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Caring for your cat’s teeth isn’t just about preventing bad breath—it’s a critical part of their overall health. Cats are masters at hiding pain, and dental problems often go unnoticed until they become severe.
Regular brushing helps prevent periodontal disease, gum infections and other painful conditions like gingivitis. While it doesn’t eliminate every dental issue, it’s the best way to maintain your cat’s oral health and keep their teeth and gums strong.
We provide a wide range of corrective dental services at Advanced Animal Dentistry, but we’re strong advocates for preventative care. We understand that brushing your cat’s teeth can be intimidating, but it’s worth it to save your furry companion from significant discomfort and costly treatments down the road. Here’s what you need to know.
Brushing your cat’s teeth summary
If this is your first time brushing your cat’s teeth, it can feel a bit daunting. Don’t worry—you’ve got this! Follow these four easy steps to get started:
- Take your time: Don’t jump straight into brushing. Start by desensitising your cat to having its face and mouth handled.
- Select a toothbrush: Specialised small brushes are ideal for their tiny mouths. You may also want to consider microfiber socks or swabs that fit over your finger.
- Establish a routine: Find a quiet, stress-free time in your cat’s day to incorporate this ritual and make it a daily habit. Consistency is key.
- Tips from our veterinary dentists: Be patient and persistent. Avoid restraining your cat. Start slowly, even for a few seconds, and work up to about a minute.
Laying the foundation
“It is a myth that you can train dogs but not cats. It’s harder to do, and you need to be much more consistent about it. But it can be done,” says Dr Aaron Forsayeth.
The most important thing to remember is not to jump straight into brushing. If cats react negatively to their early experiences, they will become even more resistant, making it harder to recover from this setback. As with dogs, it’s crucial to start by desensitising the cat to having its face and mouth handled.
This preparatory phase can last weeks or even months for some reactive cats. Remember, it’s more challenging to get a finger into a cat’s mouth and move it around due to their small size. The goal is to get them accustomed to touch around the face. You may even want to start with something like a cotton tip and move that around first.
Once your cat can tolerate this, you can use your finger to gently pull their cheek back a bit so you can visualise the teeth and access them.
“So, one hand can create a bit of tension on the cheek, allowing the other hand or finger to slide in with a cotton tip or brush, rather than physically forcing it into the mouth between the lip and cheek,” says Dr Bec Tucker.
Eventually, you can introduce cat toothpaste on your finger and work toward using a tiny brush. How will you know when to move to each phase? When your pet is calm and comfortable with the current activities. Progressing too quickly can lead to failure and discouragement. Reward your cat’s calm behaviour with praise and creamy treats for positive reinforcement.
Getting started with brushing
Selecting the right tools is crucial for success. An appropriate toothbrush should be soft-bristled and the right size to fit comfortably in the cat’s mouth. Tiny cat brushes are available on Amazon, or you can use a finger brush if that works. There’s no need for anything fancy.
Always use toothpaste that is safe for pets. Human toothpaste is toxic to dogs and cats due to its fluoride content and foaming agents. Pet toothpaste comes in a variety of appealing flavours, so you’re likely to find one that your furry companion enjoys, such as poultry or seafood.
“To get your cat used to the taste, you could start by using a small amount of their favourite treat, like a creamy snack, on the brush and slowly transition to toothpaste when they are a little more tolerant,” recommends Dr Tucker.
While the toothpaste aids in dental health, it’s the brushing action that truly cleans a cat’s teeth. So, the taste is mainly about making the experience enjoyable for your pet.
Frequency and routine
Studies suggest that once daily is the optimal frequency for brushing your cat’s teeth. Unlike humans, cats don’t benefit from brushing twice a day, as they don’t naturally develop cavities like humans do. Brushing every other day is also acceptable, but anything less frequent offers minimal long-term benefits. Research shows that even weekly brushing doesn’t prevent dental issues.
Cats thrive on routine, so tooth brushing should become a natural part of their daily schedule. Choose a time when your cat is calm and relaxed, such as during their evening cuddle session on the couch. Aim to make brushing a regular, positive experience rather than a stressful or infrequent event.
“Just go slow and choose a time when they naturally come to you for a few minutes, like when they sit on your lap on the couch. Be mindful not to push them to a point where you upset your existing routine either,” says Dr Tucker.
Tips from our veterinary dentists
The ideal time to begin brushing your cat’s teeth is now. It is significantly easier to teach a young kitten to appreciate this practice than to introduce it later in life, but it’s also never too late to start.
“You have to be patient and persistent. Access into a cat’s mouth is much more difficult than a dog’s. And cats can obviously be so much more reactive and quick so even if you’ve mastered brushing your dog’s teeth, take it much slower with your cat,” says Dr Forsayeth.
Also, don’t hesitate to treat and reward your cat. For cats, brushing their teeth is primarily about disrupting plaque, and since they don’t develop cavities like humans, it’s perfectly fine for them to brush their teeth and then eat again immediately afterwards.
Make the experience positive so your cat learns to appreciate the process over time but also recognise when to stop. Cats can be more sensitive than dogs, so it’s essential not to push them too far. If your cat becomes agitated or resistant, simply stop and try again later.
Common challenges
Cats are naturally quite reactive, and they often don’t appreciate having their mouths handled. We advise against restraining your cat too tightly during brushing, as this can cause more resistance. Instead, try brushing in short bursts, gradually increasing the time over several days or weeks.
Cats’ smaller mouths can make it challenging to reach all their teeth, especially those in the back. Dr Tucker recommends gently pulling back the cheek for better access. “Using a finger wrapped in a cloth or a cotton tip can help you clean those harder-to-reach areas,” she advises.
Another common challenge is managing owner expectations. As mentioned earlier, it can take weeks or even months to desensitise a cat to the brushing process. The calm, slow approach detailed in the tips section above should help address these challenges.
Lastly, if your cat already has periodontal disease or other painful conditions like tooth resorptionnow is not the time to start a brushing routine. Brushing an uncomfortable mouth can create a negative association with brushing, making your cat want to avoid it even more and complicating the establishment of good habits later on. Seek treatment for any dental concerns before beginning to brush.
General preventative care and diet
In addition to brushing, dental treats and specialised diets can help in maintaining your cat’s oral health. However, brushing their teeth remains the gold standard in preventative oral health care. Dental diets can assist by encouraging more chewing, however, they only work on certain teeth as not all teeth are used for chewing food.
Oral rinses are another option, but they are not a standalone treatment. These rinses often contain ingredients like chlorhexidine, which can help reduce bacteria, but they won’t remove plaque as effectively as brushing.
“While ancillary products can support your efforts, they won’t clean teeth as effectively as brushing,” warns Dr Forsayeth.
Does your cat need veterinary dental services?
At Advanced Animal Dentistry, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services, from root canals to oral surgery.
Your cat’s oral health is our top priority, and investing time in preventative home care is the best way to support their long-term wellbeing. Start brushing your cat’s teeth as soon as possible.
If you have concerns for your pet, feel free to call us or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome. You can also visit our pet owners’ page and explore additional resources.
