Cat's Teeth.?

Question

Is there a way to safely brush a cat's teeth? the vet says we should brush his teeth to remove plaque but he's got big sharp ones and nobody wants to volenteer to put there fingers near there. We tried the stuff you spray in his mouth to clean his teeth but he doesn't like it.

Answer 1

Well, if your vet told you to do this, he/she should have told you precisely HOW.
Anyway, put the cat on a convenient flat surface like a table, that he can't grip. Have an apt helper. Have one person hold Kitty down gently but firmly by gripping the "scruff", which is the loose skin between the base of the skull and the shoulder blades, in one hand, while the other hand is cupped (again gently but firmly; don't choke him) under his jaw to hold his head still. Then the other person can place one hand on top of Kitty's head and reach the fingers around to open Kitty's "lips", then use their other hand to manipulate the brush.
An adult people toothbrush may be harsh, you should probably use either a baby people toothbrush, which would have softer bristles and a much smaller head, or just a soft cotton cloth, dampened and christened with whatever substance the vet said you should use. I wouldn't use Fluoride toothpaste, though, because Fluorine in Fluoride is actually toxic. (Not a problem for people since we're really big and we spit it out... but it could make Kitty sick)
Another, probably better, method of immobilizing Kitty for brushing (or cleaning his ears, giving him a pill, cutting his nails, or anything else that's good for him, that he doesn't appreciate), and especially if he's extra hostile, is to put down a large towel, put Kitty on it, hold him in a laying-on-his-tummy position by his scruff (again, get a helper for this) and wrap him in the towel, LEAVING HIS HEAD OUT so he is kind of swaddled like a baby. Wrap him fairly snug, fairly quickly, because if he kicks he will get loose.
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Great question. I had the same situation. I inherited my girl, and due to being a stray, her top teeth (all but the canines) had to be pulled. And to top it off, she refuses wet food and will only eat dry food. It was so bad the vet force fed her wet food since she refused it for so long. When I got her home, she wolfed down the dry food like it was her last meal and completely ignored the wet food. She choked the first time, but then as if realizing she couldn't chew it, she adapted and today is healthy and happy. Cats are very resilient and I would do what your cat prefers. Obviously you're doing a great job; I wish more people out there would take care of their animals as you have. They're family after all right? Here's hoping you have many more happy years with him. :)

Answer 3

My vet suggests first getting your cat used to the taste of the cat toothpaste on your finger for a few days, and then try cleaning the teeth with some toothpaste on these little rubber finger-cover tooth cleaners they sell just for cats (they look like big thimbles). I'm not sure what they're called, but vets usually sell them. You can also buy cat mouthwash that comes with a plastic syringe-like applicator, which is usually easier for most cats to deal with than having something sprayed in their mouth. You just hold up the corner of their mouth with your finger and inject some in over the gum lines. You can also buy specially-formulated cat food that helps to clean their teeth.

Answer 4

Try some kitty treats formulated for cleaning cat's teeth. I can't remember the exact name of it, but any pet supply should have them stored by the treats. They are usually designed to pick off the placque while the cat chews on the treat. I'm shocked that a vet would tell you to brush the cat's teeth!! If I tried that, I'd be missing an arm!

Answer 5

Hi Mark...here's a step-by-step video by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine that demonstrates how to safely and gently brush a cat's teeth: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/brushing_teeth/

Answer 6

Wrap gauze around your finger, put some cat tooth paste on it and slip your finger in his mouth rubbing the sides of his teeth. Its really the cat tooth paste that really does the trick, just make sure you get it in his mouth. Also, make sure you buy some cat treats that specify they clean teeth, that helps too! ...I have 2 16 year old cats, it works for them

Answer 7

I don't know I have a dog. We use a regular toothbrush and kind of just lift up the skin around her mouth and brush them that way. It's not thorough like a human brushing but it should be good enough.

Answer 8

Get three people
Step 1. Get someone to hold the body down
Step 2. Get someone to hold her mouth open
Step 3. You now brush his teeth
Done squeky clean

Answer 9

I wouldn't. Leave poor ***** along, the vet just wants to make money. Who cleans feral cats teeth or lions or tigers. No No.

Answer 10

put ur thumb and index finger on the back of the jaw making it open. it can't bite u and u can reach ts mouth. or you could giv it special teeth cleaning food