How To Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
The daily brushing procedure should be pleasant for both you and your pet. Many pets actually enjoy the added attention from their owners when they are getting their teeth brushed.
You will need:
One cat toothbrush per cat. Never share a toothbrush between two cats, as saliva is a major route for cross infection.
One tube of animal toothpaste – Animal toothpaste doesn’t foam in the mouth as with human toothpaste.
Day 1 – Introduce the toothbrush to your cat and allow them to get used to the feeling of the bristles. You can do this by dipping the toothbrush into your cats wet food and allow him/her to lick it off. Reward with praise and a treat at the end of the session.
Day 2 – Then we want to introduce the toothpaste to your cat. Use a cotton bud and place a dollop of toothpaste on it and allow your cat to lick this off. Reward with praise and a treat at the end of the session.
Day 3 – We then want to get your cat used to having his/her lip lifted so gently pet and scratch your cats muzzle and slowly lift the lip for about 30 seconds. Reward with praise and a treat at the end of the session. This should be done with your cats back towards you, approaching head on may be seen as a threat.
For the next few days – let your cat get used to you holding his/her head and slowly introduce a cotton bud with a little bit of toothpaste on it, gently rub in a small circular motion. Start with the back teeth and make your way to the front of the mouth.
Finally you can start to introduce the toothbrush, use the same action. Start with 10 seconds on each side and build up to 30-45 seconds on each side.
You know your pet best of all. If you feel that they are accepting the brushing well, gradually increase thebrushing time until you are able to spend at least one minute on each side of the mouth. If at any time the animal is resisting, stop and wait until the next day.
Toothbrushing can be a bonding experience with your cat so be patient, give your cat lots of praise, reward your cat (Hill’s t/d food is ideal) and stop immediately if there is any signs of aggression.
Helpful Hints:
Be patient
Give your pet lots of praise
Reward your pet
Stop immediately if there is any signs of aggression.
