Getting cats used to having teeth brushed.

Today I went to Petco and brought some toothpase for cats, to try with an electric toothbrush I picked up at Lunds. Both cats disliked it strongly. I went upstairs found Tom and herded him down the stars nearer to my bedroom. He took off running I followed him and took him out from under the futon couch. He meowed in protest but I took him to my bed and shut the door so he could not escape. Then I gave him some toothpaste, Bindi went in also to see what was going on. After he ate it, I put tooth paste on the brush and started brushing his front canines and mini insiziors, then I did the molars. He wouldnt hold his mouth open and it took longer then nesscary. Afterwords there was a little blood on his fur by the mouth, Is this common in older cats? Was I brushing too hard? Is it a sign of bad dental health? http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/ima...s/confused.gif I cleaned up his fur by the mouth and opening the door released him. Bindi of course wanted to play jumping up a little on his back as he moved out. I caught Bindi, telling him no and pecked around by the kichen. I saw Tom standing there looking like he was ready to bolt. Later however a friend who was at the house told me that he was eating a little food. He stayed under the table, later I gave him some catnip. Bindoi was clammer but he struggled to escaped and I held him inbetween my legs while speaking in low tones and gently brushing his teeth, I decided not to do all of them and to give him a feather toy.

Yeah I dont know but I tried to brush Zoey's teeth once and she was not having it. I'm sure it doesnt sound too abnormal for an older cats gums to bleed when you brush them, kind of like humans.

Thank you for the advise, I will try it more often so that they just get used to it I checked Toms teeth look really nicehttp://www.thecatsite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif