Ideally, you should brush your cat’s teeth every day. However, brushing several times a week can still help reduce plaque buildup if daily brushing is not realistic.
Whether daily or several times a week, brushing your cat’s teeth is most effective as part of a comprehensive dental care routine that involves professional veterinary dental cleanings.
Q1: Why Should I Brush My Cat’s Teeth?
Good oral health is just as important for your cat as it is for you. Brushing cat teeth helps remove plaque, which settles on the teeth quickly after eating.
If not removed quickly, plaque hardens into tartar, which is difficult to remove and sets the stage for uncomfortable and potentially painful dental issues.
Periodontal disease, which affects the structures that support the teeth (e.g., gums), affects nearly 80% of cats by 3 years of age. Regular at-home cat dental care, combined with yearly professional dental cleanings, helps minimize plaque and tartar buildup and reduces the risk of periodontal disease.
Q2: How Do I Brush My Cat’s Teeth?
Your cat probably won’t instantly love having their teeth brushed. Cat teeth brushing requires patience, and you will need to acclimate your cat to the process first.
Ideally, start the acclimation process as early as possible, during the kitten stage. However, there is no need to worry if your cat is already an adult; they may need a little extra time to get comfortable.
If you’re asking yourself how to brush your cat’s teeth, follow these general steps:
- Purchase the supplies. Select a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Human toothpaste doesn’t taste good to cats, and the fluoride can make cats sick if they swallow it. You can purchase these over the counter or through your veterinarian.
- Let your cat become familiar with the toothbrush and toothpaste. Put a dab of the toothpaste on your fingertip and let your cat lick it off. You can also hold the toothbrush while they explore it.
- Gently touch your cat’s teeth with the toothbrush. This step helps your cat get comfortable with the motion of brushing their teeth. Do not use any toothpaste yet.
- Brush your cat’s teeth with toothpaste and toothbrush. Focus only on the outer surfaces of the teeth, where plaque is most likely to accumulate. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use small, circular motions to clean the teeth.
- Work slowly and gradually increase the time. Start with just a few seconds. Increase the time as your cat becomes more comfortable but stop immediately if your cat becomes distressed or agitated.
- Provide positive reinforcement. Immediate and positive reinforcement throughout the process is critical. For example, give your cat a treat and verbal praise immediately after each teeth brushing session.
Q3: What If My Cat Won’t Let Me Brush Their Teeth?
Some cats will refuse to have their teeth brushed, no matter how gentle or patient their owner is. If this is your cat, try these strategies:
- Use a different cat-specific toothbrush: It’s possible that your cat didn’t like the first toothbrush.
- Ask your vet or a veterinary technician for a demonstration: They can demonstrate the proper teeth-brushing technique so that you and your cat can be more comfortable with the process.
If these strategies aren’t successful, dental care alternatives, such as dental diets, dental treats, and water additives, can effectively minimize plaque and tartar buildup. However, these alternatives are not a substitute for regular brushing. Toothbrushing is the most effective form of at-home dental care.
Q4: Does My Cat Still Need Professional Dental Care?
Absolutely! Professional dental care, performed annually, is key to cat dental hygiene. Professional dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia, allowing your vet to thoroughly clean a cat’s teeth and perform additional dental procedures, like tooth removal, if necessary.
If your cat shows any signs of dental disease, such as drooling, bad breath, or visibly broken or loose teeth, your vet will need to examine them.
Brushing Shouldn’t Be a Battle
Brushing your cat’s teeth daily is ideal, but several times a week is still beneficial for minimizing plaque and tartar buildup. Give your cat time to acclimate to having their teeth brushed and establish a consistent toothbrushing routine.
Regular at-home dental care doesn’t have to be a battle. When done properly and consistently, brushing teeth can be a pleasant experience for you and your cat.
