Dental care is just as important for cats as it is for dogs and humans. Plaque and tartar build-up can lead to painful gum inflammation, tooth loss, and costly veterinary treatments. Fortunately, regular toothbrushing is an effective way to keep your cat’s mouth clean and healthy.
Plaque naturally builds up on your cat’s teeth each day. If it isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which can cause gum inflammation (gingivitis) and can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss. These conditions are painful for cats and often go unnoticed until they become severe.
By brushing your cat’s teeth daily, you remove much of the plaque before it hardens, reducing the risk of infection and pain.
Brushing also helps you notice any early signs of problems such as broken teeth, sore and reddened gums, or bad breath, prompting a timely visit to the vet. Simply put: daily tooth brushing helps both your cat from experiencing pain and can save you from higher veterinary costs later on.
A soft toothbrush, finger brush, or a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger
Flavoured enzymatic cat toothpaste
The key to effective cleaning is the mechanical brushing motion that removes bacteria and debris near the gum line. Brushing also gently massages the gums, keeping them firm and healthy. Never use human toothpaste - it often contains fluoride and other ingredients that are toxic to cats.
Teaching your cat to accept toothbrushing takes time and patience. Think of it as training a new trick; yes - cats can learn tricks too! The goal is to make brushing a calm, positive, and rewarding experience that your cat willingly participates in.
It’s better to progress slowly and steadily than to struggle and risk making your cat fearful.
Follow these stages:
Start by gently touching your cat’s face and around the mouth for a few seconds. Gradually increase the duration and firmness of the touch. Reward your cat with a small treat after each session.
Your cat should remain relaxed and willing to stay with you. Look for calm body language: ears up, relaxed eyes, and a gently moving or still tail. If your cat flattens their ears, swishes their tail, or tries to move away, it’s a sign that you need to slow down and make the sessions shorter and more rewarding.
Once your cat is comfortable with handling, start gently lifting their lips to touch the teeth and gums with your finger. Reward throughout. You can add a little cat toothpaste for your cat to lick and taste. If your cat dislikes one flavour, try another, because there are many cat friendly options available.
Wrap a small piece of gauze or a compress around your finger, apply some toothpaste, and gently rub along the outer surfaces of the teeth where they meet the gums. Start with the front teeth, and as your cat becomes comfortable, move further back. Focus on the outer side of the teeth to begin with.
When your cat fully accepts the previous step, introduce a soft toothbrush or finger brush.
Hold the brush at roughly a 45-degree angle towards the gum line to reach the area where plaque forms. If brushing the entire mouth in one go feels too much, split it up, perhaps the upper teeth in the morning and the lower teeth in the evening. Reward your cat several times during brushing to keep the experience positive.
A finger brush doesn’t clean quite as thoroughly as a toothbrush but can be a good option during the training period or for sensitive cats.
The ideal time to begin brushing your cat's teeth is early, right when you bring your kitten home. Although intensive brushing of baby teeth isn't necessary, this initial routine helps your cat become comfortable with brushing later in life. Teething can sometimes cause mouth soreness in kittens; if this happens, take a brief pause, but keep checking that their baby teeth are falling out correctly. Keep in mind that it's never too late to start - adult cats can also successfully learn this habit with the proper technique.
While not a complete safeguard - some issues like tooth resorption (TR), formerly called FORL, aren't preventable by brushing - routine dental care still significantly reduces common problems. Regular brushing effectively lowers the risk of gum inflammation and tartar build-up, two prevalent dental concerns for many cats.
Yes - without preventive care, almost all cats have developed periodontal disease by the age of three. Starting routine toothbrushing early is the most effective prevention. It's critical to begin before issues arise, as associating pain with brushing causes anxiety and resistance. Consistent early brushing slows dental disease, maintains comfort, and simplifies professional cleanings.
Dental diets can help reduce plaque, but nothing is as effective as brushing. Veterinary dental foods are good supplements but should not replace daily brushing.
If your cat resists having their teeth brushed, schedule a veterinary check-up first. Dental pain or other causes of oral discomfort could be the cause of their reluctance. If the vet confirms your cat's mouth is healthy, you should return to the initial training steps and proceed at a slower pace. Be sure to use highly appealing treats, a favorite toy, and positive attention as a reward for their cooperation.
Signs that your cat may have dental pain include: