How to Professionally Clean a Cat's Teeth

Just like humans, cats can suffer from dental problems. It's sad to think that seven out of ten cats will begin to show signs of dental problems at the tender age of three years. Although cats rarely get cavities, the types of dental problems that can affect cats include plaque and periodontal disease. Anne Moss of The Cat Site states that "Good quality food may provide a cat with all the required nutrients, but it doesn't fight the accumulation of plaque and tartar on teeth as well as a natural diet would. In the wild, tearing through skin and bone, removes these deposits much better than any dry food kibbles." In order to maintain your cat's oral health, routine visits to your vet for an oral exam, dental cleaning by your vet and at home daily oral care will keep your cat's teeth healthy and strong.

Things You'll Need

  • Gauze, cleaning pad or toothbrush
  • Toothpaste made for cats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn about different types of oral diseases that cats can get by talking to your veterinarian. Decide on a plan of action for professionally cleaning your cat's teeth at home between vet cleanings. Ask your vet what tools are necessary for cleaning your cat's teeth and what toothpaste is recommended for cats.

    • 2

      Assess your cat's dental health regularly by looking at its teeth to see if any of them are discolored, fractured or missing. Check your cat's gums for signs of disease. Bad breath, tender, swollen gums, plaque and tartar accumulation at the gum line and obvious pain when touching the gums are indications of dental disease.

    • 3

      Wrap one of your index fingers with gauze that is 1 and ½ inches wide and three to four inches in length. Apply a small amount of toothpaste especially made for cats to the gauze and begin brushing your cat's teeth in a gentle, circular motion while speaking in a soothing voice to it. Initially, you should only brush one or two teeth until the cat adjusts.