Anybody Brush Their Cat's Teeth??????? (feline, canned food, litter, diet)

[ocngypz]

Bennie and Smudge had their first annual checkup today. Perfect says the vet - except for the gingivitis in Bennie's back teeth area. Smudge is 10.6 pounds and Bennie is 10.4 lbs. Just the opposite where they were as babies - with Bennie slightly heavier. No wonder...........he's rarely still......where Smudge is very laid back- statue-like.

Geesh....he's only 15 mos old. Smudge's gums were fine.

So now I have a 7 lb pack of Royal Canin Dental - dry of course. It will only be "treat" food....and not a lot of it per day. They are big pieces.......and have to be munched. None of this swallowing hole. They are easily munchable. I can break them with my fingers.

And a tube of cat toothpaste. Well.......Bennie has already picked out his toothbrush........the green one from my electric toothbrush set.......he likes to chew on it.

I'm going to brush by hand of course......lol...........how long I wonder to you have to brush? I looked at youtube (at vet's suggestion). HA! talk about non-cooperative kitties! I'd rather brush then let them eat what I consider to be crap food.

It's not easy being a CatMom.

[=^..^=]

Originally Posted by ocngypz

Bennie and Smudge had their first annual checkup today. Perfect says the vet - except for the gingivitis in Bennie's back teeth area.

So now I have a 7 lb pack of Royal Canin Dental - dry of course.

Don't be misled that any kibble is good for their teeth. Try getting them on a good canned food. My cats range in age between 3 and 6 yrs old. All have nice clean teeth and gums.

Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition :: healthy cat diet, making cat food, litter box, cat food, cat nutrition, cat urinary tract health explains a lot about feeding cats and is run by a Lic Veterinarian.

[ocngypz]

Originally Posted by =^..^=

Don't be misled that any kibble is good for their teeth. Try getting them on a good canned food. My cats range in age between 3 and 6 yrs old. All have nice clean teeth and gums.

Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition :: healthy cat diet, making cat food, litter box, cat food, cat nutrition, cat urinary tract health explains a lot about feeding cats and is run by a Lic Veterinarian.

They DO eat a high quality canned diet........and very low carbs..........less than 3%.

But I didn't ask about food.........I asked about tooth brushing.......

He does like the toothpaste.....and he's been walking around the house with his toothbrush in his mouth.

I've had 20 year old cats with beautiful teeth.. ate everything.........and another orange and white boy who had terrible teeth.......no matter what. Had his first extractions at 18 mos.

I don't want a repeat with my current orange and white boy.

[Ohiogirl81]

I brush my cats' teeth and it's a chore. I try to do it at least every day. They like the toothpaste, and will lick it off my fingers, but they do not like to be held in my lap for tooth brushing. I need two more hands.

Originally Posted by ocngypz

I'm going to brush by hand of course......lol...........how long I wonder to you have to brush?

As long as they'll let you.

[allthatglitters]

Brush his teeth?....good lord Alfie won't even let me brush his fur

[Rene S]

You may have to order this online, but my favorite cat toothbrush is the one made by C.E.T. It is short and sort of curved and works well to reach the back teeth. Here is an Amazon link: Amazon.com : C.E.T Cat Toothbrush : Pet Toothbrushes : Pet Supplies

As for toothpaste, IME poultry flavored is better liked by cats. I start with giving them a tiny dab of toothpaste for them to lick, then slowly progress more each day (touching a tooth with toothpaste). Then put a little on the brush and let them lick it off.

I've tried those "finger" toothbrushes but have found that cats think you are trying to pill or gag them. The C.E.T. one is smaller and they don't mind it as much.

I've never thought about how many seconds I spend brushing. I just try to do the best I can and figure it's better than doing nothing.

[CatwomanofV]

I know I should but I don't. Electra had gum issues in her younger days. She ended up losing a few teeth because of it. She has such a catitude and won't even let me LOOK at her mouth and if I tried to clean them, OH MAN...what a nightmare. She doesn't like to be brushed and it is a chore to trim her claws. And she bites. I can't tell you how many times she has bitten me when I was just petting her. The other two, I haven't even tried.



Cat

[Snowball7]

it's really hard.. harder for the small-mouthed cats.. but you really got to try
once in a while. thanks for reminding me to do it. been a long time.

[Meemur]

It's a good idea, but I've never had a cat that would let me do it. I'm really lucky to be able to trim their claws.

[ocngypz]

He likes to chew on his toothbrush and carry it around with him. But it's HIS idea. If it's my idea..........well you know how that goes.

So this morning as he was busy digging a q-tip from the waste basket........I thought I'd start with a q-tip first. A clean one, of course.

Worked to a certain extent......as I didn't have to force his mouth open and I was able to "brush" the left upper and lowers. I'll try the right side tonight.

Bennie's fairly easy going. If it were up to him.....he'd be permanently attached to my left hip... except when he wants to play flying squirrel.