Does anyone brush their cats' teeth? Solo does eat his fair share of wet food and I am worrying about plaque or tartar build up and I want to avoid the cost of dentals so I have been thinking about getting some cat tooth paste. I have also been practicing rubbing my finger along his teeth and gums and he seems ok with it, but he may not feel the same way about a bristled brush! Just wanted to hear about anyone else's experience or ideas to keep teeth healthy!
two alternatives to a toothbrush are: (1) gauze pads, and (2) fingertip toothbrushes (sometimes they're in the dog section rather than the cat section)
Both of these will be easier for you to use (and less intrusive in Solo's mouth) than a regular-style toothbrush
Well the thing is I have seen little kitty tooth brush kits that come with a special cat tooth brush and enzymatic flavored tooth paste. I would imagine the tooth brush's bristles are a lot softer. Here's the kit I saw, it does come with a finger brush too.
http://pet.imageg.net/graphics/product_i...7045dt.jpg
I guess I should feel guilty because I don't, but since I got my girls older, I don't think they would have taken to it. I feed them larger kibble (instead of just swallow cats do with most kibble) that they have to chew in hopes that this will help clean their teeth.
I initially also got a kit with kitty toothpaste and a toothbrush, but they didn't like the toothbrush. So I bought the fingertip brushes and still used the toothpaste from the kit, and that was a lot easier. But if Solo doesn't mind the toothbrush then that's great, too (basically, whatever works).
I use a toothbrush for Cody, I normally start and he seems to take over and want to brush his own teeth LOL. But if your cat won't accept a toothbrush, there are dry foods like Hills designed to deal with dental health.
I have been using unscented wet tissue (for cats) and clean Sky/Evo's teeth and mouth every nite after their dinner.. Initially, they dun really like it.. But, now, I guess they are used to it.. Haha... I might be buying toothbrush too in the future...
Hope that Solo will like his new toothbrush!
My vet recommended Maxi/Guard Oral Gel. You just put a small drop on their gums above their back molars. It is easy to use and works great!
I also give them 8 Science Diet TD pieces of food. Vets recommend it for animals with problematic teeth. They are very fattening so work better as a treat. They are a little bit larger than normal cat food so the cat has to work at is and then their teeth get clean by them doing this. My cats teeth look great so far.
What about greenies? I use that as treats sometimes.
I read somewhere online that kitten's teeth were not suppose to be brushed. Then, I see the kitten tooth brushing kits and such. So........I'm confused!