Can two cats share a toothbrush, or does each need their own?

Question

I'm planning to get a cat toothbrush and cat toothpaste.

They are brother and sister, no FIV, FLV or other diseases, and share the same food and water bowls. They both have really clean white teeth from Greenies use, but the sister is now using my fingernails to scrape her teeth sometimes, so I thought maybe they'd like to get their teeth brushed instead.

Seattle provided this link to a helpful training video on how to brush your cats' teeth. So I know I can do it.
http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/brushing_teeth/4.shtml

Answer 1

I would use two different brushes. Cats can get infections of the gums (gingivitis) just like humans. Also just because your cats have passed all pertinent blood test does not mean that they can not get colds and upper respiratory infections.

Answer 2

Cat Toothbrushes

Answer 3

I would first ask each cat his/her opinion, after all, it is their mouths you will be messing with. Most that I have surveyed say they have little or no need for said items, that if given a proper diet the plaque will come off while chewing and grooming. Those who do voice a positive opinion about brushes and paste say that, since it is hard to hold a brush with paws, their human has to do it for them, usually resulting in all sorts of injuries to said humans. And, if you were to provide some (preferably) fresh cat mint (a plant), they will frequently eat that and have no problem with bad breath.

I would only brush a cat's teeth if the vet said it was necessary as you can damage the gums and mouths of your cats if you use the brush and/or paste improperly. You should get a vet to show/tell you how it should be done, and the vet can also tell you where to get the brush/paste.

Answer 4

Look at it this way; would you share a toothbrush with anyone? Of course not. Because it's not sanitary. I have 2 cats and brush their teeth once a week. I have a blue toothbrush for my male cat and a red one for my female cat. I wouldn't even think of sharing a toothbrush between them.

Answer 5

i would think that with everything cats (and other pets) share, sniff, eat, and lick they are not going to care much about whose toothbrush they use.... just maybe dont use theirs yourself...
good job for planning on brushing their teeth!! will save you lots of money later on. stick with it- it might take time for them to get used to!
good luck

Answer 6

i don't see how it would necessarily hurt them, if they're both indoor cats and share everything else anyway.

if one gets a cold or something, the other is going to get it anyway because they already share everything. however, maybe sharing a toothbrush would make it more likely. i don't know.

they're cheap enough that i'd get two to be safe.

Answer 7

Everybody needs their own toothbrush but they can share the toothpaste. Teehee

Answer 8

You can get a cat to let you brush its teeth!?! Wow! I'm impressed.

Answer 9

That's like asking if 2 humans would share a toothpaste. That's nasty. Who knew what went into their mouth! Separate!!!!!!!

Answer 10

it depends if they have diseases. there is a disease like herpes for cats that passes through saliva and makes their eyes really crusty and watery. I suggest using 2 different ones just in case.