Feline Dental Care: How to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth

August 8th, 2025

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Just like humans, good dental hygiene practices are essential to keep your feline friend healthy and comfortable. Our team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital is pleased to offer comprehensive dental care for cats to ensure they live pain-free, happy lives. We are also happy to provide tips and guidance to help you maintain your furry friend’s dental health.

The Importance of Regular Dental Care for Cats

Did you know that about 70% of cats develop periodontal (gum) disease by the time they are two years old? Without regular dental care, plaque starts to build up above and below the gum line, leading to puffy, bleeding, irritated gums. Left untreated, early gum disease can lead to inflammation, infection, and discomfort, and in its advanced stages, it can destroy the bone and tissue that support the teeth, leading to tooth loss. The infection can also enter the bloodstream, leaving your cat’s health at risk.

Another oral health problem that can impact cats is tooth decay, which can lead to severe pain when chewing. This can keep your furry friend from consuming the nutrients needed to stay healthy. Good oral health can reflect your pet’s overall health and quality of life.

Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth at Home

While it may seem daunting, brushing your cat’s teeth is one of the best ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Just as with humans, brushing helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup and lowers the risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and bad breath. The earlier you start getting your cat used to brushing, the easier and the better it will be for their oral health. However, if you haven’t brushed your adult cat’s teeth, it’s never too late to start. Older cats may require a little more time and patience, but they will eventually become accustomed to brushing.

Cats are creatures of habit, so start by establishing a daily brushing routine. Use a finger brush or a pet toothbrush along with feline-formulated toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, which can be harmful to your cat. Start slow by letting your cat taste the toothpaste and gradually build up to brushing the outer surfaces of the teeth. You may want to try different toothpaste flavors until you find the one your cat likes best. Take your time and ensure your cat is comfortable to prevent brushing from being a battle between you and your furry friend. Always offer praise and rewards to encourage the desired behavior.

But what if your cat simply won’t let you brush their teeth no matter how hard you try? Talk to our team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital. We are always happy to offer tips and guidance to help you establish a rewarding brushing routine. We may also recommend alternatives to brushing, such as dental chews or a dental diet, to safeguard your cat’s oral health.

Professional Dental Care for Your Furry Companion

Even with consistent at-home care, your cat still needs professional dental exams and cleanings to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy. During your feline friend’s wellness visit, our experienced team will gently look for signs of plaque, tartar, gingivitis, or other dental concerns.

If needed, we may recommend a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia. This allows us to clean both above and below the gum line, remove hardened tartar, polish your cat’s teeth, and take dental X-rays to detect hidden problems such as root infections, lesions, or bone loss. Identifying concerns early on can ensure prompt treatment, preventing pain, tooth loss, and systemic complications down the road. If your furry companion requires intervention, such as tooth extraction or other treatments to restore their comfort, you can rely on us at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital for compassionate, gentle care.

Feline Dental Care in Kirkland, WA

At All About Cats Veterinary Hospital, we offer comprehensive dental care services to ensure our furry patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. We are always happy to provide pet parents with personalized tips and guidance to help care for their pets’ oral health between visits. You can always count on our team for exceptional care tailored to your feline friend’s needs because, after all, we are all about cats!