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We know, we know. The idea of taking on your tabby in an attempt to brush their teeth sounds like an almost impossible feat, but actually the tussle could certainly pay off when it comes to your cat’s dental health.
How often should I be brushing my cat’s teeth?
70% of cats develop gum disease by the time they’re just 3 years old, so getting in there early and braving the brush will help to lower their chances whilst keeping their teeth gleaming. The experts say brushing as regularly as every other day is what’s required to make a sure difference to their dental hygiene, and means they’ll get used to the idea pretty quickly.
Obviously the task at hand is pretty tricky, and cats are masters of escaping at the best of times so it will take a bit of experimenting to find the ultimate teeth brushing technique that works for you both. Watch out for the claws!
Is there cat toothpaste?
So when it comes down to it, do you need to buy cat toothpaste? The simple answer is yes! But it seems only a mere 18% of us are actually buying it* (oops!). A high quality toothpaste can make a world of difference to your mog’s gnashers, in the same way it does for us humans. Though we prefer that minty fresh taste, cat toothpaste is more on the meaty side to win the felines over when it comes to brushing. Any vet recommended paste will do the trick to get those teeth shining and kill off any nasty plaque and bacteria in the process (and boy will it be a process).
If your cat is still a kitten, you can get them used to a daily brush from a young age and your life will be a lot easier. If your cat is a little older there will most likely be more of a battle on your hands, but persevere, hold your nerve, and provide plenty of rewards for your brave little pal and the pay off will be huge for the fluff balls in the long run! If all else fails, a healthy dry food is a great start at helping to keep their teeth plaque-free.
Let us know how you’re getting on with your brushing journey by chatting to fellow cat folk in our community.
*Stats based on a poll taken on Instagram
