How to Remove Plaque in a Cat's Mouth

Failure to take care of your cat's dental hygiene can lead to problems like plaque build up. Brushing your cat's teeth on a regular basis can get rid of the plaque. If you've never brushed your cat's teeth, go through the process to make your cat comfortable with you sticking your finger and then a toothbrush in your cat's mouth.

Things You'll Need

  • Wet cat food
  • Gauze
  • Cat toothbrush
  • Cat toothpaste
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dip your finger into the juice from wet cat food or another liquid your cat enjoys.

    • 2

      Rub your finger over your cat's gums as the juice is licked off. This helps your cat get comfortable with you sticking your finger in its mouth.

    • 3

      Talk in a soothing voice throughout the process and praise your cat repeatedly.

    • 4

      Repeat steps 1 through 3 every day until your cat readily lets you rub your fingers over the gums and teeth.

    • 5

      Add gauze to the mix. Wrap gauze around your finger, dip it in the cat food juice and rub it in your cat's mouth on the teeth and gums. Be gentle and not forceful. Praise your cat.

    • 6

      Dip a cat toothbrush into the cat food juice once your cat readily allows you to use the gauze. Do not insert the toothbrush just yet. Instead, let your cat lick it to get used to how the bristles on the brush feel.

    • 7

      Apply the cat toothpaste to your cat's teeth and gums with your finger. Let your cat lick some off the toothbrush. It should have a pleasing taste.

    • 8

      Brush your cat's teeth with the toothbrush and toothpaste to remove plaque. Once your cat gets to the point where the toothbrush, toothpaste and objects in the mouth are familiar and do not cause anxiety, you can brush your cat's teeth. Be sure to brush all of the teeth.