How to Clean Cat Teeth at Home? A Gentle Daily Routine for Beginners

Good oral health is important for cats, and regular dental care can help keep their teeth clean and healthy.

FelineVMA points out that at least around 70% of cats over the age of 3 develop periodontal disease. Helping your cat reduce plaque buildup at home can be a simple part of their regular care routine.

Getting your cat used to regular brushing is a good habit, but many cats really don’t like having their teeth brushed. Today, I want to share a few simple ways to how to clean cat teeth at home, and I hope these tips can help other cat owners.

1. Why Doesn’t My Cat Like Having Their Teeth Brushed?

For many cats, having their mouth, teeth, or gums touched suddenly isn’t something they’re used to. If you put a toothbrush straight into their mouth from the beginning, they may feel uncomfortable and try to pull away or resist.

Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush that isn’t suitable for cats can also make them feel uncomfortable or even cause pain.

One time, I was brushing my cat Nuonuo’s teeth while watching a show. I probably wasn’t paying enough attention and may have brushed a little too hard. Nuonuo immediately shook her head and ran straight to the sofa.

2. What Can You Prepare Before Cleaning Your Cat’s Teeth?

A soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for cats. You can choose a toothpaste flavor that your cat seems to like;

Some of your cat’s favorite treats;

Pet dental wipes;

A soft towel;

A quiet and comfortable environment.

3. How Can I Help My Cat Get Used to Dental Care?

① Let your cat get used to having their mouth touched

The goal is to slowly help your cat get used to having their mouth touched. You can take it one step at a time:

Start by gently touching your cat’s face, especially around the mouth;

Pet your cat’s head, then let go;

Gently open their mouth, then let go.

Once your cat is comfortable with this, let the toothbrush gently touch their teeth, then stop.

② Let your cat smell the toothpaste before brushing

Once your cat is comfortable with having the toothbrush touch their teeth, you can introduce a toothpaste made specifically for cats. Before putting any toothpaste into their mouth, let them smell it first and get familiar with the scent.

You can try different toothpaste flavors and see which one your cat likes best. Whether it’s chicken, fish, or catnip, as long as your cat doesn’t mind the flavor, they’re more likely to let you brush their teeth.

③ Gently brush your cat’s teeth

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small amount of cat toothpaste and gently brush the outer surfaces of the teeth. You can start with the canine teeth and the back teeth. If your cat only lets you brush a few teeth at first, that’s completely fine. There’s no need to clean all of their teeth in one go. Starting with the outer teeth can also make the process easier.

④ Reward your cat with treats

After your cat cooperates with the brushing, give them a small treat as a reward. You can also gently pet their head and say something like, “Good job!”

4. How to Clean Your Cat’s Teeth at Home with Dental Wipes

If your cat is still very resistant to brushing and you want a quick and simple way to clean their teeth, you can try dental wipes made specifically for cats.

① Choose a quiet and comfortable place, preferably after your cat has eaten;

② Take out the dental wipes you have prepared;

③ Take out a finger dental wipe and wrap it around your finger;

④ Bring your cat into your lap and gently wrap their body with a soft towel to help keep them comfortable and steady. Then gently open their mouth;

⑤ Gently wipe your cat’s teeth with the dental wipe, using light pressure;

⑥ Throw the wipe away after use. Do not reuse it, and always follow the instructions on the product packaging.

5. What Small Changes Can Make Dental Care Easier?

Try not to worry too much about hurting your cat or become nervous if they don’t cooperate. Your emotions can affect your cat too, so staying calm and relaxed is important.

If your cat isn’t very cooperative, you can use a large towel to gently wrap them, which may make the process easier. When brushing, you can also split the process into several shorter sessions instead of forcing your cat to finish everything at once.

Let your cat stay in a comfortable position and avoid moving them around unnecessarily. It also helps to keep their favorite treats nearby so you can reward them when they cooperate.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Okay If I Don’t Brush My Cat’s Teeth?

You don’t necessarily have to brush your cat’s teeth every single day, but regular brushing is still a very important part of at-home dental care.

There are also several alternatives to brushing, such as dental toys, dental treats, pet dental wipes, and oral gels. These can be used as additional cleaning methods, but their cleaning effect is not the same as brushing.

What Other Ways Can I Clean My Cat’s Teeth Besides Brushing?

Besides brushing, you can choose dental wipes, dental treats, water additives, or specially formulated dental diets depending on your cat’s needs. When choosing these types of products, it’s a good idea to check whether they have received VOHC acceptance and whether they are suitable for use in pets.

What’s the Difference Between Dental Wipes and a Toothbrush?

A cat toothbrush and cat-specific toothpaste can provide good cleaning, while dental wipes can be used as part of regular supplemental dental care. However, dental wipes cannot replace brushing.

Cleaning Method	Dental Wipes (Finger Wipes)	Cat Toothbrush + Cat-Specific Toothpaste
Cleaning Ability	Helps wipe away soft buildup from the surface of the teeth	Helps clean along the gum line + between the teeth
Cat Acceptance	The feel of a finger can be more like a gentle massage and may be easier for some cats to accept	Usually requires training, and many cats may resist at first
Best For	Getting your cat used to having their mouth touched and providing temporary maintenance when they strongly resist a toothbrush	Long-term daily dental care