If you find it difficult to brush and floss your own teeth on a regular basis, the prospect of trying to maintain the same practice for your cat can be overwhelming.
Cats, however, should have their teeth brushed on a daily basis, just like humans. Here are some pointers on how to go about it.
It is one of the most significant contributions you can make to your cat’s quality of life if you establish a regular brushing regimen with them.
Also, possible savings on veterinary dental cleanings and periodontal disease treatment are a result of this method.
It’s important to start with a toothbrush for your cat’s teeth (see our suggestions for the finest cat toothbrushes), but toothpaste will almost certainly be the next item on your list.
Clear or colored gels are commonly used for cat toothpaste, which is marketed in tubes identical to those used for human toothpaste. Some are designed to be used without the use of a toothbrush.
Other variables will be influenced more by your cat’s individual tastes and preferences.
Do they, for example, object to a thicker, more abrasive paste on their teeth? Alternatively, you may discover that your cat has a strong taste for a certain flavor.
In an interview with, Stephanie Mantilla, animal trainer, zookeeper, and author of How To Clicker Train Your Cat said that only toothpaste available at pet stores that have been certified for cat use should be used on cats.
“The chemicals in human toothpaste have the potential to make your cat sick.
However, the chicken flavor may be more appealing to your cat companion than the mint flavor in some instances.
Many veterinarian clinics sell pet toothpaste at their front desks, so you can also stop by your cat’s doctor to acquire the brand that your veterinarian advises,” she says.
Check out the What to Look for in Cat Toothpaste section below for more information on the things to consider when selecting a brand that is appropriate for your cat’s dental needs.
Here are the Top 7 Best Cat Toothpastes
#1. Bodhi Dog Pet Dental Gel
- Flavor: Cool mint
- Recommended Frequency: Once daily, or up to three times a day for seven days for severe cases
What We do Like
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Packaging made with recycled and biodegradable materials
What We Dislike
- Flavors aren’t specifically formulated for cats
- Contains FD&C dye
Bodhi Dog Pet Dental Gel is a thick, alcohol-free gel that comes in an easy-to-use pump dispenser. Its active ingredients include baking soda, peppermint, spearmint, and aloe vera extract.
Since the product comes in a more generic minty flavor instead of cat-specific flavors, it may be easier for cats to accept this toothpaste without getting tongue-tied.
Regardless of your cat’s favorite flavor, using a toothbrush will help remove surface plaque and offer better results over time.
After treating your pet’s mouth with Bodhi Dog Pet Dental Gel, the manufacturers recommend waiting for 30-minutes before feeding them or offering them water to increase effectiveness.
#2. Affordable Cat Toothpaste: Sentry Petrodex Dental Kit
- Flavor: Malt
- Recommended Frequency: Daily
What We do Like
- Affordable kit
- Enzymatic toothpaste made in the United States
- Prevents bad breath
What We Dislike
- Brush and finger brush is made up of plastic and made in China
The Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Strength Malt Toothpaste Dental Care Kit for Cats is a kit that includes three items: a toothbrush, a finger brush, and a tube of enzymatic cat toothpaste all for under $8.
The ingredients in the toothpaste are similar to those found in more expensive enzymatic products, such as Virbac C.E.T.
The Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste uses enzymes extracted from fungal fermentation and is considered a potent tooth cleanser when combined with the abrasive ingredients contained in the Petrodex toothpaste, including silica and polishing agent Dicalcium phosphate, commonly used in whitening toothpaste.
Since the Petrodex toothpaste contains no foaming agents, it does not require rinsing after brushing.
#3. Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste
Flavors: London broil, rotisserie chicken, and say cheese
Recommended Frequency: Daily
What We do Like
- Three flavors to choose from
- Attacks bacteria and plaque at the tooth surface
- Allergy-free and vegan ingredients
What We Dislike
- Contains proprietary ingredients
#4. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog & Cat Toothpaste
- Flavor: Poultry, beef, seafood, malt, and vanilla-mint
- Recommended Use: Daily
What We do Like
- 25-year history in veterinary home dental care
- Helps eliminate bad breath
- Multiple flavors available
What We Dislike
- Some cats don’t like vanilla-mint flavor
Enzymatic kinds of toothpaste contain specific naturally-occurring enzymes, a type of protein, that facilitate a natural chemical reaction.
The first common enzymes used in kinds of toothpaste include lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, and dextranase.
Lactoperoxidase is found in the Virbac C.E.T. line along with lysozyme, lactoferrin, and mutanase to help with antibacterial properties. Mutanase prevents plaque from hardening or attaching to the teeth.
The enzyme glucose oxidase—extracted from the fungus Aspergillus niger—boosts the formation of hydrogen peroxide in the mouth which is a natural whitener and has natural antibacterial properties.
Lactoperoxidase is released naturally from salivary glands in mammals to kill bacteria and viruses so this toothpaste has an added boost of this important enzyme as well as lysozyme. The first ingredient of this toothpaste is sorbitol, a low-calorie sweetener.
Since cats have no functional taste buds for sweetness, most pet kinds of toothpaste contain sugar to make the taste more palatable. This toothpaste contains no foaming agents.
The abrasive is silica, and the ingredients are simple and safe for pets to swallow in small quantities.
Pet parents report that their cats like the taste of each flavor and that this makes brushing easier overall. Each flavor is available in a 2.5-ounce tube.
#5. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Cat Dental Kit
- Flavor: “Original” is described as a natural molasses flavor
- Recommended Frequency: N/A
What We do Like
- Toothpaste made in the USA
- Nylabone has been around since 1955
- Safe for adults and kittens over 3-months
What We Dislike
- Lists ingredients as “natural flavors” without defining
- Not all cats love the taste
Cat toothpaste is available in two forms: finger brushes and toothbrushes. While the finger brush is intended for brushing the gums, the toothbrush is designed for removing plaque from hard-to-reach back teeth.
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Cat Dental Kit comes with both types of brushes, as well as a toothpaste formulated with Denta-C, which is claimed to reduce harmful bacteria that can cause bad breath.
The Denta-C blend is proprietary; however, the ingredients on the label are transparent and include safe compounds typically found in other cat toothpaste formulas, including those that remineralize tooth enamel with calcium, magnesium, and phosphates.
The abrasive ingredient is silica, commonly used in human toothpaste. The compact polyethylene plastic toothbrush has nylon bristles and an angled head for hard-to-reach back teeth.
Some customers wish the toothbrush head and finger-brush were smaller while others reported noticeable results after only a few uses.
#6. ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Cat – Best Powder
- Flavor: Kelp and brewer’s yeast
- Recommended Frequency: Daily on food
What We do Like
- Only two healthy ingredients and no added sugar
- PlaqueOff has been on the market for almost 20 years
What We Dislike
- Not recommended for animals undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism
When you look at dental powders, you might think that they’re just a different form of toothpaste. But most dental powders are meant to be systemically administered through your pet’s food, working from the inside out, by sprinkling healthy ingredients over your pet’s food.
SwedenCare ProDen PlaqueOff Powder is the only dental powder for cats that currently holds VOHC Acceptable status2—a distinction given to products shown to be safe and effective in preventing plaque, tarter, and gingivitis.
(VOHC – Veterinary Oral Health Council is an independent not-for-profit organization founded in 1990 by veterinary organizations to promote oral health in animals.)
Although it is not a substitute for regular brushing, adding ProDen PlaqueOff Powder as a dietary supplement is a good complement to routine brushing, particularly if you are unable to brush your cat’s teeth daily.
It also can be considered if your cat struggles with dental health more than the average cat.
The ingredients are simple: just 90% natural oceanic kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) from the Scandinavian North Atlantic and 10% brewer’s yeast. Customers report that their cats eat it just fine when sprinkled over dry or wet food..
The supplement comes with a scoop for accurate and consistent measuring.
The 1.4-ounce container is meant to last three to four months if you start out using only half a scoop per day.
The manufacturer recommends gradually increasing the dosage to one full scoop over the course of several days to help your cat adjust to the change in taste of its food.
#7. Zymox’s Oratene Brushless Oral Gel Toothpaste for Dogs & Cats
- Flavour: Flavorless
- Recommended Frequency: Two times a daily for 5 to 7 days
What We do Like
- Contains healing aloe vera
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to apply
What We Dislike
- A little more expensive than competitors
Gingivitis is a form of dental disease that affects the gums, causing them to become inflamed.
Periodontal diseases also cause pain and discomfort and can result in tooth decay and loss, as well as a loss of appetite, weight loss and a variety of subsequent health problems.
Zymox’s Oratene Brushless Oral Gel is applied directly to your cat’s upper and lower gums twice daily and specifically targets serious mouth conditions like gingivitis and other periodontal disease.
The enzyme-rich formula contains several natural enzymes—mutanase, lactroferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, glucose oxidase, and destranase—that work together to dissolve plaque biofilm and inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause irritation, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Zymox Oral Gel contains no drying alcohol or harsh detergents. It relieves sore gums, protects against periodontal disease, and heals wounds faster than hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine gluconate.
Manufactured in compliance with FDA protocol, this gel is safe on all pet types.
Finally, a decision has been reached.
We enjoy Bodhi Dog Pet Dental Gel because it has components that are both safe and effective, as well as being reasonably priced.
Whether your cat is suffering from gingivitis or another periodontal disease, Zymox Oratene Oral Gel is a gentle, brushless solution that can help restore gum health.
The use of this method can serve as a prelude to the establishment of a regular brushing regimen, as well as a fantastic supplement.
What to Look for in a Cat’s Dental Care Product
Wild cats may not brush their teeth on a regular basis, but they make up for it by engaging in other habits such as chewing on vegetation.
One study of captive cheetahs found that their food lacked the “typical biting, tearing, and tugging action associated with wild game acquisition.”
The researchers concluded that this contributed to their dental problems.
In addition, because your cat is eating from a bowl, they are losing out on these habits, which makes frequent tooth cleaning necessary for their oral health in order to keep them healthy.
In contrast to human toothpaste, all cat toothpaste is intended to be consumed because it is impossible to prevent cats from eating it when they are using it.
Make use of a toothpaste that has natural, safe ingredients and has a flavour and texture that your cat will accept.
Organizations such as the non-profit Environmental Working Group, which maintains a rating database, can be a valuable resource for analyzing ingredient quality and effectiveness.
Texture and flavour are important considerations.
Many pet toothpastes are designed to be used by both dogs and cats, making it difficult for cat owners to properly clean their pets’ teeth.
Because dogs are omnivores, they have the ability to taste flavors that cats that are strictly carnivores do not have the ability to taste.
In particular, cats are unable to detect sweetness because they lack receptors that allow them to detect sweet flavors.
Consequently, certain common flavours and ingredients found in pet toothpastes will appeal to dogs but will be unappealing to cats.
Instead of using toothpaste varieties that contain mint, sorbitol, or other sweeteners, look for toothpaste tastes that don’t contain any of these additives at all. Cats, on the other hand, prefer the natural flavours of meat.
Another essential factor is the texture of the material. A transparent or colored gel, or a paste with variable thicknesses, is frequently used in the manufacture of cat toothpaste. Others are designed to last only as long as you are brushing your cat’s teeth.
Some toothpastes are thicker so that they will uniformly coat and stay to your cat’s teeth for a longer period of time, allowing you to extend treatment time.
If your cat doesn’t appear to enjoy a new type of cat food that you’ve tried for the first time, it might be difficult to determine whether the problem is with the flavour or the thickness of the food.
Once your cat has become more accustomed to frequent brushing, you should be able to reintroduce the toothpaste that you believe will be the most effective for him or her.
Pet toothpaste Ingredients
While many of the toothpastes in our roundup contain chemicals that are easily recognized and natural, the addition of emulsifiers, thickening agents, and preservatives will almost likely result in some of the ingredients on the label being foreign to you.
However, you may always look up ingredients that you are unfamiliar with.
The Environmental Working Group, as was previously stated, employs a rating system to assess the influence of components on human health and environmental quality. While not specifically applicable to cats, an EWG rating of 1 or 2 implies a high level of safety in general.
It is recommended that cat toothpastes do not contain foaming ingredients, which are commonly found in human toothpaste, because cats will ingest the toothpaste.
You should not notice any foaming in the mouth of your cat if you are using a toothpaste specifically designed for cats.
Triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate are two ingredients that should be avoided in large doses.
Many cat toothpaste brands identify their products with the word “enzymatic.” Enzymatic toothpastes are those that include certain proteins that cause a natural chemical reaction to take place.
Lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, mutanase, and dextranase are some of the enzymes that are commonly found in toothpastes.
A different enzyme performs a distinct job in the body. One sort of antibacterial agent kills specific germs, while another prevents plaque from adhering to the teeth and hardening into tartar.
Is it better to use brushless toothpastes or not?
There are certain cat kinds of toothpaste that are labeled as “brushless,” which means that you can apply the paste directly to your cat’s teeth without having to brush or rub them.
When it comes to treating sensitive gums, gingivitis, and other forms of periodontal disease, dental pastes are an excellent option, especially if your cat is unwilling to accept brushing his own teeth.
In most cases, brushless toothpastes have a thicker gel or paste that is intended to stick to your cat’s teeth for a longer period of time than a standard brushing would allow.
As a reason, several dental pastes urge that your cat refrain from eating or drinking for a period of time before and after using them.
While brushless kinds of toothpaste can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of certain types of periodontal disease, they are not a sufficient substitute for regular brushing.
Questions People Are Asking
What is the purpose of my cat needing toothpaste?
Overall, cats are excellent at concealing their pain or discomfort, making it critical to be proactive in caring for their oral health.
If food and germs are not eliminated from the teeth on a regular basis through brushing, bacteria will proliferate and coat the teeth with sticky plaque, which will be particularly noticeable along the gum line and in the rear teeth.
Without treatment, plaque hardens into tartar, which is significantly more difficult to remove and can lead to bacterial infections.
Gingivitis and other damaging periodontal diseases are not only painful for your cat, but they can also result in tooth loss if not treated promptly.
Gum disease manifests itself in the form of symptoms such as foul breath, drooling, and bleeding gums.
There is a possibility that this will result in difficulties eating and subsequent weight loss.
Additionally, as your cat ages, gum disease raises his or her risk of heart, liver, and kidney problems—all of which have the potential to shorten his or her life.
Is it possible to use dog toothpaste on cats?
In an interview with The Spruce Pets, Mantilla explained that “dog and cat toothpaste are usually the same formula, only in smaller tubes for cats because they are useless at a time compared to a large dog.”
“Dog toothpaste is available in a range of flavours, including mint, vanilla ginger, and beef, whereas cat toothpaste is typically available in a chicken flavour. Because cats are carnivores, they are more selective when it comes to flavor.
However, if you can find a dog toothpaste that has a meaty flavour, your cat may not object.”
It is safe to use homemade cat toothpaste, according to the manufacturer.
A lot of components are safe for people to consume but are not suitable for cats to consume,” says the researcher.
The safest bet, if you want to use homemade cat toothpaste, is to bring a copy of the recipe to your veterinarian and ask for their clearance,” Mantilla advised.
Most DIY toothpaste are not shelf-stable, so you must store them in the refrigerator and destroy them when they reach their expiration date,” says the author.
The use of homemade pastes should be limited to one week if the recipe does not contain any ingredients that operate as “natural preservatives,” such as citric acid from citrus fruits like lemon juice or grapefruit seed extract, or essential oils or extracts of rosemary, sage, or clove.
Facts Check:
We hope you enjoyed this article… What are your thoughts on the Top 7 Best Cat Toothpaste?
Feel free to share your comments below!