Top 5 Tips On How To Clean Cats Teeth

We love our cats. We love their soft purrs, their playful pounces, and the gentle head-butts they give us. But there’s one part of cat care that many owners forget: their teeth.

It is very important to clean cat’s teeth regularly. We should start nursing a cat’s teeth when it turns 1 because almost 70% cats suffer from many teeth problems. Learn about cat dental hygiene, how many teeth a cat has and if we don’t clean their teeth they may suffer from:

1. Teeth may become flavescent.
2. Gums and teeth disease.
3. Gums become red colored or sallowish.
4. You may find dental stone or pluck.
5. Teeth point & it may come down.
6. You may smell bad breath from it.

To get released from these diseases, you should brush a cat’s teeth regularly. But a cat doesn’t let you touch your finger or brush in its mouth. So you must follow some rules to brush a pet cat’s teeth.

Basically, like humans, cats have 2 sets of teeth in their lives. There are 26 deciduous teeth, also known as their primary, baby, milk, or kitten teeth, and 30 permanent teeth, also known as their adult teeth.

Related post: Best Cat Toothbrush

Why Bother Cleaning Your Cat’s Teeth?

Before we learn how to clean teeth, let’s understand why it’s so important. A cat’s mouth is a gateway to their overall health.

The Problem: Plaque and Tartar

Every day, a thin, sticky layer of bacteria forms on your cat’s teeth. This is called plaque. You might have felt it on your own teeth when you wake up in the morning.

If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into a brown, rough substance called tartar (also known as calculus). You can think of plaque like sticky mud and tartar like dried cement. Once tartar forms, you can’t brush it away at home.

This plaque and tartar are full of bacteria. They cause problems that start in the mouth but can affect the whole body.

The Consequences of Dirty Teeth

1. Bad Breath (Halitosis): This is often the first sign you’ll notice. While “cat breath” is a common joke, truly bad breath is a sign of a problem.
2. Painful Gums (Gingivitis): The bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, making them red, swollen, and painful. This condition is called gingivitis. It hurts your cat when they eat.
3. Tooth Loss: If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into periodontal disease. This is a more serious infection where the gums pull away from the teeth. The infection can damage the ligaments and bone that hold the teeth in place. Eventually, teeth can become loose and fall out. This is very painful for your cat.
4. Serious Body-Wide Illness: This is the most dangerous part. The bacteria in an infected mouth don’t just stay there. They can get into the bloodstream and travel to other organs. This can lead to serious, even life-threatening, problems with:
   • The Heart: Bacteria can cause infections on the heart valves.
   • The Kidneys: The kidneys work hard to filter blood, and they can be damaged by bacteria from the mouth.
   • The Liver: The liver can also become infected and inflamed.

By cleaning your cat’s teeth, you are doing more than just giving them a nice smile. You are protecting them from pain and helping them live a longer, healthier life.

Getting Ready: What You’ll Need

You can’t use your own toothbrush and toothpaste. Human products are not safe for cats. Here’s your simple shopping list.

1. A Cat-Specific Toothbrush

There are two main types. You can choose the one that you and your cat like best.

• Finger Brush: This is a small rubber brush with tiny bristles that slips over your finger. It’s a great starting point because it feels more natural to your cat, like you’re just petting them.
• Long-Handled Toothbrush: This looks like a smaller, softer version of a human toothbrush. It has a long handle and a small head with soft bristles. This gives you a bit more reach and keeps your fingers farther from your cat’s teeth.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money. A simple brush from a pet store or your vet’s office is perfect.

2. Cat-Specific Toothpaste

This is the most important rule: NEVER use human toothpaste on a cat.

Human toothpaste contains ingredients that are toxic to cats.

• Fluoride can make them very sick.
• Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely poisonous to cats and can cause a deadly drop in blood sugar.

Cat toothpaste is made to be safe if swallowed (and they will swallow it). It also comes in flavors that cats love, like poultry, beef, or seafood. This makes the toothbrushing experience feel like a treat, not a chore.

3. Yummy Treats

You will need small, special treats that your cat really loves. These are for rewards. The goal is to make your cat associate toothbrushing with good things.

4. A Quiet, Comfortable Spot

Choose a time when your cat is calm and sleepy, like after a meal or a play session. Sit on the floor or a comfortable sofa where you can both relax.

The Step-by-Step Guide: Making Friends with the Toothbrush

The secret to success is go slow. Do not try to brush all of your cat’s teeth on the first day. The goal is to build trust and make it a positive experience. This whole process can take a few weeks, and that’s okay!

Phase 1: Getting Your Cat Used to Being Touched (Days 1-3)

Your cat needs to be comfortable with you touching their face before you even bring out the toothbrush.

• Step 1: Sit with your cat on your lap in a quiet room. Pet them gently and speak in a soft, happy voice.
• Step 2: Gently lift their lip and touch one of their big canine teeth (the long “fang” teeth) with your finger. Just for a second.
• Step 3: Give them lots of praise (“Good cat!”) and a special treat.
• Step 4: Repeat this for a few minutes each day. The goal is for your cat to think, “Oh, when they touch my mouth, I get a treat!”

Phase 2: Introducing the Toothpaste (Days 4-6)

Now, let’s make the toothpaste part of the fun.

• Step 5: Put a tiny dab of the cat toothpaste on your fingertip. Let your cat sniff it and lick it off. Most cats love the taste. Praise them!
• Step 6: Once they are happily licking the paste, put a little on your finger and gently rub it onto one of their canine teeth. Don’t scrub. Just a gentle touch.
• Step 7: Again, end with praise and a treat. You are building a positive connection.

Phase 3: Introducing the Toothbrush (Days 7-10)

It’s time to bring in the tool!

• Step 8: Let your cat sniff the toothbrush. Put a little bit of toothpaste on it and let them lick the paste off the brush. This makes the brush a “treat delivery device.”
• Step 9: Lift their lip and gently touch the toothbrush (with paste) to one of their big canine teeth. Don’t brush yet. Just touch it for a second.
• Step 10: Praise and treat! You are doing great.

Phase 4: The First Real Brush (Days 11 and beyond)

You are ready for the real thing. Remember, keep it short and sweet.

• Step 11: Put a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush.
• Step 12: Gently lift your cat’s lip. Using a small, circular motion, brush the outside of the canine tooth and the big cheek teeth next to it. You only need to brush the outside of the teeth. The inside of their teeth are kept cleaner by their tongue and are much harder to reach.
• Step 13: Count to five. That’s it for the first day.
• Step 14: End with a celebration! Lots of praise, pets, and a high-value treat.

Over the next few days and weeks, slowly increase the number of teeth you brush. Add a few more teeth each session. Your goal is to eventually brush all the teeth you can easily see on the outside—the canines and the big cheek teeth in the back, where most tartar builds up.

Aim for once a day. Just like with people, daily brushing is the best way to prevent plaque from turning into tartar.

Tips for Success and Troubleshooting

Even with the best plan, you might hit a few bumps. Here are some common problems and what to do.

• My cat hates it!
  • Go back a step. If they hate the brush, go back to just using your finger with paste for a few days. If they hate that, go back to just touching their mouth. Don’t rush.
  • Try a different flavor. Maybe they don’t like poultry. Try beef or seafood.
  • Try a different brush. If they hate the long-handled brush, try a finger brush, or vice-versa.
• My cat tries to bite or scratch me.
  • Safety first. If your cat is getting aggressive, stop the session. Don’t force it. Forcing will only make them fear it more.
  • You can try wrapping your cat gently in a thick towel or blanket, with just their head out. This is sometimes called a “purrito.” It can help keep them from scratching you, but be careful not to wrap them too tightly. Make sure they can still breathe comfortably.
  • If your cat is too stressed or aggressive, tooth brushing at home may not be for them. That’s okay! We’ll talk about other options next.
• I don’t have time every day.
  • Any brushing is better than no brushing. If you can only manage three times a week, that’s still a huge help. But try for daily if you can.
• Remember to be patient. This is a new skill for both you and your cat. It can take weeks or even a couple of months for your cat to fully accept it. Stay calm, positive, and keep it fun.

What If Brushing Just Isn’t Happening? Other Options

Let’s be honest: some cats will simply not tolerate tooth brushing, no matter how patient you are. Don’t feel bad! You have other good choices to help keep their mouth healthy.

1. Dental Treats and Chews

These are specially designed treats that help scrape plaque off the teeth as your cat chews. They are a great supplement to brushing or a good alternative if brushing isn’t possible.

Look for the VOHC Seal. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) gives its seal of approval to products that have been scientifically proven to reduce plaque or tartar. If you see the VOHC seal on a bag of treats, you know it works. This is the best way to choose a dental treat.

2. Dental Wipes

Dental wipes are small, textured pads that you can wrap around your finger. You use them to wipe your cat’s teeth. They don’t clean as well as a brush, but they are better than doing nothing. They can be a good middle-ground for a cat that tolerates touching but hates the feel of a brush.

3. Water Additives

These are liquids that you add to your cat’s water bowl. They contain enzymes that help break down plaque. They are very easy to use, but their effectiveness varies. They don’t provide the mechanical scrubbing that a brush does, so they are the least effective option. Think of them as a small extra bit of help, not a replacement for brushing.

4. Professional Veterinary Cleanings

This is the gold standard of dental care and is necessary for every cat at some point in their life.

A professional cleaning is done at your vet’s office under general anesthesia. This is very important for several reasons:

• A Thorough Cleaning: The vet can clean every surface of every tooth, even below the gumline where you can’t see. This is where periodontal disease starts.
• Safety: Cats will not sit still for a full cleaning. Anesthesia keeps them safe and still, preventing stress and injury.
• X-Rays: While your cat is asleep, the vet can take dental x-rays. This shows the health of the tooth roots and the jawbone underneath. Many problems are hidden and can only be found with an x-ray.
• Extraction: If a tooth is loose or badly infected, the vet can pull it out, which relieves your cat’s pain.

Most cats need a professional cleaning once a year, starting around the age of 3 to 5, depending on their genetics and home care.

Signs Your Cat Needs to See a Vet Right Away

Home care is for prevention. If you see any of these signs, it means dental disease has already started, and you need to make an appointment with your vet.

• Very bad breath that doesn’t go away.
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
• Drooling a lot, or drool that looks bubbly or has blood in it.
• Trouble eating. They might chew on one side, drop food from their mouth, or stop eating dry food.
• Pawing at their face or mouth.
• Being grumpy or hiding. Pain can make a cat act differently.
• Loose or missing teeth.

These are all signs that your cat is in pain and needs help.

A Healthy Smile for a Happy Cat

Cleaning your cat’s teeth might seem like a small thing, but it is one of the biggest acts of love you can do for them. It protects them from silent pain and dangerous diseases.

Remember the key points:

• Start slow and be patient.
• Use the right tools: a cat toothbrush and cat toothpaste.
• Make it a positive experience with lots of praise and treats.
• Don’t force it. If it’s not working, talk to your vet about other options like VOHC-approved treats or professional cleanings.

By taking care of your cat’s teeth, you are ensuring they can eat comfortably, play happily, and give you those loving, purr-filled head-butts for many years to come. You’ve got this.