Tips For Brushing Your Cat's Teeth...
by Susan Nelson
Hopkins
 As with all things cat, if
it is HER idea, then she will do it!
Convincing her to allow you
to brush her teeth is no exception.
She has to want it, and the
only way is to "con" her into it.
How can you
convince your kitty to let you brush her teeth?
Using flavored toothpaste is
a sure step in the right direction. Some favorites are chicken, fish,
and malt... but she may prefer many of the others available.
Ask your vet or a professional groomer... or just check out your
grocery store or pet store.
The "con" here is to
tantalize her taste buds so thoroughly that she enjoys the whole
delicious process.
Follow up each brushing
session with an extra-special treat. This is especially helpful if
she just tolerates rather than enjoys the flavored brushing.
The key at this
point is to choose
something that will "con" her into ignoring the
brushing, just to get the treat.
How often should
you brush your cat's teeth?
Naturally, daily brushing is
purrfect. Even every other day will help keep plaque away. The
minimum is twice a week.
If your little friend
absolutely refuses to cooperate, or you're squeamish about putting
your fingers in your kitty's mouth, then make frequent dental
appointments... your vet will let you know how often.
(For more tips,
see
Dental
Care for Kittens and Cats.)
What kind of
toothpaste should you use on your cat's teeth?
Veterinary dentists
recommend
toothpastes that contain hexametaphosphate or chlorhexidine...
or a combination of the two whenever possible.
Some cats don't accept
toothpaste, no matter how you disguise it. Try a saline solution
instead. Ask your vet for suggestions.
Do NOT us human
toothpaste, because it will give your cat digestive problems.
What kind of
toothbrush should you use on your cat's teeth?
A baby's
toothbrush is
ideal. It is just the right size, and the bristles are nice and
soft.
If even this small size is
too much for her, try a finger brush or a dental sponge.
You still have an option if
she won't accept anything but your finger. Just wrap your finger in
gauze and use it in place of the toothbrush. Or try using gauze
pads, soft cloths, or cotton swabs.
How to brush your
cat's teeth...
It is vital you first
convince her that having your fingers around her neck and messing
around in her mouth is a purrfectly natural, everyday event.
- Before introducing the toothpaste or the brush, get her used
to having her neck and mouth touched.
- Stroke her head and neck, then gently start massaging her
neck and cheeks.
- When she allows you to open her mouth and very gently move
your finger along her gums, then and only then is she ready to
progress to toothpaste.
- Select a flavor that you know she enjoys, and work it around
her teeth and gums with your finger. Once she accepts your
toothpaste-smearing antics, move to the next step.
- Introduce the toothbrush, brushing in an oval direction with
the bristles at a 45 degree angle.
- Pay special attention to the rear teeth because this is
where tartar and plaque tend to accumulate.
- Try to spend 30 seconds on each side of her mouth.
- It may take as long as a month before you can brush her
entire mouth at one sitting. Don't be surprised if all you can
brush are a few teeth at a time, on a continuous rotation.
- Be very patient with your little sweetheart, because she is
tolerating quite a lot from you.
Remember this secret:
If your kitty starts fussing and squirming, stop immediately.
If she can trust you to
stop, then you have overcome her fear. This really strengthens the
bond between you!
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