February, being Pet Dental Care Month, is the perfect time to start focusing on your cat’s dental health. Just like humans, cats need regular dental care to prevent disease and ensure overall health. Establishing a dental care routine for your cat can seem daunting, especially if your cat is not a fan of having their teeth cleaned. But don’t worry, we’ll help you get started and maintain a healthy dental routine for your feline friend.

Most people don’t understand how important cat oral health can be. Poor dental hygiene can lead to problems like tartar build-up, gum disease, and tooth decay, contributing to more serious health issues affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental care not only keeps your cat’s teeth clean but also helps in the early detection of potential problems.

4 Benefits of Regular Dental Care

Taking care of your cat’s dental health is not just a chore, it’s a pathway to ensuring they live a long, happy life. Check out the benefits for your cat:

#1 – Prevention of Oral Diseases and Tooth Loss: Just like us, cats can suffer from gum disease and tooth decay. Regular brushing removes plaque and prevents tartar build-up, keeping those kitty teeth pearly white and healthy. No more worrying about painful tooth problems or expensive dental procedures down the line.

RELATED: 5 Symptoms Of Feline Dental Disease

#2 – Better Breath – Hello, Kitty Kisses!: Ever been up close and personal with your cat only to get a whiff of not-so-pleasant breath? Regular dental care transforms those moments. Imagine your cat greeting you with a gentle nuzzle or a sweet ‘kitty kiss,’ and all you smell is… well, fresh cat breath! Fresh breath makes those close snuggles and face-to-face moments so much more enjoyable.

#3 – Early Detection of Potential Health Issues: Regular dental care isn’t just about teeth; it’s a gateway to your cat’s overall health. When you’re up close and personal during brushing, you’re in a prime position to notice any anomalies—like swollen gums, loose teeth, or unusual growths. Early detection can lead to quicker treatments and better outcomes.

#4 – An Overall Happier and Healthier Cat: A cat free from dental discomfort is a happy cat. They’ll eat better, play more, and show more affection. In turn, you’ll feel the joy and peace of mind knowing you’re providing the best care for your furry friend.

So, grab that toothbrush and get to it—your cat’s health (and those sweet kitty kisses) will thank you!

Getting the Right Cat Dental Tools 

To begin, you’ll need a few essential tools. These include:

#1 – Cat-Specific Toothbrush: Choose small, soft-bristled toothbrushes designed for cats. If you’re just getting started with brushing your cat’s teeth, check out this 8-Piece Toothbrush Set that comes with a traditional toothbrush, silicone bristle toothbrushes, and finger toothbrushes. It’s a good way to see what style you and your cat prefer.

#2 – Cat Toothpaste: Never use human toothpaste as it can be toxic to cats. Choose a cat-friendly toothpaste, preferably in a flavor they’ll like. Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste for Cats & Dogs offers a poultry flavor that will make teeth cleaning a little easier because kitties will think they’re being offered a tasty snack.

Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste for Cats & Dogs

• Delicious poultry-flavored enzymatic solution
• Helps eliminate bad breath and combats harmful germ growth
• Non-foaming cat toothpaste 
• Triple enzyme formula 
• Can be safely swallowed without rinsing

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#3 – Dental Treats and Chews: These can help reduce tartar and plaque build-up while your kitty enjoys munching a treat. Feline GREENIES are a popular option among cats. Toss them one or two and the unique shape and crunchy texture will clean teeth, reduce tartar, and freshen breath. 

#4 – Dental Wipes: For cats that absolutely refuse a toothbrush, HICC PET Teeth Cleaning Wipes offer a solution that should be easy for you both. Just slip one of these finger wipes over your finger and rub your cat’s teeth. The blend of coconut oil, baking soda, tea polyphenol, and aloe on a textured wipe delivers a gentle, yet thorough cleaning.

HICC PET Teeth Cleaning Wipes

• Slip textured wipe on finger to gently clean teeth
• Uniquely patented organic coconut oil fermented technology
• Perfect for dogs & cats with sensitive teeth, gums, and enamel
• Alcohol-free, with no parabens & fragrances
• Safe if licked or ingested

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#5 – Water Additives or Dental Rinses: These can help in reducing bacteria in the mouth by simply adding a small amount to your cat’s water dish or fountain. Oxyfresh Pet Water Additive is a veterinarian-recommended oral care water additive that helps fight plaque and tartar for healthy teeth and gums by simply sipping some water. Pour in a capful to start your cat’s dental care routine.

Oxyfresh Premium Pet Dental Care Solution Pet Water Additive

• Simply add a capful to water bowl or fountain
• Freshens and cleans without brushing
• Tasteless and odorless
• Flavor, dye, and alcohol-free
• Made in the USA

ChewyAmazon

Introducing Dental Care to Your Cat

Start slowly and be patient. It’s all about making your cat comfortable with the process.

1. Familiarization: Let your cat sniff and taste the toothpaste and toothbrush. Make this a positive experience, maybe with a treat or two.
2. Touching the Mouth: Gently stroke the outside of your cat’s mouth and slowly progress to lifting their lips to expose the gums and teeth.
3. Brushing Teeth: Once your cat is comfortable, gently brush one or two teeth and the adjoining gum line. Gradually increase the number of teeth you clean over time.
4. Praise and Rewards: Always end the session with praise and a treat to build a positive association.

RELATED: The Top Tips For Training Your Cat

Dealing with a Cat Who Hates Teeth Cleaning

When your feline friend turns into a little lion at the sight of a toothbrush, don’t despair. Here are some tips:

• Dental Wipes: For the toothbrush-averse cat, dental wipes can be a godsend. They’re less invasive but still effective in wiping away plaque. Try to make it a soothing experience, gently massaging the gums and teeth with the wipe.
• Dental Treats and Toys: Engage your cat’s natural instincts to chew with treats and toys designed to clean teeth. These products are made to be irresistible and, while they play or munch away, they’re also fighting tartar and plaque.
• Professional Cleanings: Sometimes, it’s best to leave it to the pros. Regular veterinary cleanings can ensure a deep clean that’s difficult to achieve at home. Plus, your vet can offer personalized advice and solutions for your cat’s dental care.
• Patience and Persistence: Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. Gradually introducing dental care routines, with lots of positive reinforcement, can slowly but surely change your cat’s attitude towards oral hygiene.

With these strategies, you’ll make strides in maintaining your cat’s dental health, even if they’re not the biggest fan of teeth cleaning! For more information on keeping a healthy feline from whiskers to tail, these 9 Tips To Help Your Cat Live A Long, Healthy Life are just purrfect.

A Clean Mouth is Part of a Happy Cat

Starting a dental care routine for your cat might seem challenging, but with patience and the right tools, it’s definitely achievable. Remember, the goal is to keep your cat’s mouth healthy, so find a routine that works for you and your feline. Celebrate Pet Dental Care Month by taking that first step towards your cat’s dental health today!

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When it comes to dental health, many pet owners are still behind the curve. Although more and more are checking in for yearly anesthetic dentals by their veterinarians, others are still hesitant to spend the money. Many of us find it difficult to keep up a toothbrushing routine. Whatever the reason, we need to remember that dental health is important. In fact, it’s probably more important to your cat’s overall health than you realize.

#1 – Bad Breath

While cats aren’t known for having the freshest breath of animals, they can really start knocking us out when it comes to poor dental health. One of the most overlooked signs of periodontal disease in cats is bad breath. Many owners assume that bad breath is something cats just naturally have. Again, while it’s not as fresh as ours might be, it’s definitely cause for concern if your cat’s breath is exceptionally terrible. Catching periodontal disease in the beginning is important and preventing it is even better.

Image source: Quinn Dombrowski via Flickr

#2 – Tooth & Gum Decay

Left untreated, periodontal disease will start to cause a lot of damage to your cat’s mouth. Plaque and tartar will begin to develop underneath the gum line, which begins to eat away and deteriorate the tooth and the tissue around it. This will eventually lead to gum decay, tooth loss and even abscesses. Even minor periodontal disease is painful to our cats, so severe progression can cause a lot of discomfort.

#3 – Systematic Changes

Outside of affecting your cat’s teeth and gums, dogs have also suffered from painful bone loss in the jaw because of severe periodontal disease. Further, studies have shown that periodontal disease doesn’t only affect your cat’s mouth. Microscopic changes are seen in the heart, liver and kidneys – all important parts of your cat’s body! This suggests that they may be at a higher risk for organ disease. In humans, poor dental health has also been shown to worsen the control of diabetes mellitus and even increase the risk for onset.

Image source: Doug Sparks via Flickr

Dental health is important to the overall health and well-being of all of our cats. The best medicine is prevention, so keep brushing your cat’s teeth, offering dental treats and checking in with your veterinarian regularly. Making sure they your cat doesn’t begin to suffer this painful and potentially deadly disease will keep them both healthy and happy. None of us want our cats to be uncomfortable and we want to keep them as healthy as we can, so working towards excellent dental health should be a regular part of our lives.

Cover photo: Patricia Barden via Flickr

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Everyone knows that cat breath can be pretty formidable and although it might go unnoticed for some time, it’s usually a sign that there is something unhealthy going on in your cat’s mouth. Bad breath is a symptom of tooth and gum disease, and a large number of cat owners don’t enforce any oral care in their cats. Since our kitties can’t take themselves to the dentist, it’s up to us to make sure they’re getting proper dental hygiene. There are several things you can do to keep your cat’s teeth clean and breath fresh and we’ll go over them here.

#1 – Yearly Dentals

Your veterinarian will know best when your cat needs a dental, but you should definitely consider having one done once a year. During your cat’s annual check up, your veterinarian will check your kitty’s teeth and gums to make sure they’re healthy. An anesthetic dental is the best option for oral hygiene because, just like your dentist, your veterinarian can do a much more thorough cleaning than you can at home.

Image source: Luiz Filipe Carneiro Machado via Flickr

#2 – Brush Teeth

It sounds crazy to brush your cat’s teeth, but it’s something that will keep their breath at a reasonable odor. Bad breath comes from plaque and tartar build up, so a weekly brushing will make a big difference. You’ll have to start slowly and work your way up to brushing your cat’s teeth with ease, but it’s definitely something to look into.

#3 – Water Additives

There are water additives you can put in your cat’s drinking water to help with plaque build up and breath freshening. It’s more difficult to control how much your cat consumes than the other alternatives, but it can help keep your cat’s breath odor free.

#4 – Chew Toys & Treats

There are many toys and treats geared towards cleaning your cat’s teeth. Cats don’t quite chew on toys like dogs do, but the treats are a great option. There are hard, crunchy treats that freshen breath and scrape plaque and tartar off your cat’s teeth and they can be given fairly regularly. Look for treats marked for dental cleaning or breath freshening and see what you can find. There are also pet-friendly breath mints that you can share with your cats – just make sure you don’t mix them up with your own!

Image source: Helen Haden via Flickr

Keeping your cat’s mouth healthy is important. Tooth and gum disease is not only painful, it can lead to more dangerous systemic illnesses if left untreated. Prevention is the best medicine, so work towards brushing teeth or offering dental treats and definitely consider a professional dental cleaning once a year. Your veterinarian will help you determine which regime is best for your cat. Even if you start slowly and work up to daily or biweekly cleanings, you’ll notice you have a happier cat with breath that is fresher than ever!

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There are many different problems that can arise from poor dental care in our cats, often without the knowledge that we even need to care for them. But brushing our cat’s teeth will benefit them in the long run, no matter how awkward it might be to start. If you notice any of these symptoms, however, your cat might already be suffering from dental disease. Be sure to see your veterinarian.

5 Symptoms Of Feline Dental Disease

#1 – Bad Breath

Photo by Quinn Dombrowski via Flickr.

Bad breath is probably the most notable sign of dental disease in cats because it’s so obvious to us as owners. Our cats are often right in our faces, licking us or breathing on us while we’re snuggling on the couch. Cat breath doesn’t particularly smell wonderful to begin with, but if you notice it’s worse than normal it’s time for a vet check-up.

#2 – Excessive Drooling

Some cats drool regularly, but most hardly ever do. That said, excessive drooling is often a sign of something more serious going on in your kitty’s mouth. Sometimes this drool might contain blood, but even if it doesn’t, you’ll likely want to schedule a vet visit.

#3 – Loss of Appetite

While your cat might very well still be hungry, eating can be painful if teeth and gums are inflamed and infected. Skipping meals is very dangerous for cats, so if you notice your feline is even only eating half of his food it’s important to have him checked by a veterinarian.

#4 – Pawing at Mouth

Sometimes cats with dental disease will paw at their mouths because of the discomfort. Just like you, they want to soothe the pain that dental disease causes. Often they might have a loose or cracked tooth that’s uncomfortable and feel the urge to get it out. Whatever the reason, pawing at the mouth is certainly reason to have your cat looked at by a vet.

#5 – Dropping Food

Dropping Food – While some cats are in too much pain to eat at all, others will keep trying but have a hard time keeping food in their mouths. This is most common with hard kibble, but even canned food might be chewed awkwardly with some falling out of your cat’s mouth. However bad this symptom appears, it should be addressed by a veterinarian.

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