How to Keep Your Cat’s Teeth Clean

Keeping your feline’s fangs healthy is as important as taking care of your own dental health. Bad teeth and gums cause more than a stinky breath“ they could cause pain and discomfort which can severely impact your cat’s quality of life. Not only do they use their teeth and gums to eat, but they play a role in vocalisation, impacting their ability to communicate with you. So, what can you do to keep your kitty meowing happily? 

What are you feeding your kitty?

As Phoebe once sang: Smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you?

You might be asking why we’re quoting a popular 90s sitcom in an article about cats’ dental health. Well, food plays a major role in keeping your feline’s teeth sharp, shiny and healthy. Kibble that’s big and crunchy will help clean plaque off your house tiger’s teeth when they eat. 

Feline Cuisine has been formulated with calcium and phosphorus to help keep your cat’s teeth healthy throughout their lives. 

How to brush a cat’s teeth 

Uhm. You don’t? 

Jokes aside, brushing your mini lion’s teeth is a great way to ensure they’re free of plaque. It’s probably best to start when your cat is a kitten, but, if you’re up to the challenge of brushing your furry friend’s fangs, here are a few steps to consider:

• Put your kitty on your lap.
• Use a cat toothpaste* that’s flavoured with something they would find irresistible, like seafood.
• Put a small amount of kitty toothpaste on your finger and let them explore, sniff, and taste it. 
• Let your feline play with the toothbrush. You want them to associate it with something fun, not torturous like your toddler might. 
• Repeat the process a few times, then gently open your kittys mouth and brush their teeth from back to front.  

* Its important to use a feline-safe toothpaste, and not a human one. Human toothpastes have fluoride, which help keep our teeth healthy, but it can be toxic to cats and cause severe illness if they eat too much. 

And rinse!

To keep Felix’s teeth and gums healthy, you could add an oral rinse to your cat’s dental routine. No, you won’t have to try convince your kitty to gargle mouthwash. Pet oral rinses come in handy spray bottles, making them an easy addition. Just spray your kitty’s mouth a couple of times a week to keep their breath fresh, control gingivitis, and fight plaque build-up. If you’re looking for a lower maintenance option, there are great there are water additives that are smell and taste free. Just add to your furballs drinking water a few times a week. 

Keep vet visits regular 

Regular dental check-ups are part of the standard health check your furball’s vet does at every wellness visit. These check-ups are especially important if your kitty refuses to let you anywhere near its mouth. If you’re concerned about your cat’s dental health, speak to their vet.