Has anyone else been successful in brushing their cat's teeth?

My vet gave me a toothbrush and told me to go get kitty toothpaste and to brush his teeth regularly. Today I tried to brush my cat's teeth for the first time, and it is extremely difficult (of course). I just end up getting it all over his chin and he licks it off. At least he likes the taste! Has anyone ever been successful? Or can anyone offer advice beyond just holding him down really well?

Has anyone else been successful in brushing their cat's teeth?
I've brushed my cat's teeth a few times. She hates it completely and rips up my arms and hands every time. Then she pouts for hours and won't sit on my lap or sleep on her pillow on my bed--she just hides under things and sulks.





Wear gloves. Maybe get somebody else to hold the cat down while you open the cat's mouth and swipe the toothbrush around. Hey, I just thought of something. Steal an orange traffic cone from a construction site (or buy one--they probably have them in the Pig products catalog.) Cut off the top of the cone until you have a hole big enough for the cat's head. Cram the cone over the cat until he sticks his head out, then hold down the edges of the cone with your knees, use one hand to open his mouth, and the other hand to brush. Your cat will despise you, but it'll get the job done.
Reply:nop....he won't even let me cut his nails...%26gt;.%26lt; he bites me and the trimmer(for fun i guess)
Reply:An exercise in complete futility. Not only did it NOT work, kitty was VERY unhappy with me for days. Now I just feed her 'greenies' for cats!
Reply:get him use to you putting the tooth brush in his mouth first. then work up to adding the paste, so that he is not just trying to eat it....also enlist a freinds help; someone to hold and some one to brush really helps.
Reply:That is too funny. Really, one of the funniest things I've read on here. I'm completely picturing it since I've been there. Good luck!
Reply:No. I wouldn't even think of it!





Some of my five cats never need a dental, some do. My 22 yr old cat had a "dental" yesterday and the vet said her teeth cleaned up beautifully! I am NOT going to tell you how much that cost as I am sometimes embarrassed at how much I spend on that grand old lady!





I saw the orthopedic surgeon last week about a possible knee replacement. I told him that I had been "water walking" at the pool two times a week and that had helped my knee pain almost go away. He said, "Two times, that's not enough!" He didn't look to me as someone who was into regular exercise. I tell you that story because it's so simple for someone to suggest something to you (like the vet with the tooth brushing). It's another thing for you to go home and do it.
Reply:I have never tried it. My cat is weird and likes water, so he might like that. You never know. Why not just give kitty the toothpaste and as he is eating, it could be cleaning too. Or if kitty will let you, use your finger first. (dont know how good of an idea that is, but hey, everything is worth trying once. and sometimes twice, lol) Good Luck
Reply:I am able to, it's a struggle but I've been doing it like about once a month since my boys were 4 months old and they are 13 months old now.





it's best to have started out young...you may have to start off with someone hold the cat down and you try and brush the teeth as best as you can. if the cat is stuggling a lot let him go after like 5-10 mins and then try again later. any time you are holding your cat once or twice make your cat open it's mouth by pulling down on the lower jaw, get him use to that as much as possiable. and always give a treat at the end, sometimes before and after.
Reply:My vet recommended using a toothbrush made for babies (human ones, that is) because they usually have really soft bristles and cover more surface area than the cat toothbrushes. I also would try brushing in very short sessions at first, the point is to get her used to it for the first few weeks. Just getting the bristles to touch the teeth will be a victory at first. Always treat afterwards. The toothpaste itself helps control plaque, even if you don't get a thorough brushing. Plus, cat's like the taste, so it makes it a bit more rewarding for them.


Try doing it when he is being sleepy and lazy, slower reaction time... and quit before he becomes frantic.
Reply:Personally, I can't believe your vet didn't suggest mouth rinse. It works much better for cats, but brushing is preferred overall. Give it a few days and if it's not going well, see if your vet has rinse available. Don't know what the brand is you got, but CET has an excellent mouth rinse for animals...and will give you a full refund on any product you're not satisfied with. Here's what I would recommend for the toothpaste...put it on your finger, a finger brush, or even a cotton swab for the first few times. You should let them lick it the first few times to get them used to the flavor. If he won't hold still, wrap a towel around him...set him on it, then wrap it up over his butt and over his front shoulders, make sure its snug. Hold him tight against you and pry his lips up, then apply the toothpaste. If you have someone to help you, it will be easier. After your cat gets used to the feeling of something rubbing across his teeth, he may let you use the brush. Most importantly, if he's fighting you to the point of trying to bite or scratch, don't keep trying...ask your vet for rinse. The CET rinse I use is for cats and dogs, and you just squirt it in their mouth. They also have treats available that work well.
Reply:My cat won't let me put a toothbrush in his mouth but he'll let me use a finger toothbrush. I got a pack of them at Petsmart for about $5. It just slips over the tip of your finger. I started off by petting my cat so he would relax. I let him taste the toothpaste on my fingertip and starting rubbing some on his teeth. He got used to it after the first couple of times. I don't hold him down because I don't want him to think its an unpleasant experience.
Reply:OMG! thats funny shiat. I have to say I would never think of brushing my cats teeth. I like my skin where it is.





Sorry have no advice for ya.





:o)
Reply:ok well you let him lick some off your finger and while he's doing that you hold open his mouth and start brushing
Reply:Never tried it and I don't really think it's a good idea despite what vets say. Cats have been getting along very well without it, why torture them?
Reply:we do it at least once a month you will get used to it
Reply:Hi there...Below is a step-by-step instruction to help learn to brush your kitty's teeth. I'll also include a web link that shows photos too. Teaching your cat to accept this in time will help you avoid having to put your cat under anaethesia in the future which is hard on the kidneys especially if the cat is older. Your vet can confirm this fact which is why more and more people are encouraged to learn to brush their felines teeth now.





How to brush your cat's teeth





Step 1 - Select an appropriate time





Find a quiet, convenient time when you and your cat are both relaxed.





Step 2 - Acquaint your cat with the process.





For the first few sessions don't even use a toothbrush. Hold your cat the same as when you are cuddling her. Gently stroke the outside of her cheeks with your finger. After she becomes comfortable with that, place a dab of toothpaste on your finger and let her taste it. We usually suggest starting with C.E.T. poultry flavored toothpaste, because pets like the taste.





Step 3 - Introduce the Toothbrush





Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush. In a slow circular motion, brush one or two teeth and the adjoining gum line. The purpose of this step is to get your cat accustomed to the feel of the brush.





Step 4 - Begin Brushing





Over the next several days, gradually increase the number of teeth brushed. It is important to eventually brush the rear teeth where plaque and tartar have a greater tendency to accumulate. Go slowly and gently.. Stop brushing when you decide to stop, before your cat begins to fuss. If she learns to dislike the procedure and finds out that more fussing makes you stop quicker, then this brushing business is going to get harder, not easier.





Build up to about 30 seconds per side. Cats don't get much tartar on the inside surfaces of their teeth, so you only need to worry about the outside surfaces, especially the big teeth way in back.





Make tooth brushing a pleasurable experience





Proceed slowly and gently. Stop each session while it is still fun and praise your cat afterwards. She will soon start looking forward to tooth brushing and it will become a pleasant activity for both of you.