Wildcats with the raw meat diet brush their teeth by naturally tearing meat and gnawing on bones, while our domestic cats eating dry food should be teeth-brushed in another way. This blog will dive into how to brush cats teeth by tool introduction, brushing adaption, teeth brushing method, teeth maintenance and frequently asked questions.
Tool Preparation Before Brushing Cat’s Teeth
| Age | 0-2 Months | 3 Months to 6 Months | 0.5-10 Years Old | 10+ Years Old | Cats with Dental Disease |
| Toothbrush | Small Soft Toothbrush | Small Soft Brush | Medium Soft Brush | Finger Brush | Soft Brush/ Finger Brush |
| Toothpaste | Specific Toothpaste | Enzymatic Toothpaste | Chicken Flavor Toothpaste | Anti-plaque Toothpaste | Enzymatic Toothpaste |
From birth to 2 Months: Small Soft Toothbrush and Specific Toothpaste
Kitten cat has been growing their full set of 26 milk teeth. These teeth are small and needle-like. Meanwhile, kitten gums should be pink and firm, without redness or swelling. Sometimes, the gums may appear slightly swollen because the baby teeth are emerging. So, a small toothbrush with soft bristles and pet-specific toothpaste is a good choice to avoid physical damage.
Months to 6 Months: Small Soft Brush and Enzymatic Toothpaste
We suggest using a small soft brush and enzymatic toothpaste. Some kittens like a finger brush since they feel gentle on the gums. The reason for this is simple. Kittens start to lose their baby teeth, and adult teeth begin to emerge. The adult teeth gradually replace the baby teeth over the next few months. By 6 months, kittens should have all of their permanent adult teeth, totaling 30 teeth.
0.5-10 Years Old: Medium Soft Brush and Chicken Flavor Toothpaste
The soft and medium-size brush is the top preference for the cat at this age. Also, it is a good idea to use toothpaste with chicken and fish flavor to reduce their reluctance to teeth brushing.
10+ Years Old: Finger Brush and Toothpaste with Anti-plaque Elements
Senior cats may have more sensitive gums or be less tolerant of brushing. So a finger brush and anti-plaque offer good care to their teeth.
Cats with Dental Disease
Soft brush, finger brush and enzymatic toothpaste suit them a lot. In some cases, a rubberized dental pad or gauze wrapped around your finger can be more comfortable for sensitive cats.
Start Brushing Cat’s Teeth From Kitten
Take our Handsome for example, a nine-year-old Shorthair Cheese Cat in our furry family. We tried the first teeth brushing in its kitten stage. I remembered that we make a long head massage before brushing because it is its favourite way to relax. Until it showed a cozy expression, we showed the toothpaste for it to smell. Luckily, Handsome seemed nonresistant to the toothpaste. To be careful, we made a head massage again for a while and then let it smell the toothpaste again.
When everything was ready, we chose to use a cotton swab instead of a specific pet toothbrush. We slightly opened its upper lip and applied the toothpaste softly on its teeth. Sometimes, Handsome retracted its mouth or licked its gum. We stopped for a while and gave it a little break time. Keeping this way, we successfully finished the teeth brushing with our Handsome!
You may wonder why we start brushing teeth for Handsome since its kitten stage. And I will tell you this is really a beneficial thing for the domestic cat. First of all, the kitten stage is the easiest period to adapt the new experiences along the whole life of a cat. Second, dry cat food generally contains sugar that affects cat mouth health. As long as we keep the habit of cat’s teeth brushing, it will maintain good teeth even in its senior stage.
Teach Cats to Accept Brushing Tooth
After a few times of successful teeth brushing for Handsome, we turned to using a small soft toothbrush. I remember it was not a difficult process since Handsome already got used to cleaning teeth.
As before, made a head massage to help it relax. Since it had already been familiar with the toothpaste, we applied the toothpaste to the new toothbrush to improve its acceptance. It took time for Handsome to smell and explore the toothbrush. Finally, Handsome chewed the toothbrush with the toothpaste. That was a positive signal to start using the toothbrush.
Brush Cat’s Teeth Step by Step
Since we used the toothbrush, the method of brushing teeth has kept similar till now. And Handsome gets used to it well. Sometimes, it even doesn’t want to leave after head massage and tooth brushing. The easy simple steps contain six as follows.
- Gently lift your cat’s lips.
- Begin by brushing the outside surface front teeth, which are easier to reach. Gradually go back to the molars and premolars. If possible, try to brush the inside surfaces of the teeth.
- Brush in small, gentle circles, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
- Start with short sessions, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Give the cat a break time if necessary.
- Talk to your cat in a calm voice, and keep the atmosphere stress-free.
- After brushing, reward your cat with a treat and affection as praise. This lays a positive basic for the next time brushing.
The Mouth Part Which Cat Tends to Adapt Brushing Tooth
- The lower front teeth: the most adaptable
- The upper front teeth: the second adaptable
- The outer surfaces of the lower jaw: the third adaptable
- The outer surfaces of the upper jaw: the fourth adaptable
- The tongue: Medium
- The roof of the mouth: Medium
- The inner surfaces of the teeth: Medium
- The gums around the teeth: Medium
- The upper and lower canine teeth: Difficult
- The back molars: Most difficult
Frequently Asked Questions Related to How to Brush Cats Teeth
How Often to Brush Cat Teeth
Brushing your cat’s teeth is essential for keeping their mouth healthy and preventing dental problems. Ideally, you should brush your cat’s teeth every day. Daily brushing helps remove plaque before it turns into tartar, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. If brushing every day isn’t possible, aim to do it at least 3-4 times a week. The more often you brush, the better the results for your cat’s oral health.
Even if you can’t brush every day, it’s important to establish a routine. Try to brush at the same time each day or on specific days of the week, so your cat gets used to the process.
What Are the Daily Maintenance for Cats Teeth?
In addition to daily tooth brushing, chew toys and raw bones also contribute to the cat’s teeth health. The action of gnawing on these items massages the gums and removes food particles, which reduces the buildup of tartar. Chew toys designed for dental health often have a textured surface that helps clean hard-to-reach areas. However, always supervise your cat with raw bones to ensure they don’t break or swallow large pieces.
Besides, drinking water helps keep your cat’s teeth clean by flushing away food particles and bacteria that can cause plaque buildup. So try encouraging your cat to drink plenty of fresh water is an easy way to support their oral health. For better drinking encouragement, we prepared a cat water fountain for Handsome. This device has two faucets. It seems that Handsome likes this funny drinking way. And the inserted filter ensures the cleanliness of the water. By the way, you can also mix them with your cat’s water to reduce bacteria and promote oral health.
Alternatives to Brushing Cats Teeth
I think wildcats in the forest are a good example. They don’t brush their teeth like domestic cats. Instead, their teeth stay clean through natural behaviors. They hunt and chew on raw meat, bones, and sometimes plants, which helps scrape away plaque and keep their teeth sharp. Eating whole prey like rodents or birds also provides natural abrasion, cleaning the teeth as they gnaw and chew. Additionally, the act of chewing on tough materials like bones massages their gums and promotes healthy oral hygiene.
However, we can not feed our domestic cats with raw meat during their whole lives. Domestic cats have been separated from the wild for thousands of years. They are often kept in sanitized environments and are not exposed to the same natural conditions. Their immune systems are less resilient to the pathogens that can be present in raw meat.
How to Brush Cats Teeth At Home When They Refuse?
If your cat refuses to let you brush their teeth, start slowly. Gently rub your cat’s gums with your finger or a soft cloth, then gradually introduce a toothbrush. Still, short brushing sessions and relaxing them before teeth brushing are very important.
Takeaway
How to clean cats teeth doesn’t have to be a challenge! By following these simple six steps—preparing your cat, using the right tools, starting slow, brushing gently, making it a positive experience, and rewarding them—you can help ensure your cat’s dental health. Consistency is key, so make it part of your routine for a healthier, happier cat!
