Dental care for cats is just as important for them as it is for us. Cats have teeth that require care, but most people overlook this aspect of their health. Chewing food and toys provides some dental care, but it’s often not enough to prevent dental problems.
Proper dental care for cats is essential, and knowing how to brush your cat’s teeth can help prevent these issues and unnecessary pain.
How Many Teeth Do Cats Have?
Kittens have 26 baby teeth, which fall out as their 30 permanent teeth grow in. The canines and incisors are the most visible, as they’re at the front of the mouth, but the premolars and molars do most of the chewing, making them the most important teeth.
Materials Needed for Cat Dental Care
Preparing to brush your cat’s teeth will make the task easier. Some cats will need more patience or assistance to stay still, while others won’t seem bothered by the process.
- A small toothbrush: A small-headed toothbrush, a dry cotton swab, or another small object can be used to brush your cat’s teeth. Cats have small mouths and teeth, so a regular-sized toothbrush is usually too big.
- Pet-safe toothpaste: Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be toxic to cats, and the flavors are usually unappealing to them. Cat-specific toothpaste is safe to swallow and may make the process more enjoyable if your cat likes the taste.
- Rewards: Tasty treats like cheese, tuna, wet cat food, shrimp, or other strong-smelling options are excellent rewards for a cat unaccustomed to or disliking tooth brushing.
- Calming aids: Calming supplements, anxiety-reducing medications, sedatives, or relaxing pheromones can help reduce the fear, stress, and anxiety many cats feel during dental care.
- A towel: A towel or blanket can be used to wrap your cat when it’s time to brush its teeth. The “burrito wrap” technique can help your cat feel calm and secure while preventing its paws from interfering with the toothbrush.
Preparing for Cat Dental Care
For the first few days, gain your cat’s trust by placing a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and offering it to them. Some cats will instantly love the taste, while others may be hesitant. If your cat is reluctant, try placing a small amount on its nose. It will likely lick it off and, once it tastes it, may accept the toothpaste from your finger.
Familiarize yourself with how you’ll hold your cat’s head. To avoid scaring your cat, practice this when your cat is sleepy and at a different time than when you’ll brush its teeth. If possible, do this a few times a day to build confidence.
It’s usually best to have your cat facing away from you rather than approaching it head-on. This is less confrontational for the cat, and if it struggles, it will typically move backward toward you, giving you better control.
Open your hand wide for a firm but gentle grip. Place your palm on the top of your cat’s head, toward the back, and use your thumb and second finger to hold around the cheeks below the eyes. Your index finger should be raised to avoid covering the cat’s eyes.
Tilt your cat’s head slightly upward and use your thumb to gently lift its upper lip. Use your thumb or index finger from your other hand to pull down the lower lip. This should give you a good view of your cat’s teeth.
For the next 2-3 days, hold your cat’s head in the same way, but instead of using your other hand to hold the lower lip, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a cotton swab and gently rub it on the teeth in circular motions. Start with the back teeth, as these are usually the hardest to reach but the most important to clean.
If your cat tries to stop you with its paws, ask someone to hold its front legs or, if you’re alone, wrap your cat in a towel or blanket. It’s better to gradually get your cat used to having its mouth touched by repeating these steps little by little until you’re ready to move on to the next stage.
Tips for Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth
Once you have all the necessary materials, you can start brushing your cat’s teeth. A friend can help if your cat is a bit fidgety, but if your cat struggles and cries, stop trying to restrain it. In this case, calming supplements or medications may be necessary.
If your cat doesn’t struggle, wrapping it in a towel is still useful to prevent accidental scratches and provide additional calming. Scruffing your cat is no longer recommended for restraint, as it increases stress levels.
If your cat is ready for brushing, offer a few treats, then gently hold its head still and introduce the toothbrush with toothpaste. After a few brush strokes, give your cat more treats and continue brushing if necessary. Stop if your cat starts to struggle or cry.
How to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
The procedure involves small, circular motions, starting from the back. Begin by brushing for about ten seconds on each side, gradually increasing to 30-45 seconds per side. At first, there may be slight bleeding of the gums. This is common, and as you brush more regularly, the bleeding will stop as the gums become healthier.
Initially, you may not be able to keep your cat still long enough to brush all its teeth. Let your cat dictate when it’s time to take a break. Once it calms down, continue where you left off until all teeth are cleaned. Remember to brush along the gumline with circular motions to ensure plaque doesn’t accumulate there.
Alternative or Supplemental Dental Care Techniques
Some cats won’t tolerate brushing, no matter how hard you try. In these cases, there are still ways to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup:
- Dietary changes: If your cat eats soft food, switching to or adding dry food to its diet can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. However, consult your vet first to ensure the dietary change is suitable for your cat.
- Dental chews: Dental chews for cats are usually available at the vet or pet stores. They come in various flavors and can help reduce (but not prevent) plaque and tartar buildup.
- Toothpaste on food: If your cat likes toothpaste, try applying a small amount to dry food or dental chews to allow the toothpaste to rub against its teeth.
- Chlorhexidine: This antiseptic, available as a mouthwash or gel, helps reduce bacterial growth in the mouth. However, prolonged use can stain tooth enamel.
- Special dental diets: Your vet may recommend a special dental diet for your cat. Some diets are formulated specifically to help control plaque and tartar, which can be particularly useful for cats with dental conditions where home brushing is very difficult.
What Happens If We Don’t Care for a Cat’s Teeth?
Like other animals with teeth, if bacteria and food debris build up on a cat’s teeth, they can cause inflammation and infections in the mouth. If the infection is severe enough, it can enter the bloodstream through the blood vessels in the gums and affect the cat’s internal organs. The liver, kidneys, and even the heart can be negatively impacted by diseased teeth and gums.
In addition to the damage dental disease can cause to a cat’s organs, the teeth themselves can become so diseased and infected that they break, need extraction, or even fall out. Dental care for cats is important because dental disease is painful, can cause serious health problems, lead to bad breath, excessive drooling, and can permanently affect a cat if left untreated. Simply brushing your cat’s teeth can help prevent these issues.
Conclusion
Dental care is a vital part of keeping your cat healthy and happy. By brushing your cat’s teeth regularly, providing dental-friendly treats, and consulting your vet for professional cleanings, you can prevent painful dental issues and ensure your cat’s overall well-being. With patience and the right approach, dental care can become a stress-free routine for both you and your feline friend.
