How do you clean a cat's teeth?

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   sarahsherlockposted 13 years ago

   My lovely cat has always had good teeth but at his annual check up last week the vet said he had some tartar. How can I get rid of this and is there a way of regularly cleaning your cat's teeth?

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   girly_girl09posted 13 years ago

   I am going to get my cat's teeth cleaned in a few months, because his are really bad (esp for his age!). I have to bring him to the vet and they do blood work to make sure there won't be an issue with the anesthesia. Then, they will put him out and clean the teeth. It costs around $350 Which is totally ridiculous, but it is very important for your cat's longevity!
   
   There is also stuff you can add to their water (my cat hates it, even though the bottle says they can't pick up the taste) as well as special treats and food and "cat toothpaste" that is fish flavored and comes with a finger brush. But ultimately, you've got to get that tartar off professionally and then do the maintenance care.

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   Kathryn LJposted 13 years ago

   Mouse flavoured toothpaste.

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      Kathryn LJposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I'm serious, kind of.  A cat will tolerate you stuffing a toothbrush in their mouth providing there's something that like on the end of it.  Failing that, dental chews which are designed to remove plaque during chewing.  Infinitely better than having it removed under anasthesia.

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      Kathryn LJposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I'm serious, kind of.  A cat will tolerate you stuffing a toothbrush in their mouth providing there's something that like on the end of it.  Failing that, dental chews which are designed to remove plaque during chewing.  Infinitely better than having it removed under anasthesia.

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   Cagsilposted 13 years ago

   I have two cats and recently one cat was checked out and the vet said that she was getting a tartar build up. However, I've purchased some cat treats with tartar control.
   
   How effective? Do not know, as of yet, it's only been a couple of months and she isn't due to see the vet until next year.

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      sarahsherlockposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      How often do you use them?

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         Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         We give them once or twice a week.

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   Aiden Robertsposted 13 years ago

   I agree the best way to clean a cat's teeth is let them use tartar control chews. If that doesn't work the vet should be able to help, at a fee of course

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   Shadesbreathposted 13 years ago

   Toss them in the laundry machine; you get teeth, fur, everything.  Don't use bleach though or you'll make calicos out of your solids.

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      Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hey Shades, you do realize that action is cruelty to animals?

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         Shadesbreathposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Depends on the cat.

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            Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            

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   sarahsherlockposted 13 years ago

   Really helpful. Thanks everyone!

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