Adventures in Brushing My Cat’s Teeth: What I Learned and How It’s Going

If you’re a cat parent, you’ve probably been told at some point that brushing your cat’s teeth is a good idea. But if you’re like me, your reaction might have been, “Seriously? You want me to put a toothbrush in my cat’s mouth?” I was skeptical, to say the least. It seemed like one of those things that only the most dedicated or fearless cat parents could pull off. But as I learned more about how important dental care is for cats—and how much it can affect their overall health—I figured I’d at least give it a try. I didn’t dive in with a toothbrush right away. Instead, I spent some time researching techniques, gathering tools, and—most importantly—mentally preparing myself for the potential resistance (and probable scratches) I’d face. After a few months of testing out different approaches, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs, but I’d like to think I’ve learned a lot about making this process a little less intimidating and a lot more effective. So, if you’re curious about how to brush your cat’s teeth or if you’re just looking for a real-life perspective on how it actually goes, here’s what I’ve learned along the way.

First, let me say this: patience is everything. When I started brushing Whiskers' teeth (yes, his name is Whiskers), I quickly learned that there’s a learning curve not just for me, but for him too. Unlike dogs, who sometimes tolerate—or even enjoy—having their teeth brushed, cats are not so easily convinced. For the first couple of sessions, I kept the process very short and sweet. I didn’t even use a toothbrush right away. Instead, I started with a little dab of cat-safe toothpaste on my finger to introduce him to the taste and texture. This wasn’t just to help him get used to it, but also because I knew it would be tough to get him to cooperate right off the bat. So, for the first week, our “teeth brushing” sessions were more about me gently rubbing the paste on his gums and giving him treats afterward to make it a positive experience. At first, Whiskers gave me a look that said, “What on earth are you doing to me?” But as I kept the sessions quick and gave him plenty of positive reinforcement, he started tolerating it a bit more each day. I learned that setting realistic expectations—like not expecting to brush every tooth on the first try—was essential. My first major takeaway was that gradual desensitization is the best way to go. Trying to do too much, too soon, would’ve probably made him associate the whole process with stress, and that’s the last thing I wanted.

Once he seemed comfortable with the taste of the toothpaste, I introduced a finger brush. For those of you who might not be familiar, a finger brush is a small, soft brush that fits over your fingertip, making it a little easier to maneuver around those tiny cat teeth. This step was a bit of a hurdle. I thought Whiskers would resist it completely, but it turned out he was more curious than anything. I guess he was wondering why I had this strange thing on my finger! Initially, I didn’t even brush his teeth—I just let him sniff and investigate the finger brush until he seemed comfortable. From there, I moved on to very gently brushing his teeth, but only for a few seconds. A few teeth at a time was the best I could manage without him wiggling away, so I decided that for now, this would be our routine. Instead of aiming to do a “full brushing” every time, I focused on making each session as low-stress as possible. I knew that consistency would be key, so I made brushing a part of our weekly routine, usually after he’s had a little playtime and is relaxed.

One of the biggest surprises for me was how much I needed to adjust my expectations around what “successful” teeth brushing looks like. It’s not about scrubbing every tooth like you would for a human. Some days, I manage to brush a few teeth on one side of his mouth; other days, I might only get one or two quick brushes in before he’s had enough. At first, this felt like a failure—shouldn’t I be doing more? But then I remembered that dental care is an ongoing process, and consistency, even if it’s just a little bit at a time, is better than nothing. I started looking at each small win as progress, and honestly, it’s made the process so much easier and less stressful for both of us. I think the moment I stopped putting pressure on myself to brush every single tooth was the moment our sessions became more enjoyable. Now, if I get to brush a few teeth on one side today and a few on the other side tomorrow, I consider it a win.

Another valuable lesson I learned was the importance of finding the right tools and products. Not all cat toothbrushes or toothpaste flavors are created equal! When I first started out, I bought a toothpaste that had a “poultry” flavor, thinking Whiskers would love it because he’s such a fan of chicken-flavored treats. But for whatever reason, he seemed completely turned off by the smell and would turn his head away the moment he sniffed it. After a bit of experimenting, I found that he actually preferred a “fish” flavor, which I wouldn’t have expected, given his usual preferences. I also learned that there are different types of brushes, and it’s worth trying a few to see what works best for you and your cat. In addition to the finger brush, I also tried a small cat toothbrush with an angled head, which actually turned out to be Whiskers’ favorite. It’s the little details like these that can make all the difference. Finding the right combination of toothpaste flavor and brush type made our brushing sessions way smoother.

After several months of working this into our routine, I’ve noticed that Whiskers’ tolerance has gradually increased. He still doesn’t love having his teeth brushed, but he tolerates it, and sometimes he even lets out a little purr after we’re done—probably because he knows treats are coming his way. I can’t say it’s easy or that it’s become second nature, but I feel better knowing that I’m contributing to his long-term health. Dental care for cats is so often overlooked, and it’s shocking to learn how much poor oral health can affect a cat’s overall well-being. Gum disease and tooth decay can lead to all sorts of issues, including kidney problems and even heart disease. So, while it’s still a work in progress, I feel a little bit like a super-cat-mom every time we have a successful brushing session.

In the end, brushing my cat’s teeth has been a learning experience and one that’s required plenty of patience, flexibility, and creativity. I’m glad I started small and let Whiskers set the pace, and I’ve learned that it’s okay if we’re not perfect every time. It’s all about creating a routine that works for both of us, one tiny brushstroke at a time. If you’re considering brushing your cat’s teeth, my biggest advice is to go slow, be patient, and don’t worry if it doesn’t look like the “ideal” brushing session. Every little bit helps, and with time, it does get easier. Whiskers may not understand why I’m brushing his teeth, but I like to think he knows it’s done with love. And that makes the whole process worthwhile.