Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth: A Step-By-Step Guide (2024)

FAQs

Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth: A Step-By-Step Guide? ›

Brush your cat's teeth along the gum line. Work quickly—you don't need to scrub. Work up to 30 seconds of brushing for each side of the mouth, at least, every other day. brush, like red or bleeding gums or bad breath, call your veterinarian.

Brush your cat's teeth along the gum line. Work quickly—you don't need to scrub. Work up to 30 seconds of brushing for each side of the mouth, at least, every other day. brush, like red or bleeding gums or bad breath, call your veterinarian.

Cats respond to routine, so be consistent with the time you brush her teeth every day. Pick a time of day that is quiet and when your cat is usually hungry – not first thing after you get home from work.

Once your cat knows the ritual, you can try putting your finger in its mouth. Gently pull up the lip by the cheeks and run your finger over the teeth. A few seconds is enough. Once this is successful, grab the finger toothbrush.

It's never too late to start brushing your pet's teeth, although the process may be easier if it's begun when your furry friend is young. Why Is Toothbrushing Important? Cavities aren't common in cats, but felines can develop periodontal (gum) disease.

All cats are healthier, more comfortable and likely to live longer if they have their teeth brushed regularly! Unbrushed teeth tend to become infected and may loosen and fall out. This is painful and unhealthy, and the bacteria in dental disease can affect the whole body, especially the kidneys, heart, lungs and liver.

Remember to wet or dampen the brush before you start grooming as this will help to catch loose fur and keep it from flying around. Should your cat need a bath, ensure you have some pet friendly shampoo.

Help Your Cat to Relax Using Pheromones

You can reduce feelings of stress your cat experiences during grooming using calming products, such as Feliway. Feliway works by mimicking the natural pheromones that cats will leave behind when they rub their faces against furniture and other things in the home.

The most common position is to sit down on a chair with your cat on your lap. Wrap your arm around your cat with one hand across their chest. You can then use your free hand to hold the brush and groom your pet.

By two years of age, 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. Yet it's estimated that 73% of cat owners never brush their cat's teeth. While brushing a cat's teeth can be awkward, it's important for their health.

What to do before cat teeth cleaning? ›

Surgery should be done on an empty stomach, so withhold your pet's food at least eight hours before your scheduled cat dental appointment. As for water, they should be able to drink only up until the morning of the appointment.

While some pet parents successfully clean their cat's teeth using a small piece of soft gauze, others find a finger brush works for their felines. Still another approach is to apply dental gel to their cat's teeth using a toothbrush or a finger, which allows the gel to do the work for them.

A small, soft toothbrush like the H&H Pets Cat & Small Dog Toothbrush. Some pet parents prefer using a finger brush, like the Jasper Finger Dog & Cat Toothbrush, which can work well, too. Toothpaste designed specifically for cats. Pick a flavor your cat likes.

For some cats, it is acceptable to use a very soft toothbrush designed for use in human babies. You can also use a finger toothbrush, gauze wrapped around a finger, or continue using a cotton swab. Check with your veterinarian if you are uncertain of which brush to use.

While some pet parents successfully clean their cat's teeth using a small piece of soft gauze, others find a finger brush works for their felines. Still another approach is to apply dental gel to their cat's teeth using a toothbrush or a finger, which allows the gel to do the work for them.

Don't try to stick an oversized human toothbrush in your cat's mouth — find a smaller solution that's a better fit. Try one of these options: A baby toothbrush (with extra soft bristles) A sponge toothbrush (you can usually find them in the dental aisle at the store or purchase them online)

You can use finger toothbrushes, a cat toothbrush, a soft-bristled human toothbrush, or a damp cloth to gently wipe your cat's plaque away. A favorite treat and tasty pet toothpaste can help your cat tolerate the process of brushing.

But brushing feline teeth is also really, really, really hard. Most cats aren't keen on having things shoved into their mouth, especially not bristly, sludge-covered sticks. (Dogs don't always love cleanings either, but they're at least used to engaging their owners with their mouths.)