whole cats don't chew on their food, but digests it whole in the stomach.

Of the 30 teeth that they have (the kittens have four less), 4 long fangs stand out, disposed under the nose and on top of the chin which they use to kill, hold and tear.

Behind, there is a row in form of a knife, 7 on top and 7 on the bottom, which function is to cut the flesh in small bits that they swallow easily.

Between the fangs there are six incisive to tear apart the prey. When cats eat canned foods, they barely use their fangs, they simply swallow the food, while if they eat dehydrated food, the "knives" will triturate it before swallowing it. Cats that are able to go outside usually find enough preys to exercise its teeth and to maintain them in good form.

In this sense, the domestic cat owners have to vary their diet every now and then, because canned food doesn't offer enough exercise to their teeth.

The cats tongue performs a very important function when feeding. Its tooth surface permits him to shred the food and to separate the flesh from the bones. When drinking, or adopts the shape of a spoon that permits him to hold small amounts of liquid before swallowing. Also, the tongue is its main tool for keeping his body clean