Brushing Your Kitten's Teeth?

Hi Jenna,

I brush my Dorry’s teeth every morning. Part of his routine, I do it just before I comb him, so he’s used to jumping on bathroom counter for his “grooming”. Prior to his breakfast.

I started when he was a wee kitten (he’s 8 yrs old now) so perhaps this makes it easier as opposed to starting out on an adult cat.

I use a toothpaste for cats that I buy at the vet’s, poultry flavour. I also use a soft baby toothbrush from the Dollar Store. Now they do have a special toothbrush with an extra-log handle for sale at the vet’s but I fid that this is not necessary.

I sort of gently pry his mouth open with the tip of the brush and as best as I can brush around his upper and lower teeth. Not for too long though. No rinsing required.

Vet is impressed with the condition of his teeth at his annual check-ups so I guess that I’m getting the job done. Good luck! 🙂

I adopted Dorry when he was about 8 wks old so started teeth brushing then. Same age as your kitty.

There is another method I think. Some sort of special rubber cap that you put on your forefinger with cat toothpaste and then you go over kitty’s gums. Your vet or vet tech might have options.

For sure the younger the better. With my late kitty I didn’t start when he was a kitten and there was no way that he would take to it when he was older.

If it helps I’m happy, ’cause if vet has to clean teeth it means general anaesthesia and quite costly (although when it comes to my kit, cost is never a consideration.)