Tooth brushing: a step-by-step lesson for cats

You'll need

• feline-formulated toothpaste (poultry or malt flavor)
• feline toothbrush, finger brush, or cotton swab
• small soft treats

Why it matters

50% to 80% of cats over four have periodontal disease, causing pain and tooth loss. Daily brushing removes soft plaque before it hardens into tartar, protecting lifelong health.

Before you start

Never use human toothpaste or baking soda. Pick a quiet room with the door closed. Position your cat in your lap or on a table wrapped comfortably in a towel.

Step by step

1. 1

   Introduce pet toothpaste

   Put a pea-sized dab of flavoured feline toothpaste on your finger and offer it to your cat to lick like a treat, creating a tasty association with dental time.

   Move on when: Licks feline toothpaste eagerly from finger, 3 sessions in a row

   Tip: Tasty pet toothpaste makes brushing taste like a treat rather than a chore.

2. 2

   Practice lifting lips

   Angle your cat's head at 45 degrees and gently lift the upper lip on one side with your thumb. Keep the mouth closed, click, and reward immediately.

   Move on when: Lip lifted 2 seconds, mouth closed, 4 out of 5 times

   Tip: The mouth can stay completely closed; you only need to expose the outer teeth.

3. 3

   Rub the outer teeth

   Dip a cotton swab or finger in tuna water or pet toothpaste. Gently rub the outside surface of the canine tooth and gum margin for two seconds.

   Move on when: Touches outer canines and premolars, 4 out of 5 times

   Tip: Direct your touch along the gumline where plaque first begins to form.

4. 4

   Brush outer cheek teeth

   Introduce a soft feline toothbrush angled at 45 degrees toward the gumline. Focus on the large upper cheek teeth and canines where plaque builds up fastest.

   Move on when: 5 seconds gentle brushing on cheek teeth, 3 sessions in a row

   Tip: Cats clean the inside of their teeth with their tongue, so brush the outer surfaces.

5. 5

   30 seconds per side

   Gradually lengthen brushing time until you can gently clean the outer surfaces of both sides for approximately 30 seconds each, ending with praise and play.

   Move on when: 30 seconds of calm brushing per side, 3 consecutive sessions

   Tip: Replace your cat's toothbrush every three months to keep bristles clean and soft.

The cue

Say

“Teeth”

Hand signal

Index finger pointing gently toward the side of the mouth

If it isn't working

Clenches teeth or turns head away

Do not open the mouth; brush only the outer surfaces while it stays closed, and go back to tasty finger licking.

Dislikes the toothbrush bristles

Wrap soft medical gauze around your finger, or use a soft cotton swab, until your cat accepts the sensation.

Mastered when

Accepts 20 seconds of gentle brushing along the outer cheek and canine teeth on both sides without struggling, 4 out of 5 days

Video check: Film gently lifting the lip and brushing the upper cheek teeth for 15 seconds calmly with feline toothpaste.

Variations

• Use gauze wrapped around a finger or a cotton swab if your cat is sensitive to a toothbrush.
• Introduce finger toothbrushes for cats with smaller mouths.

Teach this first

• Chin rest: a step-by-step lesson for cats →
• Gentle body handling: a step-by-step lesson for cats →

Learn next

• Pill and liquid medicine: a step-by-step lesson for cats →
• Vet exam prep: a step-by-step lesson for cats →