Brushing teeth

[pcspik]

Tigger went to the vet about a week ago, and the vet said that she was in good condition. She did say because she has a small amount of tartar to try either dental treats or brushing her teeth.

I bought her some treats but she does not like them (I have tried her with non dental treats but she never eats them. The only thing she does have treat wise is some cat milk), so it looks like I will have to start brushing her teeth.

So what do I need? I am guessing that you dont use human toothpaste btw. Obviously a toothbrush and cat safe toothpaste, but does anyone have any suggestions? How do I get her used to it? I doubt she has been brushed (teeth wise) before as she originally came from a multi cat household (15 cats and kittens!).

She is quite good (even though she is a tortie and white) and lets me inspect her teeth and open her mouth without too much fuss (unlike my male, who swipes and digs his claws in!).

[Shelley123]

I belong to a Dog forum and some people have suggested wrapping a non waterproof plaster round your finger and just using water at first. There are special toothpastes with enzymes in to help reduce tartar.

[dandysmom]

Something I''ve never tried; I can't even pill them! But this link tells you how to go about it if you're game to try:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=56

Good luck!

[angieh]

You can buy little finger thinggies, but I like the idea of the non waterproof plaster, although I wonder whether there is anything of the "antisceptic" order actually in the lint???

My vet practice has a dental clinic every so often which is free. Kizzy went last year and also had a bit of plaque - I am afraid that although I did do her teeth once, I haven't done it again. Must start doing Pip's too. You can always tell if their breath is a bit wiffy!

[Shelley123]

[QUOTE=angieh;589492I like the idea of the non waterproof plaster, although I wonder whether there is anything of the "antisceptic" order actually in the lint???

never thought of that angie, of course you would need to make sure it didn't.

[pcspik]

Well I bought an toothpaste kit in the end, and so far (it says on the kit that it takes 4 weeks to train the cat to fully brush the teeth) she is tolerating it. I have not worked up to brushing the entire teeth.

My male is actually showing an interest in having his teeth brushed (I gave him a tiny amount of the toothpaste and he enjoyed it more than her) but I have not tried it yet because he has CRF, and I dont know how if it is safe or not for him (it don't say anything on the packet).

[pookyandjo]

i've tried the tooth brushing thing and i think i'd do better teaching them to play the violin!!! My vet suggested I use an additive in their water which is supposed to stop the tatar forming as quickly and keeps their breath fresher it's called Aquadent and its good for cats and dogs

[Mags]

I add Dentagen to Cassie's water, it maintains healthy teeth and gums and keeps the breath fresh by preventing the build-up of plaque.

I also occasionally add a tiny amount of Plaque Off to her food.

[Oli.Boo]

At the vets were my pets go they have doggy and cat brushes that come with a tube of animal friendly toothpaste. The cat ones are small but long so fingers stay safe from them sharp teeth and they can get in the harder places to reach.

I have never brushed a cats teeth but i brush my dogs and she enjoys it because she likes the taste of the toothpaste so i cant help with that one sorry.

Good luck

[Phoenix]

Dry food works well, that's how we keep Dylan's teeth in shape make him eat dry food