Features
Every Page in How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth
- A short guide: why home dental care matters, what you'll need, and where to brush
- A 5-stage training plan made for cats, one small step at a time
- Help for cats who run off, won't let you near their mouth, or bite at the brush
- A box of options to ask your vet about if brushing is hard
- A quick steps card to keep by the toothbrush, so anyone who brushes does it the same gentle way
- A training tracker, with a filled-in example
- A brushing calendar, once brushing is part of the routine
- A page for notes on anything you notice, to share with your vet
- Questions to ask at dental checkups, with space for your vet's answers and a dental history
- Bonus: a one-page summary of your pet's key information for the fridge
Great for: Cats who have never had their teeth brushed, owners starting over after brushing hasn't gone well, cats who pull away, kittens, homes with more than one cat, and anyone who wants brushing to be part of the routine.
A Filled-In Example
See what a completed training tracker looks like before you start, so you know how to fill yours in. Write a word or two, or as much as you like.
A Short, Easy-to-Read Guide
A few clear pages that explain each training stage and what to keep in mind. Written in plain language and based on guidance from International Cat Care, Cornell University's Feline Health Center, and the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Instant Download, Print at Home
Download your PDF right after checkout and print on regular 8.5 x 11 inch printer paper. Print the pages you need, as many times as you need, for your pets. Nothing is shipped. 3% of your purchase price (excluding shipping and taxes) goes to help participating animal shelters and rescues.
Why Use a Cat Tooth Brushing Guide?
Gentle steps, at your cat's pace.
| Feature | Tooth Brushing Guide | Starting Without a Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Getting started | 5 small stages made for cats | Straight to brushing |
| Toothpaste | Cat toothpaste only, and why | Easy to grab the wrong tube |
| When your cat runs off | A troubleshooting page | "She just won't let me" |
| Keeping it going | A brushing calendar | Busy days get in the way |
| Dental checkups | Questions ready, answers written down | Hard to recall on the drive home |
Anything about your cat's mouth worry you? Call your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this guide instead of going to the vet?
No, never. This guide helps you work on tooth brushing at home, and it never replaces dental exams or care from your veterinarian. If anything about your cat's mouth worries you, or brushing seems to hurt, call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital right away.
Does it show how to brush your cat's teeth for the first time?
Yes. It's made for cats who have never had their teeth brushed, and for owners starting over after brushing hasn't gone well, with five small stages made for cats that start with letting your cat sniff the toothbrush and taste cat toothpaste from it, a "move on when" goal for each stage, and a quick steps card to keep by the toothbrush. Ask your vet first whether brushing is right for your cat right now.
Do I need to brush my cat's teeth?
Yes. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, up to 70% of cats have some level of periodontal disease by age 2. The American Veterinary Dental College says periodontal disease is "almost entirely preventable," and daily brushing at home is a big part of that. It's never too late to start, whether you have a new kitten or an older cat. Ask your vet about your cat's teeth and when they need a professional cleaning.
How do I brush my cat's teeth if they hate it?
The guide's troubleshooting page covers cats who run off, won't let you near their mouth, or bite at the brush. If your cat hisses, swats, or seems frightened, stop, never force it, and talk with your vet.
What's the easiest way to brush a cat's teeth?
There's no single easiest way for every cat, so the guide breaks brushing into five small stages made for cats that go at your cat's pace. Every cat is different, and some take longer than others.
Can I use human toothpaste on my cat?
No. Cornell University's Feline Health Center says to use only toothpaste "designed specifically for cats, as human products can be toxic to cats." If your cat swallows human toothpaste, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
Can I use dog toothpaste on my cat?
Ask your veterinarian which toothpaste to use for your cat. International Cat Care notes that cat toothpaste and brushes are available, and advises you to "ask your vet if you're not sure what's best to use."
How often should I brush my cat's teeth?
The Veterinary Oral Health Council says all teeth should be brushed daily. The brushing calendar helps you keep track once brushing is part of the routine, and the dental visit page has room for your vet's answers about your cat.
When can I start brushing my kitten's teeth?
You can start as soon as your kitten comes home. International Cat Care notes that brushing can be introduced "at any age, as long as it's done gradually, and carefully," and the guide's early stages help your kitten get used to the toothbrush and toothpaste a little at a time, at your kitten's pace.
Should I use a finger brush on my cat?
This guide uses a soft-bristled pet toothbrush sized for your cat. The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine advises holding the toothbrush "at a 45 degree angle so the bristles go under the gumline." Ask your veterinarian which brush fits your cat.
Is there a cat teeth brushing chart?
Yes. The training tracker logs each short practice session while your cat learns, and the brushing calendar shows each day you brush once it's part of the routine.
How can I clean my cat's teeth without brushing?
Ask your veterinarian, especially if brushing isn't working for your cat. The guide has a box of options to ask your vet about, and International Cat Care notes that cat dental chews "can help to reduce (but not prevent) plaque and tartar."
What if my cat's gums bleed when I brush?
Stop and call your veterinarian. Only your vet can tell what is going on.
Does it work for more than one cat?
Yes. Print a training tracker and brushing calendar for each cat, and use a separate toothbrush for each one, as International Cat Care advises.
Does it work for dogs?
No, this guide is written for cats. Dogs need their own approach, so there's a separate guide: How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth.
Does it come with a toothbrush?
No. It's a printable guide and charts, and nothing is shipped, so you'll need your own cat toothpaste and a small, soft-bristled toothbrush made for cats. Give each pet their own toothbrush.
Is this a physical product?
No. It's a printable PDF you download right after checkout. Nothing is shipped, so there's no shipping fee.
Is there an app, or is this on paper?
It's on paper: a printable PDF, with no app to download and no login. Print the pages and keep them on the fridge or in a binder, where anyone who helps with your cat can see them. If you already use a pet app, you can use these pages too.
Can I print it more than once?
Yes. Print as many copies as you need for your pets.
How does my purchase help shelter and rescue pets?
3% of your purchase price (excluding shipping and taxes) goes to help participating animal shelters and rescues.