Question 1

Can you use a human toothbrush on your cat?

Accepted Answer

Some pet parents and a few vets actually recommend using baby toothbrushes with very soft bristles and relatively small brush heads as alternative to an expensive cat toothbrush. Others would simply wrap a piece of gauze around their fingers and rub this against their cat’s teeth.

Question 2

Can cats get cavities?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is, yes; cats can get cavities. Veterinarians call this condition feline odontoclastic resorption lesions or FORLs. For cats, the principal reason is more related to resorption secondary to periodontal disease, periodontal ligament deterioration, poor diet, viral infections, genetics, and indoor sedentary lifestyle.

Question 3

What else will I need for brushing my cat’s teeth?

Accepted Answer

You’ll need a toothpaste that is formulated specifically for cats. You should never ever use your own toothpaste to clean your pet’s teeth as this contains chemicals that may be safe for us, but are dangerous for your kitty. This is because they have not been trained to spit anything that is inside their mouth. Their natural tendency is to swallow it. This can irritate their tummies.

Question 4

When and how often should I brush my cat’s teeth?

Accepted Answer

The ideal frequency of brushing your cat’s teeth is daily, although current literature recommends brushing feline teeth at least 3x per week. The recommendation is based on the premise that your cat’s teeth are generally healthy. If there are problems, then a much more frequent brushing is in the offing.

Question 5

Can I use an electric toothbrush for my cat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use an electric toothbrush on your cat. However, make sure that the bristles are of the correct size. Also, make sure to get an electric toothbrush that is as quiet as possible as the noise can make your cat really anxious. It is also important that you train your pet in the use of this particular kind of toothbrush.