How to clean your cat’s teeth

Kibble doesn’t work. Despite what you might have heard. There’s no independent research to back it. So as hardcore cat parents, we have to step up and learn how to brush our cats’ teeth. It can seem daunting. But use our guide to help you. You’ll both be pros in no time.

Yes. Just like it’s important for us to brush our teeth, clean teeth are essential for your cat. 50-80% of all cats over the age of four have periodontal disease. (That’s an infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth.) Periodontal disease typically starts as gingivitis caused by plaque coming into contact with gums. And it can all be prevented by regular brushing.

If you can do it, even if it takes time to get your cat comfortable with the idea, your cat’s health will be better for it. Brushing your cat’s teeth from a young age can help to prevent them from developing gum disease. (Or worse.) And the need for veterinary dental intervention.

The earlier you start brushing your cat’s teeth, the better. That’s not to say older cats can’t learn – they can and should – but it might take a little more time and patience if your cat isn’t receptive. Whatever your cat’s age, though, it’s best to start with small steps before diving right in with a toothbrush.

Human toothpaste should NEVER be given to your cat, as fluoride is toxic to them. Instead, pick up a specialty toothpaste from your vet or pet shop. These toothpastes are usually flavoured with something tasty (like beef or chicken.) And some even contain enzymes to help banish bad breath.

Usually, a finger brush is a little silicone tube you stick on your finger that has soft bristles at one end. You use them by sticking your finger in your cat’s mouth and brushing their teeth with the bristles – it’s easier than using a physical toothbrush.

Introducing your cat to the toothbrush should be done slowly and in steps. Otherwise, it’ll be a battle every day. And that’s no fun for anyone. Make sure your cat is comfortable with each step before moving on to the next.

Start by gently opening your cat’s mouth to allow them to get used to it. This will be useful for many things, like administering medicine, so it’s good for your cat to learn. Encourage them to open their mouth by gently pressing on either side of their jaw.

When they’re used to you opening their mouth and looking inside, introduce your fingers. Gently move your finger along their teeth. Add a littlecat toothpaste after the first few times. Or use a cotton bud dipped in tuna juice (Spring water. Not brine or oil) to gently rub their teeth. There’s no benefits but your cat will enjoy the flavour. And it’ll help them get used to the pressure on their teeth.

Slowly start introducing the toothbrush. Start off with letting your cat just lick the brush before moving on to brushing their teeth for a few seconds. Work your way up over time. Eventually, you’ll want to be able to brush their teeth for around 2 minutes a day.

Just like your own dental routine, this should be done every day. But we know that can be tricky. Even a minimum of 3 days a week can make a difference.

Sometimes, your cat won’t like you brushing their teeth. If that happens, don’t panic. There are a few other options:

• If the toothbrush doesn’t work out, you can rub the cat toothpaste onto their teeth with your finger.

• PlaqueOff is a natural feed supplement you can sprinkle on your cat's food, which reduces bad breath, plaque and tartar. But make sure you check with your vet – you can’t use this if your cat has thyroid disease.

Still struggling to get your cat to say “aah!”? Speak to your vet. They’ll be able to recommend other options. And the nursing team might be able to help you with getting your cat used to brushing. They might be able to offer you a light sedative to help your cat chill out before brushing sessions. Or recommend ‘brushless’ tooth gels that won’t require the daily battle with a toothbrush.

Brushing your cat’s teeth is as important as brushing our own. You might be tempted to replace brushing their teeth with treats that claim to take care of plaque and bad breath on their own. But it’s still important to get in there with a brush a few times a week. 

After you’ve finished polishing their teeth, don’t forget to follow that up with delicious freeze-dried cat treats as a reward. Made from 100% human-quality meat and freeze-dried to lock in the nutrients, our Nibbles treats are absolutely delicious and totally irresistible.