Providing your cat with adequate dental care will go a long way in
preventing dental diseases like feline gingivitis. This is a
step-by-step guide to brushing your cat’s teeth.
1.Purchase sterile gauze, cat toothpaste and a cat toothbrush. Cat
toothpaste can be found in most pet stores and come in a variety of
different flavours. If you are unable to find a toothbrush
specifically designed for cats, a child’s toothbrush will do as
well.
2.
Place your cat on your lap and speak to it in an assuring tone. You
can also consider wrapping it up in a towel in case it starts to
scratch.
3.
Cover your index finger with the sterile gauze and squeeze some
toothpaste onto the gauze.
4.Open your cat’s mouth and rub the gauze over its front teeth,
while gently massaging the gums.
5.
Continue doing this everyday, until your cat is accustomed to the
feeling of its teeth being clean. As your cat gets used to the
process, it will be more willing to let you clean all of its teeth
instead of just the front teeth. Once this happens, you can switch
from using the gauze to the toothbrush.
Ideally, owners should aim to brush their cats’ teeth daily, but
three times a week is the minimum. You should also reward your cat
with a treat once the brushing is completed to help it associate
the process with something good.
