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- May 3, 2016
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My twelve year old cat recently had three teeth out, and has since recovered. He hasn't been used to brushing in the past and while there has been some progress it's very slow going.
I've looked at all the guides I could find online but most of them show very compliant cats, relaxing like they're on summer holidays having someone leisurely work away at brushing. My cat is very strong willed (not uncommon I suppose!) and I love him for it, but he will not cooperate. He whips his head around as soon as anything touches his mouth and I feel like I might injure him if I'm more forceful.
Does anyone have any further tips on this? I'm using the little brush and cat toothpaste from a kit. I tried the little finger brush to no better results but will try again shortly.
The best I've managed so far is to push the toothpaste into the brush and have him gnaw away at it. Or if I'm lucky, I can brush one tooth before he starts whipping his head around.
We're trying everything that I think it possible at the moment to keep his teeth clean including trying to get him used to brushing. In the past he has had dental dry food and the vet has recommended get him to eat some of them again - at the moment is half can/half raw which was a big change and is going well.
He won't touch bones, though will chew on the C.E.T chews that I got. So it's really important that I'm able to brush his teeth as it's really the only option at the moment that will keep his teeth clean.
Side question: I couldn't find much info on dental sprays. Anyone have any experience with them? Worthwhile to attempt?
I've looked at all the guides I could find online but most of them show very compliant cats, relaxing like they're on summer holidays having someone leisurely work away at brushing. My cat is very strong willed (not uncommon I suppose!) and I love him for it, but he will not cooperate. He whips his head around as soon as anything touches his mouth and I feel like I might injure him if I'm more forceful.
Does anyone have any further tips on this? I'm using the little brush and cat toothpaste from a kit. I tried the little finger brush to no better results but will try again shortly.
The best I've managed so far is to push the toothpaste into the brush and have him gnaw away at it. Or if I'm lucky, I can brush one tooth before he starts whipping his head around.
We're trying everything that I think it possible at the moment to keep his teeth clean including trying to get him used to brushing. In the past he has had dental dry food and the vet has recommended get him to eat some of them again - at the moment is half can/half raw which was a big change and is going well.
He won't touch bones, though will chew on the C.E.T chews that I got. So it's really important that I'm able to brush his teeth as it's really the only option at the moment that will keep his teeth clean.
Side question: I couldn't find much info on dental sprays. Anyone have any experience with them? Worthwhile to attempt?