Should I brush my cats teeth?

[Hobiflowery]

Hi guys, what do you think about brushing teeth? I have seen some people do it and I'm curious about it. I know there at cat toothbrush and toothpaste, is it any good? We do feed our two boys dental snacks, but I wonder if teeth brushing would be better or if it is even needed? Our cats are still pretty young so their teeth are really good but if it would help them keep healthy teeth into old age I definitely would consider it. We do feed sugar free but normal food probably still could worsen their teeth in the longer run, right? Thanks in advance

 

[rubysmama]

I don't know much about brushing cat's teeth, and I know for sure it would be impossible with my Ruby, so it's not something I've ever attempted. The subject does come up often on TCS. Here's a few older threads if you're interested.

Teeth brushing questions
Brushing cat teeth questions
cat teeth brushing training tips
Teeth Brushing - Should There Be A Routine (same Time Daily Etc)

Plus, TCS has this article on the topic:
How To Brush Your Cat's Teeth [Step By Step Guide] - TheCatSite

 

[Antonio65]

There has been a time when I was much more consistent with brushing my cats' teeth.
I had purchased two tiny toothbrush and also the dedicated toothpaste, and I would brush their teeth once a day or every other day.
Then I started skipping one day, then two days and so on, until I forgot to do it.
My vets advised me to brush their teeth regularly in order to avoid having their teeth cleaned every year or two.
My cats are really patient and sweet and allow me to use those toothbrushes in their mouth.

 

[iPappy]

Hi guys, what do you think about brushing teeth? I have seen some people do it and I'm curious about it. I know there at cat toothbrush and toothpaste, is it any good? We do feed our two boys dental snacks, but I wonder if teeth brushing would be better or if it is even needed? Our cats are still pretty young so their teeth are really good but if it would help them keep healthy teeth into old age I definitely would consider it. We do feed sugar free but normal food probably still could worsen their teeth in the longer run, right? Thanks in advance

Teaching them to accept a tooth brush is best done when their teeth are healthy, so you're not trying to mess with a painful mouth which runs the risk of creating a serious aversion to having their mouths handled in the first place. I'd say go for it, 100%!
Along with the links provided by rubysmama Making Cat Food
This talks a bit about food, but also teeth brushing.
(Some people feed their cats raw chicken necks, wings, etc., but with my cats, their age, and a few other reasons, this is very much out of my comfort zone at this time. I have fed them raw gizzards, but only a few of the cats will actually chew on them.)

 

[Alldara]

I definitely suggest getting them use to it when young and trying to do it at least once every 48 hours.

The dental food only works if they crunch it....and even if it says dental only ones that are certified have studies showing they work. Many countries/areas have their own Veterinary Oral Health Counsel so you can check with the one in your country, which products are recommended.