Phineas won't let me brush his teeth.

At the kitties' last checkup, the vet recommended that I start brushing their teeth (with special cat toothpaste and toothbrush) every day. I've been doing so for about a week now, and Meeko, Esmeralda and Henry are all taking it fairly well - they don't love it, and we had to struggle a bit at first, but less struggling now, and I've always been able to get their mouths open and to brush their teeth and gums. Phineas is another story. He is the sweetest, gentlest cat in the world, and his favourite place to be is cradled in my arms like a baby, purring, so I am totally shocked at the way he reacts when I try to brush his teeth - he hisses, he spits, he yowls, he flails wildy and tries to claw me up and bite me, etc. - he just goes totally berserk. The vet recommended working up to using the toothbrush by gently opening his mouth and touching his teeth and gums to get him used to the idea, and he will let me do this with no problem, but as soon as he sees the toothbrush, he freaks out again (I don't even have to put it near his mouth - just seeing it lying on the couch is enough to make him freak out). Can anyone make suggestions as to how I can get him to calm down and let me brush his teeth? Thanks!

Maybe the taste of the paste is overpowering his senses. Is there another brand or can you just use water?

oops, I misread your thread.. I thought you said the paste makes him freak out.. if its the brush maybe you can leave treats next to it for him.. he can learn to associate getting his teeth brushed with good things.

Wondering about that one too... Lucas doesn't even let my fingers near his mouth for him to get "comfortable".

Have you ever had to pill Phin in the past? Is it possible he's associating the "invasion" of his mouth with that?
I agree, some patience and LOTS of treats will probably be needed to condition him to the new brushing routine.

Try one of the rubber toothbrushes that slips over your fingertip.
Also, our vet says if they don't take to the brush, simply rubbing the toothpaste over the teeth and gums with your fingers is better than nothing.

Originally Posted by Arlyn

Try one of the rubber toothbrushes that slips over your fingertip.
Also, our vet says if they don't take to the brush, simply rubbing the toothpaste over the teeth and gums with your fingers is better than nothing.

Click to expand...

Lucas won't let me use either of them (and I have the scratches to prove it!)

He probably had a bad first impression of the toothbrush. Since he lets you stick a finger in his mouth, I'd just do as another poster suggested: just rub toothpaste on his teeth and gums as best you can. Perhaps after a while, you can try introducing the toothbrush again. Or use the finger brush.