How to brush your cat’s teeth

We all brush our teeth twice a day to help fend off dental issues, but our feline friends can’t exactly hold a toothbrush. So how can we help make sure that their teeth are in tip-top condition? 

Let’s take a look at how to brush your cat’s teeth and promote good dental health to keep any potential feline dental issues at bay.

Key takeaways

• Brushing your cat’s teeth can prevent dental disease and tooth loss.
• Use cat-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes.
• Introduce brushing slowly to get your cat used to it.

Should I be brushing my cat's teeth?

If you have a cat, brushing teeth might not be something you’ve thought of before. But our feline friends can be just as prone to dental problems as we people can, especially if they mainly eat soft food. Making sure to properly clean your cat’s teeth can help ensure that their mouth stays healthy for longer.

Health benefits of brushing cat’s teeth

Brushing your cat’s teeth can help remove plaque and tartar as well as help prevent gingivitis, which could eventually lead to periodontal disease. If your cat gets periodontal disease, they could end up losing teeth - which can be painful and stressful for them. Getting out the toothbrush and toothpaste can help make sure that your cat stays healthy and can continue eating the solid food they know and love for years to come.

Remember, if you’re worried about your cat’s dental health, be sure to see a vet or contact our 24/7 Vet Advice Line if you’re a TrustedHousesitters member.

Can I use any toothpaste on my cat’s teeth?

No - unfortunately, a lot of the ingredients in human toothpaste can cause gastrointestinal issues for cats. You should steer clear of baking soda for the same reasons.

You can find cat toothpaste in a wide range of flavors, including feline favorites such as fish and poultry. Not only are these toothpaste options safe for our furry friends, but they’re also similar to the taste of treats, making it more likely that your cat will enjoy getting their teeth brushed (which should make the process much easier for you, too!)

What toothbrush should I use?

There are plenty of different toothbrush types that you can get to brush a cat’s teeth - these include:

• Small angled brushes that are good for getting around a cat’s mouth easily.
• Double-headed brushes for getting either side of a cat’s teeth.
• Rubber brushes that fit over your finger.

You can also look at using very soft baby toothbrush for cats. 

Cats aren’t exactly known for their dental hygiene, but don’t worry - these brushes make the process almost as easy as a catnap.

How to brush a cat's teeth: Step by step

Unsure how to start brushing your cat’s teeth? While it’s easiest to introduce it to them from a young age, if you’ve got an older cat who has never had their teeth brushed, worry not - it’s still possible to introduce the routine to them. Once they get used to it, teeth brushing can even become a bonding moment between you and your cat.

Steps to introduce brushing

If your cat hasn’t had their teeth brushed before, it’s important to take it slowly so that the cat does not get too scared. Try these tips to get your cat comfortable with their new dental care regime:

• Pick a quiet, calm place to start.
• Get a cotton swab and dip it in tuna water or put a small amount of a pate-type cat treat on the end.
• Get your cat comfortable in your lap or in front of you. Try to position them facing away from you so that if they try to back away, they don’t escape. 
• Let your cat smell the cotton swab, and gently move your cat’s head upwards slightly and pull back their lips. If your cat is resistant to you lifting their lips, try to coax them with a treat.
• Carefully run the cotton swab across the area where your cat’s teeth meet their gums.
• If your cat doesn’t allow you to use the cotton swab, try putting a bit of toothpaste on your finger to start with.
• Start by only ‘cleaning’ a couple of teeth, but slowly increase as your cat becomes more comfortable.
• Once your cat is comfortable with you using a cotton swab in their mouth, you can start using a toothbrush.

If you are using a brush that fits over your finger, the process is the same, but you’ll want to let your cat chew and investigate the brush while you use it. While it might seem like a challenge at first, you can quickly get your cat familiar with having their teeth cleaned, keeping those feline pearly whites in tip-top condition.

Step-by-step guide for regular brushing

Once you’ve gotten your cat used to their feline toothbrush, it’s time to start brushing their teeth properly. The steps for successfully brushing their teeth are:

• Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the brush. Let your cat sniff the toothpaste if they seem apprehensive.
• Gently lift your cat’s head as before and pull their gums back slightly.
• Try to brush the side teeth first as this is where plaque will build up most quickly.
• Focus on only cleaning the outside of their teeth - the insides of their teeth will not have as much plaque buildup.
• Make sure that you are gentle and do not over-brush their gums. If your cat seems distressed or in pain, remove the brush and try again another time.
• Keep brushing for about 30 seconds on each side of your cat’s mouth to make sure that you get all the plaque off.
• Reward them with a healthy treat after the ordeal!

How often should I brush my cat's teeth?

While we brush our teeth every day, this can be excessive for cats. It’s suggested that you should brush your cat’s teeth around three times per week. This will help reduce the buildup of plaque. However, keep an eye on the state of your cat’s teeth and wellbeing. If your cat hates brushing, maybe see if twice a week is enough -  likewise, if their teeth look in poor condition, you might need to brush more often or take them to a vet for an examination.

Taking a trip soon? Your in-home cat sitter will stick to your furry friend's regular routine, including brushing their teeth.

Other ways to care for your cat’s teeth

If your cat isn’t a fan of the toothbrush, or if you just want to add some extra precautions to help support your kitty’s dental hygiene, there are some extra steps you can take, such as:

• Add dry food to your cat’s diet. Chewing dry food can help diagnose plaque.
• Get feline dental treats from your vet or a pet shop. These can also help reduce plaque.
• Get a dental toy for your cat. These often have rubber spikes, and chewing on them can help remove plaque, just like a finger toothbrush does.
• If your cat has severe plaque issues, you can ask your vet about specific diets designed to reduce this.

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

To help your kitty have the best dental health possible, try to combine these with regular brushes. Looking for more tips on how to brush cat teeth? Why not head on over to our Community Forum and seek advice from a community of global, like-minded pet lovers.