Does anyone brush their cats teeth?

I know people do this with dogs. I've never heard of anyone doing this with their cat, but I feel like there's no reason you couldn't. Our male cat has very bad breath and I don't think the tartar control treats do anything besides make them fat. Just wondering, if anyone has tried this how did it work out. Do they sell a tooth brush for this purpose? TIA!

Re: Does anyone brush their cats teeth?

I have seen the kitty toothbrushes and toothpaste at Petco, but I have never brushed my cats teeth. The rescuer never told me to, and neither did the vet. They are now 3, and i don't know if they would tolerate it.

Re: Does anyone brush their cats teeth?

I do - once in a while and shes pretty ok about it.
My vet asked us at our first appointment with him if we would consider trying to do it b/c it is very good for them. We said sure so he gave us a brush and some special toothpaste - it's actually for cats and dogs - poultry flavor - yummm!!
I would like to do it more, but even with doing it only occasionally, the vet said it looked very good when we went back the next time.
It's hard to get her to sit still for it, so I usually start by putting some paste on the brush and letting her sniff it and then lick some. Then I just try to sneak it in there and brush a little each time. I try to finish by letting her lick some more, so she associates it with something yummy instead of just mommy being mean.

ETA - they do sell special brushes, but I think a very soft childs or baby toothbrush would be fine. But never use regualr toothpaste.

Message edited 3/21/2006 2:07:20 PM.

Re: Does anyone brush their cats teeth?

Posted by oneday

I do - once in a while and shes pretty ok about it.
My vet asked us at our first appointment with him if we would consider trying to do it b/c it is very good for them. We said sure so he gave us a brush and some special toothpaste - it's actually for cats and dogs - poultry flavor - yummm!!
I would like to do it more, but even with doing it only occasionally, the vet said it looked very good when we went back the next time.
It's hard to get her to sit still for it, so I usually start by putting some paste on the brush and letting her sniff it and then lick some. Then I just try to sneak it in there and brush a little each time. I try to finish by letting her lick some more, so she associates it with something yummy instead of just mommy being mean.

ETA - they do sell special brushes, but I think a very soft childs or baby toothbrush would be fine. But never use regualr toothpaste.

Re: Does anyone brush their cats teeth?

No problem.
Also, here is an article I found on How to Brush a Cat's Teeth

They also had a thing that you can use instead of a regular toothbrush. It's like a little cap for your finger that has bristles - it might be easier this way though I haven't tried it.

Re: Does anyone brush their cats teeth?

Well I stopped off and picked up a kit with the toothpaste and brushes so we'll see if he'll let me. he tasted the paste off my finger but then wouldn't go for the brush, but I'll try a few more times before I give up.

Re: Does anyone brush their cats teeth?

my mom does, with one of her cats. she doesn't do it for health reasons, the cat just loves it! he's her shadow so everytime she's getting ready, she has to fuss over the cat, too, brushes him, washes his face and brushes his teeth

Re: Does anyone brush their cats teeth?

If I ever tried to brush Gunnar's teeth, I'd be armless.....

Re: Does anyone brush their cats teeth?

its really good for them if you can do it, go ahead and do it if ur cat will let you.. it can save u money by keeping her teeth healthy and ot needing any teeth cleanings from ur vet