How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth

To brush your cat's teeth, use a cat toothbrush and toothpaste made for cats, never human toothpaste. Introduce it over about four weeks: first the taste, then the brush, then gentle brushing along the outside of the teeth.

Aim for every day. The AVMA calls regular brushing the single most effective thing you can do at home for your cat's teeth.

If the idea of a toothbrush near your cat's mouth sounds unlikely, you're not alone. Cornell's feline experts say most cats can eventually be trained to accept it. The trick is going slowly.

Why brush a cat's teeth at all?

Problems with the teeth and gums are common in cats. The Cornell Feline Health Center cites studies finding that between 50 and 90% of cats older than four suffer from some form of dental disease.

Much of it starts with plaque, a soft film that harbors bacteria and builds up on the teeth. Cornell's advice is to remove it regularly by brushing.

Timing matters here. The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that plaque left on the teeth for more than 3 days turns into a hard material called calculus, or tartar, which a toothbrush can't remove.

AAHA's dental guidelines make the same point from the other side. Brushing removes plaque, not tartar, so once tartar forms, removing it is a job for your vet.

What do I need to brush my cat's teeth?

Cornell's list is short:

• A cat toothbrush.
• Toothpaste or tooth gel made for cats.
• Rewards, either a small edible treat or, for cats who love it, a drink from a favorite running faucet.

That last suggestion comes straight from Cornell. The reward can be whatever your cat already loves.

Why can't I use my own toothpaste?

Cornell is blunt here: human toothpaste isn't safe for cats, and human dental products can be toxic to them.

ASPCA Poison Control explains that toothpaste can contain fluoride or xylitol, and either can harm a pet if enough is swallowed. The amount of xylitol varies a lot between brands, so the ASPCA's advice is to keep all human toothpaste away from pets.

How do I get my cat used to a toothbrush?

This is the heart of it. Cornell's four-week plan builds trust one small step at a time, and each week ends with a reward.

1. Week 1: the smell. Leave the brush and toothpaste out where your cat can inspect them. Each day, put a dab of toothpaste on your finger and let her smell and lick it. If she's shy, place a tiny dab near her mouth.
2. Week 2: the taste on her teeth. Each day, apply a dab of toothpaste to one of her canine teeth, the long pointed ones, then reward her.
3. Week 3: the brush. Put a little toothpaste on the brush and let her lick it off. If she hesitates, dab some near her mouth first.
4. Week 4: brushing. Gently lift her lip and slip the brush between the lip and gums. Hold the bristles at a 45-degree angle, aimed at the narrow crevice where tooth meets gum, and brush gently around the upper and lower teeth.

Always follow with a reward, so she links the toothpaste with something she enjoys. If a step goes badly, go back to the one before. The AVMA notes that cats can be a bit more resistant than dogs, so patience and training matter.

Do I need to brush the inside of the teeth?

No. Cornell explains that you only need to brush the outside surfaces. A cat's own rough tongue cleans the inside surfaces well.

That cuts the job down a lot. You're brushing the side of each tooth that faces the cheeks and lips.

How often should I brush my cat's teeth?

Every day is the goal. The Merck Veterinary Manual says to brush your cat's teeth daily, and AAHA's guidelines say brushing needs to be daily to be of benefit.

The AVMA is a little more forgiving. It calls daily brushing best, while noting that brushing several times a week can also be effective. So if you miss a day, pick it up again the next.

If your cat won't accept a brush at all, Merck suggests at least wiping the teeth with a gauze pad every 2 to 3 days.

Even daily brushing doesn't replace the vet. AAHA is clear that brushing at home doesn't remove the need for professional exams and cleanings under anesthesia.

What about dental chews and water additives?

The AVMA cautions that many pet products are marketed with dental claims, and not all of them work. Its advice is to ask your vet before you buy.

One useful shortcut is the seal of the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). AAHA's guidelines explain that VOHC-accepted products have met preset standards for slowing the buildup of plaque or tartar, and the council lists them on its website.

When should I start brushing a kitten's teeth?

Kittens change teeth fast. The Merck Veterinary Manual puts it at 26 baby teeth, replaced by 30 permanent ones that usually start to appear at around 4 to 7 months.

AAHA's guidelines suggest starting home dental care once the permanent teeth are in. Kittens who are losing baby teeth may find brushing uncomfortable, and a bad early experience is worth avoiding.

If you're setting up for a new arrival, a cat toothbrush and cat toothpaste belong on your list of kitten supplies.

AAHA also recommends a full professional dental cleaning by 1 year of age for cats, so ask about it at her early checkups.

When should my cat see the vet about her teeth?

The AVMA recommends a vet check of your cat's teeth and gums at least once a year. If trips are hard, our guide to cat carrier training can make the visit calmer.

If her gums already look red or sore, see your vet before you start brushing. AAHA notes that brushing inflamed gums causes pain and can put an animal off brushing.

Call your vet promptly if your cat has:

• bad breath
• red, swollen or bleeding gums, or bleeding from the mouth
• broken, loose or discolored teeth, or teeth covered in tartar
• drooling, odd chewing, turning her head while she eats, or dropping food
• a reduced appetite, a preference for soft food, or refusal to eat
• swelling around the mouth

The AVMA adds that some pets become irritable when they have mouth problems, and a painful animal may bite, so look gently.

Questions new cat parents ask

What kind of toothbrush is best for cats?

One made for cats, as Cornell's list specifies. If your cat won't accept one yet, Merck suggests wiping the teeth with a gauze pad as a start.

Can I use human toothpaste on my cat?

No. Cornell says human toothpaste isn't safe for cats, and the ASPCA notes it can contain fluoride or xylitol. Use a toothpaste made for cats.

How long does it take to train a cat to accept brushing?

Cornell's plan takes about four weeks. The AVMA notes cats can be more resistant than dogs, so take longer if she needs it. Go back a step whenever she seems uneasy.

Is professional cat teeth cleaning still needed if I brush?

Yes. AAHA says daily brushing doesn't replace professional exams and cleanings, because brushing can't remove tartar or check below the gumline.

Brushing a dog too? See our guide to dog toothpaste and brushing.

Sources

• Cornell Feline Health Center: Feline Dental Disease
• American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Dental Care
• Bellows J, et al. 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 2019
• Merck Veterinary Manual (Cat Owners): Dental Disorders of Cats
• Merck Veterinary Manual (Cat Owners): Dental Development of Cats
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Poisonous Household Products

This article is for general information and is not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own cat — they know the animal in front of them.

Choolip products are food supplements, not medicine. They are not intended to diagnose or manage any medical condition. If your cat has been diagnosed with a condition, their diet should be set by your vet.