Here's Why It's Easier To Brush Your Cat's Teeth Than You Might Think
Even the most mild-mannered cats can act up when something happens to them that they don't want to. For this reason, many people think that brushing a cat's teeth must be impossible and give up before they've even tried it. Even so, brushing your cat's teeth is absolutely necessary if you want to give them the best oral health possible and protect them from future tooth extractions. Here's why you shouldn't worry so much about how hard it could be and instead just dive in and do it.
No Need for the Inside
When you brush your own teeth, you do the tops, bottoms, inside edge, and outside edge of the teeth. However, veterinarians understand that pet parents would have a really hard time doing this, and that it could potentially trigger your cat's gag reflex. As a result, most vets recommend simply brushing the exterior of your cat's teeth that you can easily access.
The biting surfaces of a cat's teeth stay relatively clean when they eat hard food. In addition, between the antibacterial qualities of saliva and a cat's extremely rough tongue, they rarely need much help with the inside edge of teeth. Simply clearing away the plaque and bacteria from the outside edge is usually enough.
Finger Brushes
Afraid your cat will bite you when you brush their teeth? Well, don't be afraid of it; instead, embrace your cat's urge to bite with a finger toothbrush.
These brushes are typically made of silicone and fit directly over your pointer finger. They're designed to be used directly on a cat's teeth with a little bit of toothpaste. Your kitty can chomp on you if they want, and your finger will be protected from the silicone shell. In the meantime, you can take the opportunity to really get in there and rub their teeth with the brush.
Enjoyable Toothpaste
Lastly, it's a must to get your cat their own toothpaste. Human toothpaste isn't safe for cats, and many companies now make pet-specific toothpaste. The good news is, most cats love the stuff!
Unlike human toothpaste, pet toothpaste is safe to swallow. This is a necessity, since you can't exactly ask your cat to not swallow it. As a result, companies make the toothpaste as tasty as possible, usually in poultry or fish flavors for cats. If you offer a little dollop of the toothpaste to your cat before ever trying to brush their teeth, you might find that they enjoy licking it up. This may help to make the toothbrushing process more enjoyable for them.
In addition, some pet toothpastes have antibacterial properties, so simply giving it to your cat is better than doing nothing for their teeth at all.
Brushing your cat's teeth doesn't have to be a nightmare. Use these tips and ask your veterinarian for more advice to ensure that your cat's teeth are as clean as they can be.