How to Clean Your Cat's Teeth

Providing your cat with adequate dental care will go a long way in preventing dental diseases like feline gingivitis. This is a step-by-step guide to brushing your cat’s teeth.

1. Purchase sterile gauze, cat toothpaste and a cat toothbrush. Cat toothpaste can be found in most pet stores and come in a variety of different flavours. If you are unable to find a toothbrush specifically designed for cats, a child’s toothbrush will do as well.
2. Place your cat on your lap and speak to it in an assuring tone. You can also consider wrapping it up in a towel in case it starts to scratch.
3. Cover your index finger with the sterile gauze and squeeze some toothpaste onto the gauze.
4. Open your cat’s mouth and rub the gauze over its front teeth, while gently massaging the gums.
5. Continue doing this everyday, until your cat is accustomed to the feeling of its teeth being clean. As your cat gets used to the process, it will be more willing to let you clean all of its teeth instead of just the front teeth. Once this happens, you can switch from using the gauze to the toothbrush.

Ideally, owners should aim to brush their cats’ teeth daily, but three times a week is the minimum. You should also reward your cat with a treat once the brushing is completed to help it associate the process with something good