Brushing your cat's teeth may not be as difficult as you think. And, more importantly, it is a great way to keep your cat's teeth healthy and breath smelling fresh. Here are some helpful tips to keep your cat's mouth in tip top shape.
It's a great idea to brush your cat's teeth daily. Doing so will help to remove plaque, keep the gums healthy, and avoid unpleasant breath. Also, you can avoid other infections and health complications that could occur from a lack of dental hygiene. The earlier you train your cat to accept a brushing, the easier the training process will be. Patience and consistency is key to getting your cat to be a more willing participant.
Gauze, cat toothpaste and a soft-bristle cat toothbrush are great tools to get you started. Some cats need time to get used to someone touching their mouth, so you can ease your cat into the process by putting toothpaste on gauze and rubbing it across their teeth and gums with your fingers. As they get used to this motion, you can slowly try switching over to a toothbrush.
Make sure you have a calm environment before trying to brush your cat's teeth. Let your cat taste the toothpaste so they see it as a treat and are enticed to stay close to you. Gently hold your cat while using the toothbrush in soft circular motions. You may only be able to brush the front teeth at first, but little by little you will be able to brush the teeth further back in the mouth.
Not really. However, there are a lot of products in the market you can use if brushing your cat's teeth does not seem possible. Many veterinarians and pet stores sell dental chews, treats, diets, and even water treatments to help your cat's teeth stay healthy. Although brushing is ideal, these alternatives are certainly better than not providing any dental care. Don't forget to have your cat's teeth checked by its local veterinarian each year too.
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