How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth: 5 Steps for Healthy Teeth + Gums
Brushing your cat's teeth may sound like a challenging task, but it's necessary to help prevent dental and periodontal disease and aid in your cat's overall health. Cat owners may not recognize that periodontal disease can be a real problem, leading to more severe illness.
Regular brushing of your cat's teeth helps to prevent periodontal diseases like tartar buildup and gingivitis. If left untreated, your cat may experience pain, difficulty eating, tooth loss, and other oral infections.
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and our technicians here at Bond Vet agree that diseases of the teeth and gums are common in felines. Studies report that 50% to 90% of cats older than four years of age suffer from some form of dental problem (an unfortunate statistic), and many of these could be prevented or treated with good dental care and monitoring.
How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth at Home
If you're unsure how to brush your cat's teeth or are intimidated by the thought of doing it yourself, have no fear! Dental and gum disease in your cat can be prevented with a few simple steps at home. The step-by-step instructions and guide below show you how to work with your cat and make the process easy.
Step 1: Gather the Right Supplies
Before you begin brushing, you must gather all the necessary supplies. There are plenty of cat toothbrushes and kitten-sized toothbrushes on the market. You may want a small, soft or extra soft bristled brush that's sensitive enough for your cat's gums.
Consider a finger toothbrush if you're unsure your cat can handle a brush in its mouth. Finger toothbrushes are less intimidating, can give you more control when brushing in their mouth, and may also be easier when working with kittens' tiny teeth. You can also purchase dental wipes for a quick clean in between brushings.
Cat toothpaste comes in various flavors, like chicken and fish, which can appeal to your feline. The toothpaste itself contains certain enzymes that work to break down food and bacteria buildup.
It's important to note that you should not use human toothpaste or brushes on cats. Human toothpaste contains harmful ingredients, like fluoride and detergents, which can cause digestive issues and diarrhea. The brushes themselves can be too harsh on their teeth. Pet toothpastes are specially formulated for pets.
In addition to cat toothpaste and brush(es), you can have treats or toys nearby for positive reinforcement. A blanket or towel is also a good idea for where you'll be brushing.
Step 2: Let Your Cat Get Comfortable with the Process
Before you dive into trying to brush your cat's teeth right away, you can begin with the process more gradually. Start by simply lifting your cat's lips for short periods. You can introduce it calmly and quietly when they're relaxed and lying down, just to get used to the feeling.
Please have all your supplies out in your designated brushing spot so your cat can get used to seeing them. Allow the cat to sniff or taste the toothpaste or play and gnaw at the toothbrush while providing treats for positive reinforcement.
Keep in mind that your cat will tell you when it is uncomfortable. Speak calmly and be positive and encouraging, but take note if your cat is feeling fussy or doesn't want to participate when you put your hands around its mouth.
It may be easiest to start with brushing when your cat is a kitten, but you can start brushing with older cats, too. It may just take some time, sometimes months, so it is best to do these introduction sessions as many times as necessary before your cat becomes used to the ritual.
Step 3: Positioning Your Cat for Brushing
Determine how you plan to position your cat for brushing, such as sitting on your lap, on the floor, or using a towel/blanket. The "cat burrito" method can be effective if your cat is more resistant to being touched, and you can wrap it tightly so it will be still.
It's still a good idea to keep the environment calm and reassuring. Speak to your cat in a low, encouraging voice and provide the treats to ensure that it relates to the experience as a positive one.
Step 4: Brushing Technique
Now it's time to brush! Put your pet toothpaste on the brush in your cat's mouth. Allow the cat to lick or bite at it, and slowly glide the brush back and forth in your cat's mouth.
Start by brushing for small periods (maybe just a few seconds or 1-2 teeth), using just a few swipes at a time. Use a gentle, small, circular motion along the gum line. Eventually, you can work up to longer strokes and bigger brushes and increase the number of teeth you brush each time.
It's easiest to start your brushes with the canine teeth in the front of the mouth. If you're using a finger brush, you might feel braver working up to a complete cleaning more quickly once you know your cat accepts the brushing.
Another note is that using a cat toothbrush to reach the back upper premolars would be best, as it will be difficult with your finger. You may also consider using dental chews for your cat when you're too busy or not brushing in order to keep up with dental care.
Step 5: Positive Reinforcement After Brushing
And that's the entire process - you've successfully brushed your cat's teeth!
Encourage your cat with treats or playtime after brushing to create a positive experience and association, helping them adjust to the routine. This will teach them that toothbrushing is a good thing and worth tolerating for a reward!
Tips for Stress-Free Brushing
You may still have questions about dental cleaning for your cat. Here are some more helpful tips to ensure that brushing your cat's teeth is stress-free and easy at home.
Start Slow and Stay Consistent
The key is to begin with short sessions and gradually extend the brushing time. Consistency is key in this case, so aim for daily brushing, but even a few times a week can help. As a pet owner, you must be patient since it may take some time for your cat to adjust to this new routine, so having patience is essential.
Tips for Calming Anxious Cats
If your cat is overly anxious or skittish, getting used to brushing may take even more time. Some helpful things you can do include:
Choose a quiet time to brush or the best time when you know your cat is calmer during the day, such as after playtime, a meal, or at night when your cat is ready for sleep. Making it part of your cat’s routine will help.
Consider introducing calming pheromone sprays or wipes in the area before brushing to help create a relaxed environment for your cat. If the problem is more serious, consult your veterinarian about cat sedatives.
Use a soothing voice and remain patient, especially if your cat shows signs of anxiety.
How Often Should I Brush My Cat's Teeth?
Oral care is necessary for your cat, and brushing your cat's teeth on a regular basis - daily or at least a few times a week, if possible, is a good idea. Daily brushing is the most beneficial and ensures the establishment of a routine so your cat can become comfortable with it.
Since plaque can begin forming on teeth quickly and turn to tartar within 24 to 72 hours, it's best not to go more than a few days without brushing. When you're just starting, you may not be brushing yet, but you can try wiping the teeth with gauze or a wipe every two to three days.
Why Should I Brush My Cat's Teeth?
Cats can start to develop tartar buildup and dental diseases as soon as they finish teething. Brushing your cat's teeth is vital to prevent dental issues that can lead to other health problems by affecting the organs.
Bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream and spread to areas you may not have considered—even causing heart disease! Even with a good brushing routine, it is important to chat with your cat’s veterinarian to evaluate their teeth and determine when a professional cleaning and evaluation with x-rays is needed.
Signs of Dental Problems in Cats
Your cat's dental health should be evaluated and treated. Knowing the signs of potential dental issues or other health problems is also crucial. Many of these signs are easily treatable and preventable.
Bad Breath, Yellow Teeth, or Red Gums
You may notice your cat's teeth discolored or gums look red, irritated, and even swollen. Cats with bad breath could often have multiple problems affecting their oral cavity, such as gum disease, tooth infections, or more severe issues like diabetes.
Another sign you may see is visible tartar buildup on the teeth, or your cat's gums may bleed when brushing. When bacteria become trapped below the gum line and against their teeth, it irritates and erodes the tooth structure.
Difficulty Eating or Pawing at the Mouth
Due to an underlying dental issue, cats may become less inclined to eat, paw at their mouth, or even drool excessively. Cats who are slow to eat or have difficulty eating often display signs of dental problems.
The swelling of gums and soft tissue of the mouth or the buildup of bacteria can also make eating difficult. Your cat may try to relieve the pain by pawing at its mouth.
The Importance of Professional Dental Care
Similar to people, even with a good dental care and brushing routine, most cats will require at least one professional cleaning in their lifetime. Cats are great at hiding when something is wrong, so a conversation about your cat’s dental health and when it’s time to consider a professional dental procedure should be part of their routine care. Bond Vet’s in-office cleanings are easy to schedule with same-day or drop-in appointments. Proper veterinary dental care may be necessary in some cases.
In addition to dental cleaning as part of a regular preventive care routine, you should schedule regular visits with your vet for dental checkups and practical advice to ensure you're doing all you can to prevent oral disease.
Keep Your Cat's Teeth Clean and Healthy
Brushing your cat's teeth can be intimidating, but with these tips and a regular routine, you can yield the best results in preventative dental care in the most effective way. As cat parents, it's up to you to create a routine you can stick to and make your cat's oral health a priority.
It might take some practice and patience with your cat, as well as experimenting with a certain type of brush, determining whether it needs softer bristles, holding your cat's head in the right position, and paying attention to other details to ensure your cat gets the most oral benefits. Additionally, there are several products that can help keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy at the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
You may still have problems or questions when performing these steps at home. Don't ever hesitate to reach out to cat care professionals or your veterinarian for advice or assistance. Dental disease in cats can become a significant problem with health consequences if brushing is not done regularly.
Questions about brushing your cat's teeth or want more help with the toothbrushing process? You can easily book an appointment at Bond Vet for professional cleanings or reach out through telehealth consultations for further guidance.