Quick answer: To brush a cat’s teeth, use a cat toothbrush or finger brush and toothpaste made for cats (never human toothpaste). Build up over about four weeks: let your cat lick the paste, touch the teeth, introduce the brush, then gently brush the outer surfaces at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. Aim for daily brushing, or at least three times a week.
Most cat owners have never brushed their cat’s teeth, and the idea can sound impossible. But dental disease is one of the most common health problems in cats, and regular brushing is the single most effective thing you can do about it at home. The good news: most cats can learn to accept it with patience and a gradual plan. This guide explains how to brush a cat’s teeth step by step, what you need, how often to do it and the signs that your cat needs a dental check instead.
Why brushing your cat’s teeth matters
The Cornell Feline Health Center reports that studies find between 50% and 90% of cats older than four have some form of dental disease. It usually starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar and can lead to gingivitis, red, swollen and painful gums. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which Cornell notes eventually cannot be reversed and can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Dental pain is easy to miss. Cats with sore mouths may eat less, drool, turn their head to one side when chewing or prefer soft food. Cornell explains that the best way to prevent gingivitis is to remove plaque regularly by brushing, and that daily toothbrushing can prevent most forms of dental disease. The AVMA calls regular brushing the single most effective thing you can do to keep a pet’s teeth healthy between dental cleanings, and recommends having your pet’s teeth and gums checked by a vet at least once a year.
What you need
- A cat toothbrush. VCA Animal Hospitals lists small brushes designed for cats, finger brushes, very soft baby toothbrushes, or gauze wrapped around a finger as options.
- Toothpaste made for cats. Never use human toothpaste. Cornell warns that human products can be toxic to cats, and VCA explains that they contain ingredients that should not be swallowed. Avoid baking soda too.
- Rewards. A favorite treat, a short play session or a drink from a favorite faucet.
- A calm spot. VCA suggests a quiet room where you can sit with your cat in your lap or place them on a table or counter on a blanket or towel.
| Tool | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton swab or gauze on a finger | Very first sessions and nervous cats | Removes less plaque than a brush |
| Finger toothbrush | Beginners who want more control | Your finger is close to the teeth |
| Small cat toothbrush | Regular brushing once your cat accepts it | Go gently to avoid poking the gums |
| Very soft baby toothbrush | Cats who tolerate a handle | Bristles must be very soft |
VCA adds that dental products accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council are listed at vohc.org.
How to brush a cat’s teeth: the 4-week plan
Cornell recommends a four-week training program to get cats comfortable with daily brushing. Short, positive sessions are the key. Stop before your cat gets upset, and always end with a reward.
Week 1: Introduce the toothpaste
Leave the brush and toothpaste where your cat can inspect them. Each day, put a dab of cat toothpaste on your finger and let your cat sniff and lick it. If they are shy, place a tiny dab near their mouth. Reward them when they lick it, so the toothpaste becomes something good.
Week 2: Touch the teeth
Once a day, apply a dab of toothpaste to one of your cat’s canine teeth (the long “fangs”) with your finger, then reward. Keep it brief.
Week 3: Introduce the brush
Put a little toothpaste on the brush and let your cat lick it off. If they are hesitant, dab some near the mouth first. Reward every time.
Week 4: Start brushing
Gently lift your cat’s lips and slide the brush between the lips and gums. Cornell advises holding the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the teeth, aimed at the narrow gap where the teeth meet the gums. Brush gently around the upper and lower teeth. VCA notes the mouth can stay closed.
You only need to brush the outside surfaces. Both Cornell and VCA explain that a cat’s rough tongue keeps the inner surfaces fairly clean. VCA suggests focusing first on the large cheek teeth at the back and the canine teeth, where plaque and tartar build up fastest, then gradually working up to the whole mouth over days or weeks.
How often should you brush your cat’s teeth?
VCA says daily brushing is most beneficial and helps build a routine, and that three times a week is the minimum to help remove plaque and prevent tartar. Kittens learn most easily, but older cats can learn too; it may just take longer.
Tips for a cat who hates having their teeth brushed
- Go slower. Go back a step if your cat resists. A few teeth today is better than a struggle.
- Pick the right moment. Choose a time when your cat is relaxed, such as after a meal or a nap.
- Make the spot comfortable. A soft, familiar surface like the Teddy Fleece Cat Pad on your lap or a table can help your cat settle.
- Let them escape afterwards. After brushing, give a treat and let your cat retreat to a favorite spot, such as the Pop-Up Cat Play Tent, so the experience ends on a calm note.
- Keep it hygienic. VCA recommends wearing gloves if you can, washing your hands afterward, using a separate brush for each cat and replacing brushes about every three months.
- Pair it with other routines. If you are already working on handling for nail trims, keep each session short and separate so your cat doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
When to see the vet instead
Brushing prevents problems but can’t fix existing ones. Cornell cautions that brushing can be quite painful for a cat with severe gingivitis, so talk to your vet before you start if your cat has any of these signs:
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Bad breath; Cornell notes that bad breath can be a sign of illness, not only dental disease
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth or chewing on one side
- Dropping food, eating less or preferring soft food
- Visible brown tartar, loose or broken teeth
Your vet may recommend a professional cleaning under anesthesia, which allows a full exam and dental X-rays. The AVMA notes that most dental disease occurs below the gumline, and that the American Veterinary Dental College does not recommend anesthesia-free cleanings because they can’t clean or inspect below it. Older cats are especially prone to dental issues; our senior cat care guide explains what else to check as your cat ages.
Make care time cozy
A soft, washable Teddy Fleece Cat Pad gives your cat a familiar, comfy spot for grooming sessions, and a warm place to nap afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
How do I brush my cat’s teeth for the first time?
Start slowly. Let your cat lick cat toothpaste from your finger for several days, then touch a canine tooth, then let them lick the brush. Only then start gentle brushing of a few teeth at a time.
Can I use human toothpaste on my cat?
No. Cornell warns that human toothpaste can be toxic to cats, and VCA notes it contains ingredients that should not be swallowed. Use toothpaste made for cats.
How often should I brush my cat’s teeth?
VCA recommends daily brushing as most beneficial, with three times a week as the minimum to help remove plaque and prevent tartar.
Do I need to brush the inside of my cat’s teeth?
No. Cornell and VCA explain that brushing the outer surfaces is enough for most cats, because their rough tongue helps clean the inner surfaces.
Is it too late to start brushing an older cat’s teeth?
No, but it may take longer. Have your vet check your cat’s mouth first, since brushing can be painful if your cat already has gum disease.
Keep reading
- How often should you trim your cat’s nails?
- Senior cat care: how to care for an older cat
- How to prevent hairballs in cats
- Cat dandruff in winter: causes and home care
Sources
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Feline Dental Disease
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth
- AVMA: Pet Dental Care
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Bad Breath, a Sign of Illness?
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your cat’s health, contact your veterinarian.
