Does anyone brush their cat's teeth?

[soloequestrian]

My boy is going to have to have a full dental exam under anaesthetic despite my having carefully given him posh dental biscuits for the whole time I've had him. Reading about cat dental problems brings up brushing their teeth as a seemingly normal thing to do. I don't know anyone who does it and I've never seen it done so clueless about the whole area.... any advice?

 

[Mule]

I'm pretty sure I'd lose my hand if I attempted that!

 

[WandaMare]

Some cats come into the cattery with toothpaste. I don't brush their teeth but I have to put a blob in their mouth and apparently it cleans their teeth as they lick it.

 

[WandaMare]

I can pm the name of it if you want, it's from the vet.

 

[soloequestrian]

Yes please! I'll ask while I'm at the vets too.

 

[cold_feet]

OH came back from one vet visit with our cat with a very expensive toothbrush and paste. It’s still unused in the cupboard. Can’t imagine how he thought we’d get it anywhere near her.

 

[Bernster]

Nope and can just imagine the fun and games if I tried to. Vet has mentioned dental health treats and kibble, and plaque off (there are others) which you add to water. There also some powders you can add to feed.

 

[Nici]

Yes, I brush my cat Cassius’s teeth once every two weeks or so.
I use a hotel toothbrush and pet toothpaste by Beaphar. The TropiClean gel also works very well instead of toothpaste as it leaves a nice minty odour!
Cassius is not very happy about the whole process and usually tries to wriggle out of my arm.
While I brush his teeth I talk gently to him and tell him what a good boy he is.
When we are done he gives me the death stare and stalks off.
After about 2 minutes all is forgiven.
My friend has come up with a genius way of brushing her Ragdoll’s teeth: she dabs a little toothpaste on a toothbrush and starts moving it around in front of her cat. The cat thinks that the toothpaste is a toy and starts chewing and munching on it. This method doesn’t work with Cassius though.