My mom took one of our cats to the vet last week for a checkup and he said we need to start brushing her teeth. Well I was put in charge of it since I'm the only one she (the cat) trusts. Any tips on how to keep her still? Any good brands of kitty toothpaste? Any suggestions or comments?

Well, I've never brushed a cat's teeth, but I have given them medication in their mouths and ears many times.

The best I've found is to take a beach towel and wrap it gently, but firmly around the kitty so that it can't move its legs. Otherwise it will not only scratch the crap out of you (even if it doesn't have front claws! Those back ones are thick!) and it will push off and possibly hurt itself trying to get away. Do this all very calmly and quietly, and keep talking to the kitty quietly as you brush.

I don't know a brand name, but my vet back home had salmon flavoured toothpaste.

http://www.petsmart.com/products/product_35975.shtml?bfinfo=011yo413co3a8s0 This is toothpaste and information on brushing their teeth.

Make sure you don't use human toothpaste--flouride is bad for kitties.

Any good sized pet store should have kitty toothpaste and a tiny soft bristled brush.
I had a set one time...had the brush with long handle, and also had one that fit over the end of my finger. That was the easiest one to use, in my opinion.

Thanks for the replies. I got a brush thingie that goes over my finger and chicken-flavoured toothpaste. So far she doesn't like it and she tries to get away but the towel was a good idea and it makes it easier for me to keep her Thanks again.

You may also want to try some plaque-fighting food or treats. If she will eat that type of thing, it will cut down on how often you have to brush. We’ve had good results with Nature’s Choice Complete Cat Care (it’s expensive, so I just mix a spoonful in with their regular dry food), as well as Pounce and Purina treats.
If bad breath is a problem, also try feeding her fresh sprigs of catnip (though that means you’ll have to grow it yourself). It is minty and refreshing, and makes them veerrrrrry happy.

THanks for the suggestion Elexina.


Okay everybody.... today when I went to brush my kitty's teeth, I noticed that half of her tooth was gone half of the one that had a ton of plaque. I don't think I did it, I've been very gentle with her, but now I don't know if I should keep brushing the remaining half, or would that hurt the exposed gum too much? Also, will this affect her eating? The dirty ones are the ones in the back of the mouth used for chomping.

An appointment with the vet is need a.s.a.p The tooth needs to be removed. Broken teeth can become infected and create health problems if left untreated.

It might be best to leave the tooth alone for now till the vet sees it. The structure of the tooth is weakened and cleaning it could cause further trauma either to the tooth itself or to the surrounding tissue.

Thanks, piggins. We made an appointment for Monday at the vet. At least the cat is acting normal and doesn't seem to be in pain, even when I stroke the outside of her mouth.