How to Make Toothpaste for Your Cat

Seventy percent of American pet cats suffer from dental diseases which can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss and heart disease, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society. One way to prevent this is to regularly brush the cat's teeth. Ideally, this should be done every day, but cats need to be trained to get used to the procedure. This can take days, weeks or months, depending on the individual cat's character. Cats will accept tooth brushing if they like the toothpaste. Making your own can save money and your cat's health.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon water
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Sprinkle of stevia sweetener (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Add 1 tsp. of baking soda to small mixing bowl.

    • 2

      Add 1/2 tsp. water slowly, stirring all the while. Add a sprinkle of stevia sweetener while stirring if desired. Stevia is a sweetener used in commercial pet toothpastes. Some cats are fond of sweet items and may take to homemade toothpaste more readily if it is sweet. However, cat toothpaste does not need stevia in order to help clean feline teeth.

    • 3

      Stop stirring when it has the consistency of white paste. Apply as soon as possible to the cat's teeth with a clean cotton swab, gauze pad or a commercially made cat toothbrush. Throw out any leftover toothpaste as it will harden. Mix a fresh batch every time. If there is a lot of leftover toothpaste, try using only 1/2 tsp. baking soda and 1/4 tsp. water.