How To Brush Your Cat’s Teeth – A Guide

• By Malaika Aman
• January 27, 2023
• 3 minutes read

It might not seem necessary, but brushing your cat’s teeth is more important than it appears. Because many cats suffer from periodontal diseases as they age, we must make it a habit to brush their teeth on a regular basis.

However, taking care of your cat’s teeth sounds more straightforward than it is. Anyone who has ever dealt with a cat knows that they only do what they want and that you cannot force them to do anything they don’t want to. So, how do we brush their teeth without having them scratch us? Let’s talk about that.

Things You will need.

• Toothpaste: No, you cannot use human toothpaste because it is too harsh for a kitty to swallow. But if you’re looking for safe toothpaste for cats, we’ve got you covered with our recommendations.
• A Toothbrush: When it comes to brushing your cat’s teeth, there are several options to choose from. While you can use baby brushes with soft bristles, a finger brush is a better option because it is easy to get into all the hard-to-reach places with your finger.
• Dental Treats: If you don’t have time to brush your cat’s teeth every day, dental treats can keep plaque from forming between brushing sessions.
• Comfortable space: When it comes to brushing your cat’s teeth, choosing the right time and place is critical. After all, when they’re pumped up, it’s nearly impossible to calm them down.

A Test Run

While you can begin brushing your cat’s teeth with a specific toothpaste whenever you want, it is best to get them used to it first. You can do this by dipping a q-tip in tuna water or any other wet food they enjoy and rubbing it on their gums.

It will not benefit their teeth or gums in any way. However, because it tastes good, it will make them believe that brushing their teeth is a treat rather than a punishment.

Steps for Brushing your Cat’s teeth

1. To begin, find a comfortable place to sit so that your cat can get comfortable in your lap. Begin by gently petting them on the face and under their chin to put them at ease.
2. Allow them to smell the soft-bristled brush or finger brush before applying a small amount of pet toothpaste.
3. Hold your cat’s head at a 45-degree angle and uncover its teeth without opening its mouth.
4. Begin brushing by gently rubbing one tooth at a time. Remember to take it slow at first, and don’t spend more than 5 seconds on one tooth.
5. You also don’t need to brush a cat’s inside teeth because a cat’s abrasive tongue does that all by itself. It will take a few weeks, but your cat will eventually get used to brushing their teeth and may even look forward to it if you use tasty toothpaste.

Dental Treats

While brushing your cat’s teeth on a regular basis eliminates the need for dental treats. It is a good idea to keep some on hand in case you are too busy sometimes for a brushing session. They aid in the removal of plaque buildup between brushings. And because they come in a variety of flavors, your cat will devour them.

Regular Brushing

It may seem inconvenient at first, and it may take some time for your cat to get used to it, but it is an excellent habit to develop. It is always best to start when they are kittens, but even if you start later, your kitty will be grateful for not suffering from any periodontal diseases in the future.

The most important thing to remember is to be patient and not get frustrated. Your cat will soon start looking forward to the flavored toothpaste.