Isapet Useful Tips

Isapet Tips: How to Teach Your Cat to Accept Brushing

Teaching your cat to accept brushing may take some patience, but it is very beneficial for your cat’s dental health once they get used to the process. While daily brushing is ideal and helps establish a routine, brushing two or three times a week is still effective if your schedule is busy.

Start in a Quiet Space
Choose a calm time and place to begin brushing. This will help your cat feel safe and relaxed.

Start Young, But Older Cats Can Learn Too
It is best to start brushing while your cat is still a kitten. Older cats may take a bit longer to get comfortable, but with patience, they can learn too.

Step 1: Get Them Used to Touch
Hold your cat securely in your lap. Start by gently rubbing your finger or a soft cloth over their teeth in a back-and-forth motion. Focus on the outer surfaces of the cheek teeth to avoid accidental bites.

Step 2: Introduce Toothpaste
Once your cat is comfortable with touch, let them taste a small amount of pet-safe toothpaste from your finger. Most cats enjoy the flavor, making brushing a more pleasant experience. Never use human toothpaste, as it can upset your cat’s stomach.

Step 3: Begin Brushing

• Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a toothbrush.
• Place your free hand over your cat’s head, with your thumb and index finger on opposite sides of the upper jaw.
• Gently lift the lip on one side and start brushing one or two cheek teeth using a straight back-and-forth motion along the gumline. A human interdental toothbrush works well for most cats.
• To brush lower teeth, gently tilt your cat’s head back and carefully lift the upper jaw with your hand.

Step 4: Gradually Brush All Teeth
Work slowly toward brushing all teeth over several days. Make sure to reach the large teeth at the back of the mouth. Generally, only the outer surfaces need cleaning, as the tongue naturally removes plaque from the inner surfaces.

Step 5: Keep Sessions Short
Aim for about 30 seconds per side. Stop before your cat becomes stressed, and always make the experience positive.

With patience and consistency, brushing can become a routine your cat tolerates—and even enjoys—while keeping their teeth healthy and clean.