Last Updated: 15/09/2026
How to Brush your Cat's Teeth: A Step-by-Step Guide
Does the idea of brushing your cat's teeth sound impossible? It doesn't have to be. Discover our vet-approved guide on training your cat to accept brushing, choosing the best tasty toothpaste, and preventing dental disease at home.
Author: Dr Brittany Ward BVSc
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
The thought of putting a toothbrush in your cat's mouth can feel like "mission impossible" - claws out, hissing included. But toothbrushing is actually the gold standard for preventing problems like gingivitis, and with the right tools, a tasty toothpaste and a bit of patience, it can become a stress-free bonding routine rather than a battle. Here's everything you need to get started.
Why is brushing your cat's teeth so important?
Brushing is the most effective way to prevent gingivitis, plaque and tartar build-up. Over time, that means fresher breath and fewer trips to the vet for a dental scale and polish. Left untreated, dental disease can cause oral pain and tooth loss, and has been linked to broader health issues like diabetes and heart disease.Daily brushing is ideal, but if that's not realistic, aim for at least 3 times a week to start seeing benefits.
In clinic, we often see dental disease well before owners notice anything's wrong - cats are masters at hiding mouth pain, so don't wait for obvious signs before starting a brushing routine. If your cat has developed bad breath, that's often the first clue something's brewing.
For the full picture on prevention, our complete guide to home dental care is worth a read too.
What's the best toothpaste for cats?
Cats have small mouths and don't love having them touched, so choose a toothbrush designed for cats - usually an angled brush, a small head brush, or a finger brush - so it's comfortable for both of you.
For toothpaste, pick an enzymatic, pet-specific formula in a flavour your cat will actually tolerate, like chicken or seafood. Never use human toothpaste - it's toxic to pets - and skip homemade baking soda pastes too, as they taste bad to cats and can upset their stomach.
The most common mistake we see is owners giving up after one bad first try. Most cats need several short, positive sessions with a new toothpaste before they'll accept it - persistence with the flavour does pay off.
Vet picks
Our vets recommend the following toothpastes and brushes for cats:
How do I train my cat to accept tooth brushing?
It can take weeks to months to get your cat comfortable with brushing, so go slowly - practise each step for several days before moving to the next.
Step 1: Set the scene Start when your cat is already relaxed or sleepy, in a quiet room with the door closed. Place them on a bench or your lap facing away from you - if they wriggle, they'll simply back into you rather than escape.
Step 2: Practise the 'lip lift' Before any brush comes out, get your cat used to having their mouth handled. Gently hold their head at a 45-degree angle, lift their lip, and rub a finger dipped in tuna juice or a paste treat along their gums and teeth.
Step 3: The taste test Introduce a pet-specific toothpaste by letting your cat lick a small amount off your finger. If they turn their nose up at it, dab a little on their nose - their grooming instinct will kick in and they'll discover it's not so bad after all.
Step 4: The cotton bud stage Swap your finger for a cotton bud dipped in tuna juice or toothpaste, and gently rub it along the teeth and gum line in small circles. Start with just a few teeth rather than the whole mouth.
Step 5: Graduate to the toothbrush Once your cat's happy with the cotton bud, swap it for a pet toothbrush with toothpaste applied. Hold their head at a 45-degree angle, lift the lip without opening the mouth, and start with just the canines and cheek teeth - these matter most. Gradually build up the time as your cat gets used to the bristles.
Aim to brush daily, spending around 30 seconds on each side of the mouth.
What if my cat won't tolerate toothbrushing?
If brushing just isn't happening no matter how patient you are, that's okay - it's the gold standard, but it's not the only option. Dental treats, water and food additives, and oral care diets can all help manage plaque between vet visits.
Alternative methods of dental care are discussed in detail in our article Dental Care for Cats.
Dental Care Products for Cats
FAQs
Consistency is what counts here - any plaque removal is better than none, so go at a pace that works for both of you, and keep it positive with plenty of rewards. If you notice heavy tartar, red gums, or ongoing bad breath, book a check-up with your vet.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 19 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Brittany Ward BVSc
Veterinarian
Dr. Brittany graduated from James Cook University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and started working in her home town in the Wide Bay-Burnett Region. She has always been excited about working in the veterinary industry, but over the last few years has grown especially fond of dog behaviour and training, surgery and orthopaedic disease.
