LogoPet-1.png
BestForPets is reader-supported. Your purchases via our links may earn us an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Our Affiliate Disclaimer

Cat Teeth Cleaning: Is It Necessary? (Vet Approved Answers)

While it is becoming increasingly usual to hear about dental care for dogs, it is still a prevalent misperception that cats do not need tooth cleanings.

However, nothing could be farther from the truth. In addition to brushing your cat's teeth, you must also take them for yearly dental cleanings.

But why should you wash your cat's teeth, and how often should you do so?

Here, in BestForPets' (bestforpets.org) article, "Cat Teeth Cleaning: Is It Necessary?", we explain all you need to know about your cat's dental health.

Why felines need dental care

While cats are typically tidy animals, there are widespread misunderstandings about their cleanliness requirements. A dangerous misunderstanding is that they do not need dental care.

Cats need dental care just as much as dogs do, and without it, they may develop serious health concerns such as gingivitis, gum disease, abscesses, and even heart, kidney, and liver problems!

Even though your cats require dental care, obtaining it for them is neither difficult nor costly. Maintaining your cat’s dental hygiene may prevent future issues, saving you money and sparing your cat a great deal of discomfort!

How often should a cat's teeth be brushed?

While most veterinarians suggest an annual dental exam for your cat, they also advocate cleaning your cat’s teeth twice or three times each week to prevent issues from arising.

Initially, it may seem ridiculous that they clean their teeth so often, but when you consider how often you brush your own teeth, it makes perfect sense.

Even though your cat is not a human, germs and plaque will still begin to form on their teeth after every meal!

What Kind of Toothbrush Should You Use on Your Cat?

While your veterinarian may prescribe goods for your cat, you don’t need to visit the clinic every time you need feline toothpaste!

The good news is that there are several products that are completely safe for your cat. Just be sure to use cat-specific goods, such as a cat-specific toothbrush!

Utilizing cat-specific items guarantees that your cat receives precisely what they need and that everything is absolutely safe for them. Therefore, while you may pay a bit extra, it is well worth it.

Obviously, if you have any doubts regarding which product you should or should not use, you can always contact your cat’s veterinarian to see if you’re utilizing the optimal alternative.

Debunking Frequent Myths

While it is necessary to maintain your cat’s dental hygiene for their health, there are a few more misconceptions that we would like to dispel. You may believe that you know all there is to know about your cat’s dental health, but any of the following misunderstandings might throw you off course.

Kibble Doesn't Help

Many cat owners assume that brushing their cat’s teeth is unnecessary if they give them dry food. However, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Kibble does not provide nearly enough resistance to clean your cat’s teeth while they eat, thus there is little difference between feeding your cat wet versus dry food in terms of their dental health.

You Probably Will Not Know If Your Cat Requires Dental Care

You may believe that you can tell when your cat needs dental care just by observing them. The reality is that cats are very excellent at concealing suffering. You may believe that your cat is in wonderful health, but he or she may experience agony every time they eat!

Therefore, it is essential to wash your cat’s teeth every few days and take them to the veterinarian to check for any problems. They will be able to determine whether your cat need dental treatment based on a visual examination.

Do not worry excessively about the checks. If your cat’s teeth are healthy, these examinations should not be pricey.

It is Simple to Clean Your Cat's Teeth

Your cat may not like you cleaning their teeth the first time, but they will get used to it and may even begin to love it! Use a toothpaste with a taste that your cat like, but bear in mind that cleaning their teeth might be painful if they need dental repair.

Before beginning a program of cleaning your cat’s teeth, confirm that no dental treatment is necessary. Otherwise, your cat may connect tooth brushing with discomfort.

Once your cat begins to appreciate having their teeth brushed, it may be a great opportunity to connect with your cat!

Conclusion

Just as you must regularly wash your teeth to maintain good oral hygiene, so must you care for your cat’s teeth. 

The good news is that it is not costly nor complicated, and it may save you money on future vet costs! What are you waiting for, then? Start dental treatment for your cat immediately.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes that our article “Cat Teeth Cleaning: Is It Necessary?” helped you make the right choice for your pet’s health.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Comment

0.0
Rated 0 out of 5
0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent0%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Related articles