Last Updated: 19/11/2025
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: 5 minutes - short read
The thought of placing a toothbrush inside a cat's mouth sounds like a "mission impossible" to many pet parents. While visions of claws and grumpy hisses might come to mind, dental home care is actually the gold standard for preventing oral diseases like gingivitis.
The good news is that with the right tools, a tasty toothpaste, and a little patience, it is entirely possible to turn tooth brushing into a stress-free, bonding routine rather than a battle. Here is everything needed to get started on the journey to a sparkling smile.
Why toothbrushing matters
Brushing is the most effective way to prevent gingivitis, plaque and tartar. In the long run, this can mean reducing bad breath smell and less frequent dental scale and polishes with your vet. If left, dental disease can lead to oral pain, tooth loss, and in some cases even chronic disease like diabetes and heart disease.
To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to brush your cat's teeth daily. However, for those who have busy schedules or cantankerous kitties, at least 3 times a week is a good place to start.
Choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste
Half the battle is choosing the right products! You want to know that the product you are using is going to be safe, effective and comfortable to use for both you and your cat. If your cat doesn't like the product you are using, then that could make training them harder.
Choosing a toothbrush
Cats have a small mouth and generally don't like having their mouths touched, so it is important to choose a brush that is small enough to get into their mouths and comfortable to brush with. Thankfully there are a range of brushes available designed specifically to meet the needs of cats. These are usually angled brushes, small brushes or finger brushes.
Choosing A toothpaste
When it comes to toothpaste, you want to choose something that works well, and has a taste your cat will love. Stick to pet toothpastes and try to choose flavours your cat likes, such as chicken.
DO NOT use any human toothpastes as these are toxic to pets. Homemade baking soda toothpastes should also be avoided as they have a bad taste and can cause digestive upset.
Vet picks
Training your cat to accept brushing
Remember that feisty cat you were imagining before as you tried to brush its teeth? Well that is a realistic outcome without training your cat to be comfortable having their face touched and their teeth brushed. It could take weeks to months to get your cat used to the process before you can make tooth brushing a regular routine.
Make sure you take each step slowly and practise it for several days to weeks before starting the next step.
Step 1: Set the scene
Success starts with timing and positioning. It is best to start this training when the cat is already tired, relaxed, or cuddly to reduce the chance of agitation.
- Choose a quiet space: A small room with the door closed helps contain your cat if they try to wander off.
- Find the right position: Place the cat on a bench or a lap, facing away from you. This allows you to access their mouth easily, and if they wriggle, they will simply back up into your body.
Step 2: Practise the 'lip lift'
Before introducing a brush, your cat needs to get used to having their mouth handled.
- Touch and hold: Gently hold the head at a 45-degree angle and lift their lips to expose the teeth.
- Make it tasty: To create a positive association, dip a finger in tuna juice or a paste treat and rub it along their gums and teeth while lifting the lip.
Step 3: The taste test
Now it is time to introduce the star of the show: the toothpaste. Remember to use a specific pet toothpaste (usually chicken or seafood flavoured) rather than human toothpaste.
- Offer a sample: Place a small amount on a finger and let the cat lick it off.
- The nose trick: If the cat turns their nose up at it, dab a tiny spot on their nose. Their natural instinct to groom will force them to lick it off and discover that it actually tastes quite good!
Step 4: The cotton bud stage
A toothbrush can look intimidating, so start with something smaller and softer, like a cotton bud.
- Dip and rub: Soak the cotton bud in tuna juice or the toothpaste.
- Circular motions: Gently rub the cotton bud along the teeth and gum line in a circular motion.
- Start small: Don't try to do the whole mouth at once. Just do a few teeth at a time until your cat is comfortable.
Step 5: Graduate to the toothbrush
Once your cat is happy with the cotton bud and the facial handling, swap the bud for the pet toothbrush.
- Take it slow: Apply the toothpaste (or paste treat initially) to the brush.
- Build up: Gently hold your cat's head at a 45 degree angle and lift the gums without opening the mouth. Start by brushing just a few teeth (canines and cheek teeth are most important).
- Increase duration: As your cat gets used to the sensation of the bristles, gradually increase the time spent brushing.
Try to make toothbrushing a routine and brush their teeth every day at the same time. You should aim to brush each side of the mouth for approximately 30 seconds.
Alternatives for cats who hate brushing
If you are having trouble training your cat to get their teeth brushed, or they just won't tolerate tooth brushing, that's ok! Tooth brushing is the most effective way to prevent dental disease, but there are also other products you can try such as dental treats, water additives, food additives and oral care diets.
Alternative methods of dental care are discussed in detail in our article Dental Care for Cats.
Dental Care Products for Cats
FAQs
Consistency is key when it comes to feline dental care. While daily brushing is the goal, remember that any amount of plaque removal is better than none, so progress at a pace that suits both the human and the cat. Keep the experience positive with plenty of rewards and patience.
If there are signs of significant tartar, red gums, or persistent bad breath, always book a check-up with a veterinarian for a professional assessment.
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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 Nov 2025
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.
