Brushing your cat’s teeth at home does not have to feel like a wrestling match, with flailing paws, long scratches on your arm, dramatic meows of protest, and the occasional attempt to wriggle out of your grip that leaves you both exhausted.
With the right approach, you can turn this dreaded task into a peaceful routine you and your cat can handle – maybe even enjoy. You can successfully brush your cat’s teeth, whether you’re new to cat parenting or have tried before without success.
I will guide you through a gentle, step-by-step approach. This piece covers everything from picking the right tools to perfecting your technique, helping you protect your furry friend’s dental health without stress.
How To Brush Your Cat’s Teeth In 5 Simple Steps
Brushing your cat’s teeth requires patience, practice, and lots of treats. It’s a process that will take your cat time to get used to, so don’t worry if your cat initially resists or becomes anxious. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, you can gradually train your cat to enjoy having their teeth brushed. Here’s how to do it:
Set the Environment and Start Slowly
The first step towards brushing your cat’s teeth is gradually getting them used to dental care. Start by gently touching their mouth and lifting their lips to get them used to having their teeth examined.
Do this with your kitty on your lap while petting them in a quiet environment for a few days, ensuring your cat stays calm and comfortable. Your goal is to reach at least thirty seconds of calm. Offer your cat treats to create a positive association.
Introduce a Flavored Toothpaste
Once your cat is comfortable with you touching their mouth and teeth, it’s time to introduce toothpaste specifically designed for cats. These come in flavors like chicken, tuna, or beef to make it more appealing for your cat. Let them lick the toothpaste off your finger, and reward them with a treat afterward.
Introduce a Toothbrush
You can introduce a soft-bristled toothbrush after your cat is comfortable with the toothpaste. Again, let them lick some toothpaste off the brush. Your cat may start gnawing on the brush, which is a good sign. This will help them get used to having a toothbrush in their mouth.
Start Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth
Once your cat is comfortable with the toothbrush, you can start brushing their teeth. Gently lift your cat’s lips and angle the toothbrush at 45 degrees towards their gum line. Then, brush their teeth in small circular motions, focusing on the outer surfaces.
Start with just the canine at a time and gradually increase the number of teeth as your cat becomes more comfortable so that you can clean all of your cat’s teeth and eventually reach the molars at the back of the mouth (This can take days or weeks).
Reward Your Cat
After brushing, reward your cat with treats, toys, or lots of praise to reinforce positive behavior.
Why Should You Brush Your Cat’s Teeth?
Regular brushing of your cat’s teeth helps prevent plaque accumulation and reduce the risk of dental disease. 70% of cats aged 20–27 months ( 2 years and above) have signs of periodontal disease, according to a study in the Journal of The American Society For Nutrition entitled “The Effect of Toothbrushing on Periodontal Disease in Cats.”
Plaque accumulation will lead to tartar formation. This can result in painful infections such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, which can eventually result in tooth loss. These conditions often require professional cleaning or even surgical procedures, which can be expensive and stressful for your cat.
Another study conducted by Veterinary Clinics of North America highlights that frequent tooth brushing is an effective means of plaque control. It is therefore, a small effort that yields tremendous long-term benefits for your cat’s comfort and wallet.
The graphic illustrates some reasons why brushing your cat’s teeth helps you and your furry friend.
What Type of Toothbrush Can You Use for Your Cat’s Teeth
Use a commercial toothbrush specifically designed for cat teeth. These come as:
Small toothbrushes with soft bristles that fit comfortably in your cat’s mouth. You can find them as single-head or double-head toothbrushes.
Finger brushes are worn on your finger and can be easier to maneuver around your cat’s teeth.
Get each of your cats their own toothbrush to prevent the spread of bacteria if you have multiple cats.
Use a gauze wrapped around your finger or a cotton swab if your cat is uncomfortable with brushing their teeth. Apply the toothpaste onto these tools and gently rub it on your cat’s teeth.
Additional Tips For Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth
Cats can be quite difficult to handle, especially when brushing their teeth for the first time. Here are some additional tips to help make the process smoother:
- Dip your finger into chicken broth or tuna juice to encourage your cat to open their mouth and let you touch their teeth.
- Be patient and keep the sessions short. It takes some time for your cat to get used to having their teeth brushed.
- Most plaque accumulation occurs outside your cat’s teeth, so focus on brushing the outer surfaces.
- Be gentle and go slowly to avoid causing discomfort or gum injury to your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions you might have.
Does Brushing My Cat’s Teeth Freshen Their Breath?
Regular brushing helps freshen your cat’s breath by removing bacteria-laden plaque that causes bad odor. However, it is worth noting that persistent bad breath in cats can also be a sign of dental disease or other underlying health issues. Consult your veterinarian for further evaluation.
Can I Brush My Cat’s Teeth With Human Toothpaste?
No. Do not use human toothpaste to brush your cat’s teeth. Human toothpaste contains ingredients such as xylitol and fluoride that can cause stomach upset in cats if ingested.
Use a pet-specific toothpaste that is safe for your cat to swallow. As a recommendation, you can use Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste.
It is specially designed for pets and comes in enticing flavors like beef, poultry, and seafood to make brushing a more pleasant experience for your cat. This enzymatic toothpaste inhibits plaque buildup and also freshens your cat’s breath.
How Often Should You Brush Your Cat’s Teeth?
Brush your cat’s teeth every day for optimal dental health. This consistency also helps your cat get used to the routine and makes it easier for you in the long run.
When Can You Start Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth?
It is best to start brushing your cat’s teeth when they are still a kitten. This will help them become familiar with the process and make it easier as they grow older.
However, adult cats and kittens can all be trained to accept teeth brushing- it is never too late to start.
How Long Should You Spend Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth?
Brush your cat’s teeth for 30 seconds on each side of their mouth, making sure to reach all the teeth.
How Do I Keep My Cat’s Teeth Clean Without Brushing?
Feed your cat quality food to help keep their teeth clean and healthy. Dry food helps remove plaque from their teeth as they gnaw at and chew the kibble. However, this option serves as a supplement to maintain good oral health, not a replacement for regular brushing.
You can also schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for professional cleaning. During the visit, your vet will remove all plaque and address any underlying dental issues that may have developed.
My Cats Teeth is already in Bad Condition. Will Brushing Fix it?
Seek veterinary attention for professional cleaning if your cat’s teeth are already in bad condition. Brushing alone won’t reverse the damage.
After the procedure, you can begin brushing, which helps maintain your cat’s oral health and prevent further issues.
Can I Brush My Cat’s Teeth with Baking Soda?
No, do not brush your cat’s teeth with baking soda. Baking soda can upset your cat’s stomach if they ingest it due to its high alkaline content. Its offensive taste makes it difficult for your cat to sit through a tooth-brushing session.
Conclusion
Brushing your cat’s teeth might not be the most straightforward task, but it’s one of the most effective ways to ensure their long-term dental health.
With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you’ll soon be a pro at this essential aspect of feline care.
Brushing your cat’s teeth daily helps prevent plaque buildup, minimizes the risk of painful dental issues, reduces vet expenses, and contributes to your cat’s overall well-being.
So why wait? Start brushing your cat’s teeth today, and feel free to contact your veterinarian for guidance if needed.