Does My Cat Need Their Teeth Brushed?

It may come as a surprise, but yes — cats need their teeth brushed too. Dental disease is just as common in cats as in dogs, with studies showing that up to 70–80% of cats develop some degree of periodontal disease by age three. Yet dental care for cats receives far less attention from owners, partly because cats are so private about their discomfort, and partly because the idea of brushing a cat’s teeth feels daunting. The good news is that with patience and the right technique, many cats can learn to tolerate — and even look forward to — daily dental care.

Why Cats Need Dental Care

Cats accumulate plaque and tartar on their teeth just as dogs and humans do, leading to gingivitis, periodontitis, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. Beyond periodontal disease, cats are prone to a unique and painful condition called tooth resorption (formerly called FORLs), in which the tooth structure is gradually eroded by the body’s own cells. This condition is found in 30–70% of adult cats and is a leading cause of dental pain in the species. While brushing cannot prevent tooth resorption, maintaining excellent overall oral hygiene creates the foundation for early detection and intervention.

How Cats Differ From Dogs

Brushing a cat is a different experience than brushing a dog. Cats are generally more sensitive about having their mouths handled, and their tolerance for restraint is lower. Their mouths are smaller, their teeth are more pointed, and their patience is shorter. This means the approach must be even more gradual and positive than with a dog. Attempting to force the process usually backfires — a cat who has a negative experience with brushing will be much harder to work with going forward. Cats introduced to dental care gently from kittenhood tend to accept it well into adulthood.

The Finger Brush Technique

For many cats, a finger brush — a small silicone thimble with soft bristles — is more easily accepted than a conventional toothbrush. Start by placing a small amount of cat-specific enzymatic toothpaste on your finger and offering it to your cat to lick. Cat toothpastes come in flavors like poultry, seafood, and malt, which cats find appealing. Never use human toothpaste, which is toxic to cats. Once your cat accepts this willingly, begin gently rubbing the outer surfaces of the teeth with your finger or finger brush, starting with the front teeth and working gradually toward the back. Keep sessions to 30–60 seconds. Focus on the outer surfaces of the cheek teeth (premolars and molars), as these accumulate the most tartar. Praise your cat calmly throughout and offer a small reward afterward to build positive associations.

Dental Treats and Water Additives

If your cat simply will not accept any form of brushing, alternatives can provide some benefit. Dental treats and chews specifically formulated for cats and carrying the VOHC seal have demonstrated efficacy in reducing plaque and tartar. Water additives with antimicrobial properties are added directly to the water bowl and require no cooperation from the cat. Prescription dental diets with a special kibble matrix can also help mechanically clean tooth surfaces. These tools are most effective when combined with regular professional care.

Professional Dental Cleanings for Cats

Even with the best home care routine, cats benefit greatly from periodic professional dental cleanings performed under general anesthesia. Anesthesia is essential for a safe, thorough evaluation — an awake cat cannot be reliably examined for pockets, bone loss, or tooth resorption below the gumline. Dental X-rays, considered standard of care for cats, can reveal tooth resorption and root abscesses that are completely invisible without imaging. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork, IV fluids, and continuous monitoring make anesthetic procedures very safe for appropriately prepared patients.

At Dunedin Animal Medical Center, we are dedicated to the dental health of all our feline patients. Serving cat owners throughout Dunedin, FL and Pinellas County, our team performs thorough dental examinations, professional cleanings with dental X-rays, and personalized home care coaching. Schedule your cat’s dental consultation today — because a comfortable, healthy mouth is something every cat deserves.