What Works to Get Tartar Off of a Cat's Teeth?

As with humans, cats with tartar-laden teeth are more susceptible to disease. Food leaves behind a film that turns into a hard, yellow plaque that -- if not removed -- can loosen teeth and cause gingivitis and tonsillitis. Plaque also vectors bacteria into the bloodstream leading to possible infections of the liver, heart, kidneys and lungs. If possible, begin your cat's dental care when it is a kitten. However, older cats can accept oral hygiene with practice.

  1. Professional Veterinary Cleaning

    • Your best bet to begin home dental care actually begins at the veterinary office. Take your feline friend in for a professional cleaning. While under general anesthesia or a mild sedative, a specialist in veterinary oral care can use specific descaling and ultrasonic tools to blast away plaque in kitty's mouth. It will give you a clean place to being daily maintenance.

    Toothpaste and Toothbrush

    • Just like you, kitty needs his or her own toothpaste and toothbrush. Do not use products designed for humans, as our toothpaste can irritate the cat's tummy and our toothbrushes are too large for their mouths. Toothpaste with poultry, beef or fish flavoring make it tasty. Cat toothpaste also contains active ingredients specially designed for the enzymes in their mouths. A cat toothbrush is smaller than a human toothbrush and is much softer. It may be easier to use a finger toothbrush that fits over one of your digits and can be gently applied to your cat's teeth in a brushing fashion.

    Dry Food

    • Many cat food manufacturers are now producing dry food that is highly abrasive. It is not as sticky as wet cat food, and thus reduces the amount of moisture in a cat's mouth. The downside to dry food is that cats in general don't drink much water. Wet foods are closer in moisture composition to the types of foods cats would seek in a non-domesticated setting.

    Abrasive Treats

    • Various types of cat treats provide an excellent alternative to dry foods. Look for cat treats advertising an abrasive texture that removes plaque, while the cat is chewing. Some treats have an antiseptic to help fight bacteria. These treats are flavored for felines with beef, poultry and fish delicacies. Look for treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Its seal of acceptance will be on the outside of the package.

    Advice

    • Keeping your cat's teeth clean will require effort on your part. If you intend to actually brush your cat's teeth, it is best to introduce the toothpaste first. Place a dab on your finger and let your cat lick it off. This involves some trust. Eventually begin dabbing the toothpaste on your cat's teeth and gums to familiarize him or her with its flavor.