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!
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.
Since nearly all of the tartar forms on the outside surfaces of the teeth, you don’t need to pry the mouth open. YOU DON’T NEED TO BRUSH THE INSIDE OF THE TEETH! Try to get back into the corners, though!.
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!
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.
It may be time to have your cat’s teeth examined by your veterinarian if rough tartar has begun to build up along the gum line. If they discover severe decay, they might suggest a tooth extraction or a thorough cleaning.
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.
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
What happens if I don’t brush my cat’s teeth?
Do cats really need their teeth cleaned?
How can I clean my cat’s teeth without brushing them?
How do cats brush their teeth in the wild?