Everyone knows that cats are the cleanest animals. They use their mouths to clean all parts of their bodies, but they cannot clean their mouths alone. Like humans, cats suffer from dental problems, and this problem is one of the most overlooked. In this guide, we’ll explore all there is to brush your cat’s teeth. Make things that you think are difficult very easy.
Why You Should Brush Your Cat’s Teeth?
- Prevention of Dental Issues: Cats also have dental issues just like humans, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and other problems. All of these problems may lead to tooth pain, and severe cases may lead to tooth loss. Brushing your cat’s teeth can be an effective way to avoid these problems.
- Keep Breath Fresh: Let’s face it, bad breath from your feline friend isn’t pleasant. Regular brushing can help keep their breath fresher.
- Improve Overall Health: If the cat’s oral health is not maintained, cats with severe oral issues may develop severe kidney disease, which may be life-threatening.
How Often to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth?
Daily brushing of your cat’s teeth is ideal if you can have spare time every day. If not, try to brush your cat’s teeth at least 2-3 times a week. And brush for 2-3 minutes each time. The most important thing you do is to brush cat’s teeth regularly.
Gather Your Supplies Before You Start
- Cat Toothbrush: Please be sure to use a toothbrush that is specially made for cats. This kind of toothbrush is tiny and suitable for cats. After some research, I noticed there are three kinds of cat toothbrushes which are regular shapes, 360°cat toothbrushes, and even ones that can fit on our fingers (interesting).
- Cat Toothpaste: If there’s a toothbrush specially designed for cats, there must be a cat toothpaste. Cat toothpaste comes in many flavors, such as beef or fish. Cats will be irresistible to these toothpastes.
- Rewards: Don’t forget their rewards. Giving them some rewards after you finish this brush teeth process can tell them that brushing teeth is not a bad thing. Instead, it’s a wonderful thing, that can win some treats. Time over time, they will be more cooperative with you in the whole process.
How to Brush Cat’s Teeth? Step-by-Step
“Is it hard to brush your cats’ teeth?” The answer is YES. No cat likes to be controlled, let alone move their teeth. Therefore, getting prepared and quick operation is critical!
Step1: Smooth Your Cat
Put them on a comfortable platform. Pet them to calm them down, also you can give them some treats.
Step2: Lift Cat’s Lips
You can reassure them by saying some soothing words (I usually say her name). Slowly lift your cat’s lips and try this action a few times to let the cat used to it.
Step3: Introduce Cat Toothpaste
As mentioned before, cat toothpaste generally has an irresistible flavor for cats. Squeeze a little cat toothpaste on your hand and let your cat lick it. Don’t forget to give them some rewards when it is over!
Step4: Brush Teeth Now
Put your cat on a stable platform and lift the cat’s lips. Brush now! Let’s start with the most obvious big canines.
Step5: Extend The Scope
Pay attention to your cat’s expression and body language when you do the whole process. If they seem to accept what you do, now is the time to brush the rest of their teeth.
Step6: Time to Reward
The final step is to reward your cat! Although this step is not a must, it’s actually really important. It will make your cat realize that brushing their teeth is a great thing cause there will be treats.
FAQs about Brush Cat’s Teeth
This is absolutely not allowed! First of all, human toothpaste contains fluoride and xylitol and so on. These substances are harmful to pets. Secondly, human toothbrushes are large in size and hard in material. Not suitable for use on cats.
You can use coconut oil, which is a natural ingredient for cat teeth cleaning.
There is a kind of food that can play a great role in cleaning teeth, you will never think of it! That is raw meat. Natural chewing of bones or cartilage can clean teeth and prevent periodontal disease.
Chewing on cat grass is said to be a cat’s natural way of keeping their teeth clean.
