How to clean your cat’s teeth – and why it’s important for their health

Regularly cleaning your cat’s teeth helps prevent dental problems like gum disease. Here’s why it’s important to keep your cat’s teeth clean, plus how to get started.

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Cleaning your cat’s teeth is a crucial part of keeping them happy and healthy – and it doesn’t need to be a chore. The best time to start cleaning your cat’s teeth is when they’re a kitten, but if they’re older, introducing this into your routine helps prevent the build-up of plaque, tartar and bacteria that can cause many painful dental problems.

Why it’s important to clean your cat’s teeth

Without regular cleaning, bacteria and plaque start to build up on your cat’s teeth. The plaque then hardens to form tartar, which causes gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontal disease.

Cleaning your cat’s teeth is also a great time to check their mouth for any signs of soreness. Look out for:

• Bad breath
• Discoloured teeth
• Gums that are red, sore or bleeding
• A buildup of yellow-green plaque on your cat’s teeth

If your cat has difficulty eating or is refusing their food, this can also be a sign of dental problems, so speak to your vet for advice. If you have Petplan cat insurance, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature to connect with veterinary experts, 24/7. To get started, simply log in to your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area.

Cat teeth cleaning products

If you’re wondering how to clean a cat’s teeth, here are the products you’ll need:

• Toothbrush: Choose a thimble brush that fits over your finger, a cat toothbrush or a small child’s toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Toothpaste: Pet toothpaste is often poultry or malt-flavoured, although you can also find cat toothpaste which is fish-flavoured. Never use human toothpaste, as the froth it generates can distress your cat, while the fluoride can irritate their stomach.

How to clean a cat’s teeth

Follow these steps when introducing your cat to having their teeth brushed:

Step 1: The first step is getting your cat used to having their mouth touched. Start by dipping your finger into something tasty like tuna water, chicken broth or another liquid your cat likes the flavour of. Let your cat lick the liquid off your finger, then gently move your finger over their gums and teeth.

Step 2: Now it’s time to introduce texture. Place a thin piece of gauze over your finger and dip it in the flavoured liquid. This time, gently move your finger over your cat’s gums and teeth, in a circular motion. Give your cat lots of praise when they stay calm. Repeat this step until your cat feels comfortable.

Step 3: Move on to using your chosen toothbrush. Start by letting your cat lick something tasty off the brush so they get used to the texture and feel of the bristles. If your cat doesn’t seem to like this sensation, try a different type or softness of toothbrush. 

Step 4: Now add a little pet toothpaste. Let your cat lick some off your finger and then apply some to their gum line using your finger.

Step 5: Once your cat is used to the toothpaste and toothbrush, it’s time to start brushing their teeth. Talk to your cat using a happy, upbeat tone and give them plenty of praise. Start by brushing one or both upper canine teeth (the large ones at the front of their mouth), as these are the easiest to get at.

Step 6: Once your cat accepts having their canine teeth brushed, gradually increase the number of teeth you’re brushing during each session. Remember you don’t have to scrub their teeth too hard. The toothpaste has a chemical reaction that supports the physical process of brushing.

Step 7: Now it’s time to start brushing the molars at the back of your cat’s mouth. To reach these, you’ll need to draw your cat’s lips back. Some cats don’t like this being done, so instead try reaching the teeth by inserting the brush inside their cheek. Don’t avoid brushing these teeth, as it’s a common area for gum disease.

How to keep a cat’s teeth clean without brushing

Regular brushing is the best way to keep your cat’s teeth clean, but there are a few ways to keep your cat’s teeth as clean as possible without reaching for the toothbrush. These include:

• Dental gel: This contains enzymes that help prevent the buildup of tartar, without the need for brushing.
• Dental-prescription diet: This dry food is specially shaped to rub against your cat’s teeth and remove plaque along the gum line.
• Dental cat treats: These treats help keep your cat’s teeth clean and their breath fresh.
• Dental cat toys: These are often covered in a netted material, which acts like dental floss to remove stuck food and clean your cat’s teeth.

Can cats’ teeth clean themselves?

A cat’s teeth won’t clean themselves, but using dental treats and toys can help keep them as clean as possible. If your cat doesn’t currently eat dry food, speak to your vet about adding a small amount of this to their diet.

In addition to brushing your cat’s teeth, it’s important to book an annual dental checkup with your vet. They’ll look for any issues like gingivitis and plaque.