# Tips on brushing a cat's teeth? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 24, 2017, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998 "2017-07-24T02:26:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2017, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/1 "2017-07-24T02:26:11Z")
I have the appropriate cat toothbrush and cat toothpaste but little clue as to how to get a cat to cooperate while I clean his teeth. Any advice to share? Here are pics of the fluffies, I shall post more pics as I get more tips The brothers: [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/LuQEL26.jpeg "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/LuQEL26) Keeping it classy: [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/pVjXdtu.jpeg "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/pVjXdtu) ---
**Author:** ![Common\_Tater](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/common_tater/32/13846_2.png) [@Common\_Tater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Common_Tater)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2017, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/2 "2017-07-24T02:37:52Z")
Are you nuts? That’s some kind of practical joke isn’t it?? What’s next the DIY “Feline Enema Kit”? ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2017, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/3 "2017-07-24T02:48:26Z")
Change your mind and don’t, is the only tip I can think to give you. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2017, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/4 "2017-07-24T03:18:28Z")
> [@Common\_Tater](#): > > Are you nuts? That’s some kind of practical joke isn’t it?? What’s next the DIY “Feline Enema Kit”? ROTFLMAO! I follow a rescue webcam which had a kitten who became severely constipated as a reaction to the neutering anesthetic, and he had to have enemas (although those were given by the vet, and not broadcasted). My old neighbor had to catheterize her cat several times a day; I don’t think I could do that. No way would either of mine allow me to brush their teeth, so I just give them special dental food. I have certainly heard of things like tuna-flavored cat toothpaste that does not foam. Check out this website. 😛 > **[My Blog](https://catenema.com/)** > > catenema.com - Blog chuyên về ẩm thực độc đáo trên toàn thế giới: Hãy cùng chúng tôi khám phá nền ẩm thực đa dạng những món ăn hấp dẫn trên toàn thế giới nhé! ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2017, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/5 "2017-07-24T04:14:01Z")
Take a long hard look at the pictures Spice Weasel [posted recently.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=831702) Then consider asking your Dr. for some prophylactic antibiotics before you try this. . . ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2017, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/6 "2017-07-24T08:53:21Z")
Prepare to get bit. I rather try and bath a cat before I’d brush it’s teeth. Either way I’ll end up bleeding. ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2017, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/7 "2017-07-24T13:26:41Z")
If people can train cats to use toilets, you can certainly train them to have their teeth brushed. With my cat I started by having them get used to the toothpaste, putting a dab on the brush and place it near his mouth. After a day or two of this I would put it in his mouth so he could lick it (caveat: my cat was pretty good about being manipulated awkwardly already). Then I moved on to gentle brushing of a few teeth, starting with about 10 seconds, and working up to longer periods over the course of a week or two. I paid particular attention to how irritated the cat was: there was no point pushing him past the point where he would lash out or nip, but I could build up his tolerance. I did the same thing with my dog, and that was a lot easier. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2017, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/8 "2017-07-24T13:42:25Z")
Okay, but how do you get him to gargle the mouthwash? ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2017, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/9 "2017-07-24T23:02:37Z")
I just deleted the funniest and most inappropriate joke I’ve ever made! ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/10 "2017-07-25T17:32:39Z")
Let us know when you start flossing. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Common\_Tater](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/common_tater/32/13846_2.png) [@Common\_Tater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Common_Tater)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/11 "2017-07-25T17:45:34Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > Check out this website. 😛 > > [http://www.catenema.com/](http://www.catenema.com/) I am not clicking on that. Thanks. I think… lol ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/12 "2017-07-25T18:01:42Z")
I know people think it’s funny, but when you’re looking at a $400-$500 dental, brushing a cat’s teeth makes sense. Some cats need dentals every year. If I had one of those cats I’d be looking at brushing, too. Plus, it’s better for them to not get to the point of needing a dental. I don’t have any advice, **MichaelEMouse** , but good luck. I have one cat who I think would tolerate it, but the other, I wouldn’t even try! ---
**Author:** ![Common\_Tater](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/common_tater/32/13846_2.png) [@Common\_Tater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Common_Tater)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/13 "2017-07-25T18:07:34Z")
Well it’s “funny” insofar anyone thinks it’s a good idea to try it… My auntie got “cat scratch fever” some years ago, that’s no joke either. Permanent debilating nerve damage in her hands or somesuch. I imagine treatment for _that_ was spendy too. I’d be concerned the Vets don’t just dose them up with a tranquilizer. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/14 "2017-07-25T18:13:16Z")
I would use a [brush worn on the finger](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61L5E4MvESL._SY355_.jpg). Begin training by just examining the mouth. Progress to “brushing” the cheek surface of the teeth with a bare finger. Dip the finger in some clam juice if necessary. Eventually progress to using the brush. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/15 "2017-07-25T18:36:52Z")
One of my kittehs like to chew on the bristles of the brush I use for his fur. He might do the same with a toothbrush. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/16 "2017-07-25T19:00:00Z")
No one’s going to comment on the OP’s name / thread subject? ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/17 "2017-07-25T20:42:35Z")
> [@Common\_Tater](#): > > Well it’s “funny” insofar anyone thinks it’s a good idea to try it… My auntie got “cat scratch fever” some years ago, that’s no joke either. Permanent debilating nerve damage in her hands or somesuch. I imagine treatment for _that_ was spendy too. I’d be concerned the Vets don’t just dose them up with a tranquilizer. It’s not for all cats and not for all owners. But if my one cat needed her teeth brushed for health reasons, like I said, I’m fairly sure she’d tolerate it. Better than vet bills and the stress of getting her there, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Gay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ab097/32.png) [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/18 "2017-07-25T20:46:53Z")
[Meow Mix Brushing Bites](https://www.chewy.com/meow-mix-brushing-bites-real-chicken/dp/131898?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=f&utm_content=Meow%20Mix&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjw2NvLBRAjEiwAF98GMSEIjbNHqcX8z3zLWFFLpHTSaMbltcE4E7PGxRxrNuI5k4VoXjUwxhoCmksQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2017, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/19 "2017-07-26T16:49:57Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > Let us know when you start flossing. > > Regards, > Shodan I know a woman who does this to her dog. Started when it was a puppy. But she is rather obsessive about flossing. ---
**Author:** ![purplehearingaid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@purplehearingaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehearingaid)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2017, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998/20 "2017-07-26T19:30:55Z")
The only way you can brush a cat’s teeth is bringing it to the vet and have the cat put under anesthesia . There was no way I would had tried to brush my cats teeth , I had an hard enough time getting meds into them and still having all my fingers ! I hope you’re toothpaste for cats and not people . You could try fish flavor toothpaste to get your cats to open their mouths you’ll need someone to help you. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-brushing-a-cats-teeth/791998.md?page=2)