Cat Dental Products
ProDen PlaqueOff Animal: 60g Phytopet Tartar-x 300g 
Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste Fish Flavour 43g Phytopet Tartar-x 100g ProDen PlaqueOff Animal: 420g Hatchwells Dentifresh Toothpaste For Dogs and Cats 45g Plaque Off Cat 40g ProDen PlaqueOff Animal: 180g VetIQ 2in1 Denti-care paste 70g Virbac Toothpaste Kit for Cats Fish Flavour Don’t forget your cat’s toothbrush!
Believe it or not, three out of eight cats over the age of three have tooth and gum problems. Given the average cat’s life expectancy is up to 16 years, this really is not ideal. While cats can survive without teeth, you should aim to help your cat to maintain healthy teeth for as long as possible, so they have an easier time eating their food. Just like human teeth, a cat’s teeth will experience a buildup of plaque, which can ultimately lead to the presence of tartar and periodontal disease. So, just like your own teeth, your cat’s teeth need daily care to stay in tip top condition and avoid dental pain or dental problems. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you to achieve this!
Cleaning Your Cat’s Teeth
So, few cat owners realise that they should be cleaning their cat’s teeth. Now, if you have not been cleaning your cat’s teeth since they were a kitten, it may be pretty difficult to get them to comply with having their teeth cleaned at first. But with patience and persistence, this should become a part of their daily routine. Remember, you should not brush kittens’ milk teeth, but as soon as adult teeth come through, you should get your cat used to you touching them. The following tips should help to introduce your cat to having their teeth cleaned properly:
- Ask your vet to show you the ropes - take your cat to the vet and ask your vet to show you how it’s done. This is the best and most effective way to get things right the first time around.
- Use cat toothpaste - cats should have toothpaste that is formulated for cats. There are flavours available that your cat should like, such as chicken or fish.
- Start with your finger - start introducing your cat to their new toothpaste with your finger. Just let your cat lick it off to get used to the taste.
- Buy a cat toothbrush - do not use a human toothbrush on your cat. Instead, buy a cat toothbrush. Once your cat is used to having their teeth touched and their toothpaste, you can give a cat toothbrush a try. If you have more than one cat, buy one for each cat to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Make brushing a part of your cat’s routine - try to brush your cat’s teeth at the same time each day. This will help them to get into the habit of having their teeth brushed.
- Get help holding your cat - if your cat is still reluctant, you may need to bring in help. Get someone else to hold your cat securely while you brush their teeth, or vice versa.
- Start with brief brushes - start with shorter brushes of just 10 seconds. Then you can slowly work your way up to a more thorough brush.
- Treat your cat - give your cat a reward for having their teeth brushed. This will help to create positive associations with the activity and reduce reluctance or resistance.
Hopefully, the above guidance should help to keep your cat’s teeth as clean as possible.