EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAT TEETH ACCORDING TO VETS

If you own a cat, you probably take special care to provide it with the proper food, the proper litter, and a variety of perches and toys to keep it occupied. Veterinarians warn that you are making a serious error if you are not paying equal attention to your cat's teeth. More than half of cats have dental illness, according to veterinarian Liz Bales, who believes that your cat's mouth is the doorway to their health and comfort. Similar to people, cats' teeth develop plaque that hardens into tartar, which can cause cavities, gingivitis (gum inflammation), tooth abscesses, and even kidney and heart infections since bacteria can spread from blood vessels to other organs.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to take better care of your cat's teeth and prevent future illnesses and high vet expenditures. According to Jamie Richardson, veterinarian and chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary, "regular, daily dental brushing remains the gold standard to help minimize the bacteria in your cat's mouth." In addition to routine veterinary inspections, at-home care can significantly improve the oral health of your cat. As you can imagine, brushing a wriggling cat's teeth isn't exactly a simple task. To find out more about the best products and methods for keeping your cat's mouth healthy, we talked to three veterinarians.

Note: Liza Corsillo, a Strategist writer, recommended checking for items with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval, referring to it as "the dog and cat equivalent of the ADA seal of approval," when reporting on the finest products for keeping dogs' teeth clean. Although the VOHC has authorized fewer goods for cats than for dogs, we have listed those here that both meet our veterinarians' recommendations and are VOHC-approved.

Best toothbrushes for cats

Colgate Kids My First Toothbrush, Soft

$6

The type of toothbrush you use will depend on what your cat will tolerate. “Whichever brush you choose, make sure it can reach back teeth,” says Jessica Herman, a veterinarian with Fuzzy: The Pet Parent Company. Richardson recommends baby toothbrushes (like the one above) “as these have short, easy to control handles and soft bristles that won’t damage the delicate gingiva.”

Dog & Cat Finger Toothbrushes, 6-Count, Pet Republique $5

Some cats might prefer finger brushes, which are little rubber caps with bristles that fit over your finger and give you better control, according to Herman. In terms of how to actually clean your cat's teeth, she suggests beginning as soon as possible, preferably while your cat is a kitten, and introducing the procedure gradually. "At first, just let the cat taste the toothpaste from your finger or from a dish. Let them lick it off the brush after that. If they agree, begin brushing the outside of the cheeks and lips (without toothpaste) so that they can get used to the sensation and come to associate the brush with pleasant things, she advises. The time frame could be days, weeks, or even longer, especially for senior cats, so

There are also toothbrushes designed for pets, like this one that comes in a small size that’s good for cats. No matter which brush you end up using, vets say not to lose heart as you try to build up to daily brushing — and that any brushing is better than none. As Richardson says, “While it is ideal to open your cat’s mouth and get the entire surface of the tooth, if you can only get the outsides of the teeth, this is the most important area where tartar accumulates.” She says one technique to try is starting to brush while your cat is asleep and in a very relaxed state.