Like us, cats need daily dental care to help decrease plaque and prevent tartar accumulation. Teaching your cat to accept you brushing their teeth will take some training, but it will be relatively easy once they become used to the process. Daily brushing is most beneficial and will help to establish a routine.
Bring your cat in so we can show you how to brush their teeth if you’re having problems, or give us a call with any questions!
Start off very slowly if your cat is extremely nervous or head-shy. The first few times, you might want to just hold the head still or look under the lips before rewarding them with a treat. Work up to brushing slowly if you have to.
Regular brushing will make all cats healthier, more comfortable, and likely to live longer because unbrushed teeth can become infected, loosen, and fall out. The bacteria that cause dental disease can harm the entire body, but particularly the kidneys, heart, lungs, and liver. This is uncomfortable and unhealthy. Your cat’s teeth and gums should be cleaned by your veterinarian while they are sedated if they are already inflamed and infected. Although brushing your cat’s teeth is best done when they are young, older cats can also learn to tolerate it.
It’s okay for your cat to eat after brushing, and they will cooperate much more when they anticipate a reward. ALWAYS GIVE YOUR CAT A TREAT OR MEAL AFTERWARDS!
It takes about 24 hours for plaque, which is a film on the teeth, to harden and turn into tartar, which you cannot brush off. YOU NEED TO BRUSH AT LEAST EVERY ONE TO TWO DAYS!
If you decide to start brushing your cat’s teeth, be aware that cats need toothpaste designed specifically for them because fluoride is poisonous to both dogs and cats. Once you have all the necessary equipment, we advise introducing the process gradually. First, let them taste the special toothpaste. On another day, introduce them to having their teeth touched. On another start holding their mouth open, etc. Eventually (hopefully) they’ll get used to it over time. Praise and rewards are a must, as always.
You can find more exhaustive articles and helpful tutorials online, including this YouTube video that takes less than 5 minutes to watch. Happy brushing!
Note: Dental cleanings are crucial for your cat’s health and comfort, and frequent visits may be required if your cat doesn’t like to be brushed at home.
Short answer? Yes, but you shouldn’t feel bad if you don’t. 73% of cat owners say they never brush their cat’s teeth, and another 14% say they rarely do, according to a 2015 poll. To be fair to 87% of cat owners, it does feel a little unnatural to stick your fingers in a cat’s mouth. It’s not a pleasant chore. We understand.
But studies suggest that most domestic cats older than four end up developing dental disease, which can be both uncomfortable and dangerous. When left untreated, dental disease can cost a cat one or more teeth and even threaten their overall health.
FAQ
Is it necessary to brush your cats teeth?
Do cats really need their teeth cleaned?
How can I clean my cats teeth?
How can I brush my cat’s teeth without a brush?