Unbeknownst to many cat owners, they’re neglecting a crucial part of their pet’s overall health if they aren’t providing them with any form of dental care. Although it’s common not to provide regular oral hygiene to cats, unfortunately, it can lead to serious consequences.
The good news is that there are many dental care supplies for cats available to purchase online and in stores, many of which are affordable and easy to use, such as the Mind Up Toothbrush Micro Head for Cats.
What to know before you buy dental care supplies for cats
Dental disease is “by far the most common major health problem of cats,” according to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Just like people, cats’ mouths collect plaque, which eventually turns into tartar. Pockets of tartar around the teeth and gums allow for bacteria build-up which can lead to periodontal disease. Once this disease develops, bacteria may enter the bloodstream, which can cause many other serious health issues involving the heart, lungs and kidneys.
Dental disease symptoms in cats range from bad breath and poor grooming to decreased appetite and facial swelling. It can also affect their overall mood, causing lethargy or depression. In serious cases, their teeth may begin falling out.
While regular professional cleanings and veterinary visits are best, the American Animal Hospital Association’s 2019 Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats also recommends daily tooth brushing to help to prevent dental problems in cats. The BestReviews buying guide on dental care products for cats can tell you more about the different options for caring for your feline’s teeth, but there are specific tools that can help in the process.
Types of dental care products for cats
Toothbrushes and toothpastes
Daily tooth brushing is what most veterans recommend for cat dental care, so it’s a great place to start. There are many shapes and sizes of toothbrushes and flavors of pastes available. The Mind Up Toothbrush is a great example of a toothbrush small and soft enough to make dental care easy and painless for most cats.
Oral rinse and sprays
Some cats react better to liquid dental care options, such as sprays that can be quickly applied. Look for chlorhexidine on the label, as this ingredient is particularly effective in fighting plaque, according to the Veterinary Centers of America.
Oral wipes and gels
Wipes and gels are great options for senior cats or those who already have serious dental problems and are therefore sensitive. These products are a much more painless option and can be a good place to start if your cat is resistant to toothbrushing.
Treats and dental diets
Although diet alone should never suffice for complete dental care for cats, there are treats and specially-made diets that can help clean cats’ teeth and freshen their breath. They should be used to complement your cat’s regular dental care.
Dental care supplies for cats features
Designed for hard-to-reach areas
Just like with our own oral hygiene routines, it’s important to clean all parts of your cat’s mouth, even the teeth in the far back. Some dental care supplies are designed specifically with the hard-to-reach areas in mind. If you’re selecting a toothbrush, you’ll want to find one appropriately sized and possibly curved to make brushing easiest. Oral rinses can also be a good way to reach the elusive parts of your cat’s mouth.
Flavored
Some cat dental products are unflavored, while others are infused with ingredients that make them more appealing to cats. If your cat fights against having its teeth brushed or wiped, you might opt for a chicken or beef-flavored product that is more likely to entice them.
Easy application
Brushing your cat’s teeth can be quite a challenge. Luckily there are other options that are easier to apply such as oral gels, which you simply rub onto your cat’s gums and teeth with your finger. Sprays can also be easier and take seconds to apply as opposed to brushing, which takes a couple of minutes.
Dental care supplies for cats cost
Depending on the product, most cat dental care supplies fall between $5-$25 with higher-end options costing upwards of $30.
Dental care supplies for cats FAQ
How do I brush my cat’s teeth?
A. You should introduce toothbrushing to your cat slowly for the best results. Attempting to brush an adult cat’s teeth for the first time can be shocking and even painful for them.
Before introducing a toothbrush, try using a cotton swab (dip it into a liquid cat treat or water drained from a can of tuna to make it more appealing to them). Lift your cat’s head up and pull back their lips to expose their teeth and gently rub their teeth with the cotton swab.
Once you’ve gotten your cat used to this procedure, you can start using a toothbrush in place of the cotton swab. Be sure to continue using gentle motions
What diet is best to complement my cat’s dental care routine?
A. There are some foods specifically created to help with dental care. In general, cats maintain overall health with a moisture-rich diet that has minimal grains. There are diet supplements such as probiotics and enzyme blends that can aid with oral health in cats as well.
Which dental care supplies for cats should I get?
Best of the best dental care supplies for cats
Mind Up Toothbrush Micro Head for Cats: available at Amazon
Our take: A customer favorite, this toothbrush is specially designed for cats and perfect for removing plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
What we like: Featuring a 15-degree angle, this brush fits cats’ mouths to make brushing more effective. It’s smaller and softer than many other toothbrushes for cats, which hundreds of reviews say is the key to making it the best on the market and the most favored by their cats.
What we dislike: It should be paired with a cleaning gel or paste to be most effective.
Best bang for your buck dental care supplies for cats
Greenies Natural Dental Care Cat Treats: available at Amazon, PetSmart and Chewy
Our take: Greenies treats are a great way to compliment your cat’s dental health routine and provide a tasty way to care for your cat.
What we like: Most cats love these treats, as they come in a variety of flavors like tuna and chicken. They help with freshening breath and are an easy way to increase your cat’s oral health.
What we dislike: They are pricey as far as cat treats go and should only be used to complement dental care for your cat.
Honorable mention dental care supplies for cats
PetSilver Teeth & Gum Spray for Cats: available at Amazon
Our take: Dental hygiene is made fast and easy with this all-natural spray that helps fight plaque.
What we like: This product is made up of only two ingredients: chelated silver and distilled water. It’s simple to apply a couple of sprays inside your cat’s mouth daily and is ideal for pets with allergies or sensitivities.
What we dislike: A spray option can scare some cats, so it’s difficult to ease this product into their routine. It’s also difficult to calculate how long one bottle will last.
Charity Lindsey is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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