Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth – Why It’s Important and How to Do It Properly

Why You Should Brush Your Cat’s Teeth

Plaque naturally builds up on your cat’s teeth each day. If it isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which can cause gum inflammation (gingivitis) and can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss. These conditions are painful for cats and often go unnoticed until they become severe.

By brushing your cat’s teeth daily, you remove much of the plaque before it hardens, reducing the risk of infection and pain.

Brushing also helps you notice any early signs of problems such as broken teeth, sore gums, or bad breath, so you can seek veterinary care in good time. Simply put: daily toothbrushing helps both your cat and your wallet.

What You’ll Need

• A soft toothbrush, finger brush, or a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger

• Flavoured cat toothpaste (optional – plain water also works fine)

The key to effective cleaning is the mechanical brushing motion that removes bacteria and debris near the gum line. Brushing also gently massages the gums, keeping them firm and healthy. Never use human toothpaste, it often contains fluoride and other ingredients that are toxic to cats.

How to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth – Step-by-Step Guide

Teaching your cat to accept toothbrushing takes time and patience. Think of it as training a new trick, yes, cats can learn tricks too! The goal is to make brushing a calm, positive experience that your cat willingly participates in.

It’s better to progress slowly and steadily than to struggle and risk making your cat fearful. Follow these stages:

Step 1: Get your cat used to being touched

Start by gently touching your cat’s face and around the mouth for a few seconds. Gradually increase the duration and firmness of the touch. Reward your cat with a small treat after each session.

Your cat should remain relaxed and willing to stay with you. Look for calm body language: ears up, relaxed eyes, and a gently moving or still tail. If your cat flattens its ears, swishes its tail, or tries to move away, it’s a sign you need to slow down and make the sessions shorter and more rewarding.

Step 2: Touch the teeth and gums

Once your cat is comfortable with handling, start lifting the lips to touch the teeth and gums with your finger. Reward throughout. You can add a little cat toothpaste for your cat to lick and taste. If your cat dislikes one flavour, try another, there are many options available.

Step 3: Use gauze or a finger cloth

Wrap a small piece of gauze or a compress around your finger, apply some toothpaste, and gently rub along the outer surfaces of the teeth where they meet the gums. Start with the front teeth, and as your cat becomes comfortable, move further back. Focus on the outer side of the teeth to begin with.

Step 4: Introduce the toothbrush

When your cat fully accepts the previous step, introduce a soft toothbrush or finger brush.
Hold the brush at roughly a 45-degree angle towards the gum line to reach the area where plaque forms. If brushing the entire mouth in one go feels too much, split it up, perhaps the upper teeth in the morning and the lower teeth in the evening. Reward your cat several times during brushing to keep the experience positive.

A finger brush doesn’t clean quite as thoroughly as a toothbrush but can be a good option during the training period or for sensitive cats.

Common Questions About Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth

When should I start brushing my cat’s teeth?

It’s best to start early, ideally when your kitten first comes home. Whilst you don’t need to brush baby teeth intensively, introducing the routine helps your cat accept brushing later on.
Some kittens have sore mouths during teething, so take a short break if needed, but continue checking that baby teeth fall out properly. It’s never too late to start, adult cats can also learn with the right approach.

Does brushing prevent all dental diseases?

Not completely. Some conditions, such as tooth resorption (TR), previously known as FORL. cannot be prevented through brushing. Even so, regular brushing significantly reduces the risk of gum inflammation and tartar build-up, which are common in many cats.

“My cat’s teeth seem fine, even though I don’t brush. Do I really need to?”

Cats are individuals. Some naturally maintain healthier teeth, while others develop dental issues quickly. Older cats that haven’t had their teeth brushed often have tartar and gum inflammation, even if they don’t show it. Because you can’t predict which cats will develop problems, vets recommend brushing every cat’s teeth daily.

“My cat eats dental food, do I still need to brush?”

Dental diets can help reduce plaque, but nothing is as effective as brushing. Veterinary dental foods are good supplements but should not replace daily brushing.

“My cat won’t let me brush its teeth, what can I do?”

Start by booking a veterinary check-up. Your cat may have pain in their mouth, making brushing uncomfortable. If your vet confirms the mouth is healthy, go back to earlier steps and progress more slowly. Use extra tasty treats or a favourite toy to reward cooperation.

“How can I tell if my cat has dental problems?”

Signs that your cat may have dental pain include:

• Bad breath

• Red gum lines that don’t improve after a week of brushing

• Tartar build-up or receding gums

• Dropping food or chewing on one side

• Salivating more than usual

• Sleeping more, hiding, or becoming grumpy

Cats rarely cry out in pain from dental issues, so watch for subtle behaviour changes.

When to Contact a Vet

If you’re ever unsure about your cat’s dental health, or notice signs of discomfort, speak to a vet for advice. You can also book a video consultation with a FirstVet vet for an initial assessment and tailored guidance on keeping your cat’s teeth and gums healthy.