How to Brush a Cat's Teeth: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Most owners never think about their cat's teeth until a vet mentions bad breath, red gums or a dental cleaning bill. Yet dental disease is one of the most common health problems in cats, and it can cause pain, tooth loss and trouble eating. Regular brushing is the best prevention, and most cats can learn to accept it with patience.

Why brushing matters

Plaque forms on teeth within hours, and hardens into tartar within days. Bacteria cause gum inflammation, which can progress to infection and loss of the bone that holds the teeth. Cats often hide dental pain, so disease may be advanced before you notice. Brushing removes plaque before it hardens. See cat dental disease.

Dental problems can also affect general health, as bacteria from the mouth may reach the heart, kidneys and liver. See signs of pain in cats.

What you need

• A soft toothbrush made for cats, or a small, soft human brush with a small head.
• A finger brush, a rubber or cloth cover that fits over your finger, for beginners.
• Pet toothpaste, with flavors like poultry or seafood. Never use human toothpaste, which contains fluoride and sometimes xylitol. See is xylitol toxic to cats.
• Treats for reward.
• A calm space and a towel if the cat likes to be wrapped.

Step-by-step training plan

Go slowly. The aim is a calm cat, not a perfect brushing on day one.

Days 1 to 3: taste. Put a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and let the cat lick it. Praise and give a treat.

Days 4 to 7: touch. Gently rub a finger along the outside of the upper teeth and gums for a few seconds. Reward.

Week 2: finger brush. Use a finger brush with toothpaste on the outside of the teeth. Lift the lip gently at the side, rather than opening the mouth wide.

Week 3: toothbrush. Introduce the soft brush at a 45 degree angle toward the gum line, using small circles on the outer surfaces of the upper teeth first.

Week 4 onward: full routine. Brush the outer surfaces of the upper and lower teeth, 30 seconds in total. The inner surfaces are cleaned by the tongue, so you can skip them.

Keep sessions short, calm and rewarding. End with a treat or a game.

Positioning

Sit with the cat on your lap facing away, or on a stable surface, wrapped in a towel if necessary. Keep your hand behind the head, and lift the lip rather than prying the jaw. Never hold the cat down. See how to pick up and hold a cat. If the cat struggles, pause and try again later. Pairing brushing with another routine, such as after dinner, helps.

If your cat refuses

Some cats will never tolerate a brush. Alternatives include:

• Dental wipes or gels that you rub along the teeth.
• Dental diets and treats that are accepted by veterinary dental councils, which reduce plaque through texture or ingredients.
• Water additives, with mixed evidence.
• Professional cleaning under anesthesia, which is the only way to clean below the gum line.

These are helpful extras, but they do not replace brushing. See healthy cat treats and wet vs dry cat food for diet notes.

Signs of dental trouble

• Bad breath.
• Red or swollen gums.
• Drooling.
• Chewing on one side or dropping food.
• Pawing at the mouth.
• Weight loss or avoiding hard food.
• Brown tartar on the teeth.

See a vet if you see these. Some cats have tooth resorption, a painful condition that needs x-rays.

Professional care

Most cats need dental checkups at least once a year, and some need cleanings under anesthesia. A proper cleaning includes x-rays and scaling under the gum line. See cat vet visit costs and senior cat care guide.

Kittens

Start early. Kittens lose baby teeth between three and six months, so keep brushing gentle during that time. See kitten teething.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is rushing. A cat that is held down on the first day may refuse brushing forever. Other errors include using a hard brush, which hurts the gums, using too much toothpaste, and brushing too long. Do not worry about reaching the back teeth on every session. Gentle strokes along the gum line on the outside are enough, and a calm, regular routine matters more than perfection. If the gums bleed a little at first, that usually points to gingivitis, which improves with care, but ask your vet if bleeding persists.

Cost and time

A brush and toothpaste cost little compared with a professional cleaning, which can run into hundreds of dollars. Two minutes a day can delay or reduce the need for dental work. See cat vet visit costs and cat pet insurance guide.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat has bad breath, bleeding gums or trouble eating. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.