What To Know About Cleaning Your Cat’s Teeth
Grab that ball of yarn, and start flossing!
Keeping your cat’s teeth clean is about much more than fresh breath or a nice smile. Dental care is key to your feline friend’s overall health, and it can save you both from major health issues and high vet bills down the line.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of cat teeth cleaning, along with a step-by-step guide to brushing your cat’s teeth at home.
TL;DR
- Cat dental care is crucial for overall health—not just fresh breath.
- Dental disease is extremely common in cats, especially as they age.
- Brushing helps prevent gum disease, tooth loss, and other serious issues.
- Most cats need professional cleaning once a year.
- Brushing at home a few times a week can make a big difference.
- It takes patience to build the habit, but it’s worth it.
The pros of cleaning your cat’s teeth
- Prevents serious health issues: Regular dental care helps prevent dental disease, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even more serious conditions like heart disease and oral cancer.
- Reduces vet bills: By keeping teeth clean, you’ll likely cut down on costly professional dental treatments and emergency visits.
- Freshens breath: Consistent cleaning can tackle bad breath, making cuddles with your cat much more pleasant.
- Improves comfort: Healthy teeth mean your cat can eat, groom, and play comfortably, without mouth pain.
- Decreases risk of tooth loss: Brushing helps prevent plaque buildup, which can harden into tartar and lead to gum disease or tooth loss.
- Supports overall well-being: A healthy mouth helps your cat stay happy and active.
The challenges and considerations of cleaning your cat’s teeth
- Professional teeth cleanings can be costly: Vet dental cleanings may cost $500–$1,000, and more if extra procedures like dental x-rays or tooth extractions are needed.
- Requires anesthetic: Most professional cleanings require general anesthesia, which carries some risk, especially for older cats or those with health conditions.
- Takes patience at home: Not all cats take kindly to having their teeth brushed, especially at first. Introducing the routine can take time and consistent effort.
- Time commitment: Daily brushing is ideal, but even weekly sessions help. Building the habit may require a bit of persistence — but pays off in the long term .
How to clean your cats teeth at home
Brushing your cat’s teeth might sound impossible, but with the right tools and a little patience, it can become part of your regular routine. Here’s how to get started:
1. Gather your supplies
Use a cat-specific toothbrush or a soft baby toothbrush. Finger brushes or gauze wrapped around your finger also work well. Pick a cat toothpaste—never use human toothpaste, which can be toxic to cats.
2. Get your cat used to the taste
Start by letting your cat lick a small amount of toothpaste off your finger. Choose a flavor they’ll like, like chicken or tuna.
3. Introduce gum touching
Gently rub a bit of toothpaste along your cat’s gum line with your finger. Keep sessions short and reward with treats or praise.
4. Start brushing
Once your cat is comfortable, switch to the toothbrush. Use small, circular motions, focusing on the outer surfaces and the gum line—where plaque builds up most.
5. Build up slowly
Aim for just a few seconds at first, then gradually increase to 2–3 minutes per session. Try to brush daily, or at least a few times a week.
6. Pick the right moment
Brush when your cat is calm—after a meal or during a snuggle session. Stay gentle and patient.
Even if you can’t brush every day, doing it regularly makes a big difference. And hey, fewer vet bills? That’s something both you and your cat can smile about.
How often should you have your cat’s teeth professionally cleaned?
| Cat age/health | Recommended cleaning schedule |
|---|---|
| Under 1 year (Kitten) | Monitor only; usually no cleaning needed yet |
| 1–3 years (Young Adult) | Begin yearly vet dental checkups |
| 3–6 years (Adult) | Annual professional dental cleanings recommended |
| 6+ years (Senior) | Every 6-12 months, based on vets advice |
| Dental issues or tartar | Every 6 months or as recommended by your vet |
| Great at-home brushing habit | Vet may extend time between cleanings if approved |
Before we go…
Caring for your cat’s teeth takes some effort, but it pays off in fewer vet visits and a healthier, happier kitty. While dental disease is more common as cats get older, even young cats can develop oral health issues like gingivitis or resorptive lesions—so it’s smart to be proactive.
Pet insurance can help cover unexpected dental problems—and with Preventative Care, it can even help pay for routine cleanings. Adding the dental add-on early means you’re covered for both the little things and the more serious stuff, no matter your cat’s age.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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