Greenies are dental treats made for cats and dogs. They are designed to help clean teeth and freshen breath. Greenies come in different sizes and flavors for both cats and dogs.
Many pet owners wonder if Greenies are safe for kittens. Kittens have smaller mouths and more delicate teeth than adult cats. Pet owners want to make sure any treat they give their kitten is safe.
What are Greenies?
Greenies are a popular dental treat brand made by Mars Petcare. They were first introduced in 1998. Originally they were made just for dogs. But in 2004, Mars Petcare introduced Feline Greenies for cats.
Greenies come in a variety of flavors, shapes, and sizes:
| Greenies Type | Flavors | Shapes | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Greenies | Regular, Natural Care, Bones & Chews | Bone shaped | Teenie, Petite, Regular, Large, Jumbo |
| Dental Chews | Regular, Natural Care | Various chew shapes | Teenie, Petite, Regular, Large |
| Pill Pockets | Chicken, Salmon, Tuna, Cheese & Peanut Butter, Hickory Smoke | Pocket/pouch shape | Mini (for cats & small dogs), Regular, Large |
| Lil’ Bit Treats | Salmon & Potato, Chicken & Brown Rice | Small soft bites | One size |
The original Greenies are hard, bone-shaped treats. They are made to scrape away plaque and tartar as the dog chews on them.
The dental chews and Lil’ Bit treats come in softer, chewable textures. The pill pockets allow pet owners to hide medicine inside a tasty treat.
For cats, the most popular products are the Original Feline Greenies and Feline Dental Chews. These come in flavors like tuna, salmon, and catnip.
Are Greenies safe for adult cats?
Greenies are considered safe for most adult cats when used properly. The Feline Greenies website says the treats are veterinarian recommended.
The hard treats are formulated to break down as the cat chews. This helps prevent choking hazards or intestinal blockages. However, some key things to keep in mind are:
- Never give a cat treats intended for dogs. Feline Greenies are made in different shapes, textures, and flavors than the dog treats.
- Follow package instructions for the appropriate treat size and frequency for your cat’s weight.
- Supervise your cat when giving any kind of dental treat or chew.
- Stop giving the treats if your cat has trouble chewing them or loses interest after a few licks or bites.
- Consult your veterinarian if your cat experiences vomiting, constipation, or other concerning symptoms after having a Greenie treat.
The majority of cats who are fed Greenies in appropriate portions do not experience adverse effects. However, some cats may be sensitive to ingredients in the treat. Discontinuing use usually resolves the problem. Talk to your vet if any worrisome symptoms develop.
Are Greenies safe for kittens?
The safety of Greenies for kittens is questionable. Most veterinarians recommend avoiding Greenies and other hard dental chews until a kitten is at least 6 months old. Here are some of the potential risks:
Choking hazard
Kittens have very small throats. A large or improperly chewed piece of dental treat could become lodged in their throat, blocking their airway. Kittens also have developing chewing and swallowing abilities. They may gulp down pieces before adequately chewing them.
Always supervise kittens when giving treats and stop feeding if they seem to have any difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Gastrointestinal obstruction
A kitten’s intestinal tract is small and delicate. While adult cats can typically pass pieces of dental treats in their stool safely, kittens are at higher risk for blockages.
Blockages require emergency surgery to remove and can be fatal if not treated promptly. It’s recommended to avoid any treat that could pose this risk to kittens.
Nutritional balance
Kittens require very specific nutritional balances of fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Too many treats and table food can throw off that balance. This can lead to malnutrition or diarrhea and vomiting.
It’s best to limit treats to no more than 10% of a kitten’s daily calories. Follow your vet’s advice about appropriate treat options and portions.
Tooth damage
Kittens have baby teeth that are weaker and more delicate than permanent adult teeth. Hard Greenies or other dental chews could potentially chip or crack kitten teeth.
It’s best to wait until all adult teeth have fully come in around 6-7 months old before giving harder treats.
Choking on catnip
Some Feline Greenies contain catnip. While many cats enjoy catnip, it occasionally causes hyperactivity, choking, vomiting, or excessive salivation. Kittens may have even stronger reactions.
It’s recommended to wait until 12 months old before offering catnip to kittens. Use caution and monitor reactions closely. Discontinue use if any adverse effects.
What dental treats are safer for kittens?
Instead of Greenies or other hard dental chews, pet experts recommend these safer options for kitten teething:
Kitten kibble
Dry kitten kibble provides abrasive action against teeth. Look for kibble optimized for dental health with textured shapes, nubs, and ridges. Feeding kibble also encourages chewing.
Refrigerated chews
Some cat treats have softer, refrigerated textures designed for kitten chewing and digestion. Options include PureBites Freeze Dried Chicken and PureBites Purely Fowl Cat Treats.
Crispy treats
Low calorie crunchy treats for kittens include Temptations Dental Treats and Purina Dentalife. These promote chewing action without being as hard as Greenies. They come in tantalizing kitten flavors like tuna, salmon, and chicken.
Teething toys
Gnawing on textured rubber teething toys can soothe kitten gums. Look for non-toxic toys designed just for kittens from brands like Petstages. Avoid toys with small parts that could break off and pose choking hazards.
Massage
Gently rubbing kitten gums and cheeks with a finger can relieve teething discomfort. Never use human teething gels or ointments, as these can be toxic to cats if ingested.
At what age can kittens start having Greenies?
Most veterinarians caution against giving Greenies to kittens under 6 months old. Here is an approximate timeline for introducing Greenies based on kitten development stages:
- 8-12 weeks old: Continue feeding only kitten food recommended by your vet. Avoid all treats.
- 3-6 months old: Can try cat treats that are refrigerated, soft, or extra small sized. Give treats in very small amounts. Avoid hard, bone-shaped, or natural chews.
- 6-7 months old: Adult teeth have erupted. Can consider introducing a pea-sized amount of Greenie once a week. Closely supervise chewing.
- 9-12 months old: Adult chewing abilities developed. Can start regular Greenie routine following package instructions. Supervise to ensure proper chewing. Discontinue use if any concerns.
It’s important to start slow and be cautious when first introducing Greenies or any hard treat to kittens. Every kitten matures at a slightly different rate. Let your vet guide you on when to begin based on your kitten’s specific development.
Are there any alternatives to Greenies specifically made for kittens?
Some dental treat brands now offer products specifically formulated with kitten safety in mind:
C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Kittens
These soft chews promote oral health through enzymes and abrasives. They come in tuna and poultry flavors for fussy kittens.
Virbac C.E.T. Veggiedent Fr3sh Dental Kittens Chews
Sized for kittens 6 weeks and older, these chews have a flexible texture and vegetable flavor. They are designed to be digestible.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz
Available in tender kitten formulas, these treats gently clean teeth and freshen breath.
Blue Buffalo Dental Chews for Kittens
Real chicken is the first ingredient in these savory kitten chews that scrub away plaque.
Always check with your veterinarian before giving any new treat or chew to your kitten. Monitor carefully for any signs of chewing difficulty, upset stomach, or other reaction.
Conclusion
In summary, most veterinarians recommend avoiding Greenies and other hard dental chews until kittens are at least 6 months old. The hard texture poses risks of choking, blockages, and tooth damage to delicate kitten mouths and throats.
Between 3 and 6 months, try introducing small amounts of soft kitten dental treats specially formulated to be gentle on young cats. Avoid products made for dogs and adult cats. When your vet confirms your kitten’s adult teeth have fully come in, Greenies or other harder chews can be carefully introduced in small quantities. But continue to supervise chewing closely.
Work with your vet to choose safe dental treats to support your kitten’s oral health. With patience and caution, you can find options that freshen kitten breath without sacrificing safety.