Giving your kitty kisses on the lips is oh-so-sweet and precious – until you get a whiff of that nasty fishy breath! Most cat parents shrug this off, however, chalking it up to just another not-quite-glamorous part of owning cats.
But bad breath isn’t just a kitty quirk; it often indicates plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth, which can lead to dental disease without proper intervention. Brushing your cat’s teeth on a regular basis with the right toothpaste is the most effective way to combat this and prevent it from causing significant dental problems down the road.
To help you choose the right toothpaste for your kitty, we’ve come up with a list of the 5 best cat toothpaste products that will clean your cat’s teeth and gums, freshen her breath, and prevent plaque buildup. With this guide, you can select a cat toothpaste that’ll help your cat achieve and maintain optimal dental health – and make kitty kisses more pleasant, too!
1. Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste: Contains Powerful Enzymes That Stop Plaque and Bacteria
Enzymatic toothpaste is a type of toothpaste containing several naturally-occurring enzymes that kill bacteria and break down food particles in the mouth, effectively preventing the latter from hardening and forming into plaque and tartar.
Veterinarians and cat owners agree that the Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste is one of the best enzymatic toothpaste products on the market. It’s formulated with a dual-enzyme system that consists of glucose oxidase (Aspergillus niger) and lactoperoxidase, both of which help combat bacteria that can cause bad breath and dental disease.
These powerful enzymes and abrasive elements clean your cat’s mouth thoroughly, removing all gunk and food particles to stop plaque and tartar. Plus, it doesn’t contain any foaming agents that can upset your cat’s stomach, making it completely safe for her to swallow.
Best of all, it comes in a poultry flavor that cats love! So if you’re having a hard time getting your cat to enjoy brushing, giving her a lick of this chicken-flavored toothpaste can help make the dreaded activity more enjoyable for her. It also comes in 4 other appealing flavors, including a vanilla-mint flavor that leaves cats’ breath minty fresh.
Pros:
- Recommended by vets and cat parents
- Breaks down food particles and fights disease-causing bacteria
- Cleans teeth and gums
- Stops and prevents bad breath
- Powerful formula but can be used daily
- Ideal for cats who experience quick plaque buildup
- Comes in 5 delicious flavors
Cons:
- May have a runny or messy consistency
- Prone to spoiling quickly
2. Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel for Dogs and Cats: Great for Fussy Cats
Got a feisty kitty who leaves you scratched all over every time you brush her teeth? Go for the Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel! This pet toothpaste is designed to give cats clean teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath minus the need for brushing or rinsing. All you need to do is apply it to your cat’s teeth with a toothbrush or by hand!
With patented enzyme systems developed from 40 years of enzyme technology, this brushless toothpaste helps regulate the pH balance in your cat’s mouth to prevent germs and bacteria from thriving in the environment. It cleans the teeth, gums, and tongue, eliminating odors and dissolving plaque effectively.
Cats with dry mouths can also benefit from this toothpaste. It’s designed to replenish and restore the saliva’s natural defenses as well as increase saliva production, helping combat bad breath caused by a dry mouth.
It also prevents excess salivation so your cat doesn’t lose out on hydration during brushing. Plus, it has gentle ingredients that can help soothe cats who have inflamed gums or chronic oral problems.
Pros:
- Brushless gel – no need for brushing or rinsing
- Combats germs and bacteria in the mouth
- Dissolves plaque and eliminates odor
- Helps restore moisture and boosts saliva production
- Ideal for cats with dental problems
- No harmful ingredients like xylitol or alcohol
- Can be used for cats of all ages
Cons:
- Somewhat pricey
- Picky cats may not like the mild flavor
3. Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste: Best At Plaque Removal
Equipped with a triple-enzyme system that features glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, and lysozyme, the Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste is one of the most effective products for plaque removal on the market. It’s formulated to polish and clean teeth, leaving them whiter and healthier.
Because it’s potent at removing plaque and cleaning teeth, this product helps prevent dental problems before they occur. Cats with mild to severe gingivitis can also benefit from this product since it can aid in relieving some of their symptoms, such as swollen gums and bad breath.
This enzymatic toothpaste comes in a poultry flavor that’s appetizing and even irresistible to cats, so you’ll have less trouble giving it to your fussy feline! Cat parents have praised this product for its treat-like flavor that their kitties adore and even ask for repeatedly.
Plus, its non-foaming formula uses silica as an abrasive in place of other harmful agents – so there’s no need to rinse it out. It’s also safe for cats to swallow!
Pros:
- Triple-enzyme formula removes plaque effectively
- Cleans and polishes teeth
- Helps improve bad breath
- Prevents dental disease
- Aids in managing gingivitis symptoms
- No rinsing required
- Features a poultry flavor cats love
Cons:
- Prone to messy application
- Some pet parents find the smell off-putting
4. Petrodex Dental Kit for Cats With Malt Toothpaste: Budget-Friendly Option
The Petrodex Dental Kit for Cats offers all you need for your cat’s daily brushing routine, including an enzymatic toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a finger toothbrush – all at an affordable price!
Its malt-flavored toothpaste is formulated with enzymes that produce hydrogen peroxide, which makes it a superior choice in fighting plaque and tartar buildup. It also helps fight bad breath, leaving your kitty’s mouth clean and fresh. Plus, it has a non-foaming formula, so there’s no need to rinse after brushing your cat’s teeth.
This kit also features a toothbrush developed by veterinarians, with bristles that remove food particles and plaque from the teeth effectively. It’s also designed to be gentle on the gums, although take note that you have to be extra-gentle with the application as well.
For pet parents with kittens, it’s best to go with the finger toothbrush in this kit. It cleans teeth and removes food particles gently with more delicate bristles designed for tiny kitties. Better yet, it also massages the gums, making the experience more pleasant for your kitten!
Pros:
- Complete dental kit
- Enzymatic toothpaste fights plaque and tartar
- Helps eliminate bad breath
- Non-foaming formula that’s safe for cats
- 2.5 oz. tube lasts longer
- Toothbrush helps remove plaque gently and effectively
- Comes with a finger toothbrush for kittens
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Has a malt flavor that may not be palatable to all cats
- Some pet parents find the bristles too hard
5. Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste: Recommended by Veterinary Dentists
With a seal of acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, Petsmile Professional has been proven effective in preventing plaque and tartar buildup while leaving teeth gleaming white. It gently dissolves pellicle, a protein to which bacteria and stains adhere – leaving your cat’s teeth cleaner and her breath fresher.
This toothpaste also helps remove existing plaque, making it suitable for cats with gingivitis or cats prone to plaque buildup. It delivers powerful teeth and gum cleaning, helping promote overall oral health.
Pet parents concerned by additives in toothpaste products praise the Petsmile toothpaste for being free of sulfates, parabens, BPA, silica, and animal by-products. Its formula is also vegan and hypoallergenic, made only from select high-quality ingredients.
Best of all, this toothpaste is easy to use! All you have to do is apply it to your cat’s teeth and let her lick and spread the product all throughout her mouth. It also has an appetizing cheese flavor akin to cheese snacks that your cat is sure to enjoy!
Pros:
- Formulated with Calprox to whiten teeth
- Removes and prevents plaque and tartar buildup
- Freshens breath and cleans teeth
- Made from high-quality ingredients
- Free of sulfates, parabens, and other harmful ingredients
- Easy to apply
- Comes in 3 flavors: Say Cheese, Rotisserie Chicken, and London Broil
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
Why Should I Brush My Cat’s Teeth Regularly?
Did you know that 76% of cat owners never brush their cat’s teeth? This figure is immensely alarming given that dental disease is among the most common health conditions in felines
Cats can develop dental issues as early as age 3, and the symptoms can persist throughout the rest of their lives when left untreated or if the disease has progressed significantly. It’s typically caused by plaque buildup from food particles left in their mouth after eating. Without proper brushing, this buildup will harden and form tartar.
Tartar coats and irritates the gums, leading to the growth of disease-causing bacteria that can cause conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease over time. Both these dental issues are characterized by inflammation, which makes affected cats experience severe pain, discomfort, and loss of appetite.
Bacteria also forms in the mouth when dental disease occurs. Besides causing bad breath, oral bacteria can travel and spread to other organs, primarily the kidney, liver, and heart. When this happens, your cat will be susceptible to systemic infections and even organ failure.
Veterinarians and pet health experts agree that the best way to prevent the onset of dental disease is by daily or regular brushing, along with routine dental checkups. Brushing your cat’s teeth will not only give her clean teeth and fresh breath, but it’ll also help her avoid more serious health risks caused by poor dental hygiene.
How Do I Brush My Cat’s Teeth?
Is it your first time brushing your cat’s teeth? You’re making the right decision! While it may be a bit of a challenge initially, both you and your cat will get used to the routine faster than you think. Plus, you’ll find the process rewarding in the long run – especially when her oral health is in tip-top shape!
Here are a few tips you can follow to make your first few brushing sessions a success:
Never use human toothpaste
It contains several ingredients and high levels of fluoride that are dangerous for cats. Make sure to only use toothpaste formulated for cats and dogs.
Introduce your cat to her new toothpaste gradually
Give your kitty a few licks of the toothpaste first over a couple of days, and allow her to enjoy the taste.
Start gently
Start your first brushing session when she’s calm and/or tired from playing. Begin by touching her mouth and petting her generously. Give your cat treats for behaving well while you’re touching and moving her lips.
Put your cat in the right position
When you’re sure she’s comfortable, position your cat with her back against you to give you easier access to her mouth and more control over her body in case she protests.
Wrap her in a towel or blanket
If handling her proves a little difficult, you can wrap her up in a towel or her favorite blanket before brushing. However, if she’s under too much stress, you can give her a treat instead and try again the next day.
Give her a taste of the toothpaste before opening her mouth
Let her lick the toothpaste first before applying it to your toothbrush or your finger. Then, lift her head and open her mouth gently.
Start brushing the back of her teeth
Move your fingers across her gums in a circular, massage-like motion and work your way towards the front. Be gentle but thorough; make sure you brush lightly and reach even the farthest corners of her mouth.
Make the first few sessions quick
For the first few brushing sessions, you can allot only 5 to 10 seconds for each side of her mouth. You can increase this to around 30 seconds as she gets used to the routine and becomes more comfortable with brushing. It’s ideal to spend a total of 2-3 minutes per session.
Shower her with rewards
After brushing her teeth, reward her with verbal praises, pets, and treats. This will ensure that she sees brushing as a positive and rewarding experience, and help ease her into a daily routine.
In Closing
Choosing the right toothpaste for your cat is extremely crucial in helping prevent painful dental disease as she gets on in years. Make sure to consult this guide before you make your purchase so you can easily spot the highest-quality toothpaste recommended by experts and fellow cat parents for your kitty. This way, you can help your cat enjoy great oral health and give you fresh kitty kisses for years to come!