Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth

The Four Week Training Program

Week 1: Becoming Familiar

-         Leave toothbrush and toothpaste out on counter

-         Let cat sniff and lick them if they want to

-         If they are shy, let them lick toothpaste off of your finger

-         Come up with a reward you can link to it and reward them every time they are cooperative

-         Do this every day for one week

Week 2: The Toothpaste

-         Get your cat used to the taste of the toothpaste by dabbing some onto their canine tooth.

-         Remember to ALWAYS reward them after being cooperative!

Week 3: The Toothbrush

-         Put some toothpaste onto the brush and allow them to lick it off

-         No brushing during this week

-         Remember to ALWAYS reward them after being cooperative!

Week 4: Brushing

-         Once your cat has gotten used to both the toothpaste and toothbrush, you can start to actually brush their teeth

-         Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line

-         Gently sweep forward or backwards to help remove plaque

-         It is only necessary to brush the outside of the cats’ teeth

-         Remember to ALWAYS reward them after being cooperative!

After slowly and gradually introducing your cat to having their teeth brushed, they should start to see it as a fun activity and special bonding time with you.

Check out this excellent video for a live demonstration.