What is considered proper dental care for cats?

If you're feeding dry food regularly (the CRUNCHY kind), you don't really "have" to do anything. The teeth will stay strong and, for the most part, clean.





You can use a toothbrush on your cat if he/she will let you. It really depends on the cat. I've had cats that LOVE those little Braun spinning toothbrushes. I've also had cats that like a soft bristled brush to massage their teeth and gums. But I've also had cats that freaked if I tried to brush their teeth.





DO NOT use those little finger toothbrushes. You know, those little rubber deals that you stick on your finger and have some tiny brushes on them. This is for YOUR safety, not the cats. Cats WILL chew on toothbrushes. Some harder than others. And if your finger is inside that toothbrush, you WILL get bitten. I've had a cat bite clean through my fingertip because of one of those things. Wasn't his fault, but hurt like the devil and bled like a stuck pig.

What is considered proper dental care for cats?
I'm not sure I use teeth cleaning products and tooth brushes for cats that I usually get at the pet store
Reply:Make sure you give them dry food. It helps keep thier teeth strong.
Reply:I have read that normal brushing with cat toothpaste 1x a week or everyother week is what is supposed to be done but my litten will not let me do it at all I have tried everything and they do have tartar treats that help with that too
Reply:Feed dry crunchy food with tartar control. Have their teeth cleaned at the vet about every other year. February is National Feline Dental Month. Not kidding... ;-)
Reply:Daily brushing is recommended. Or bi-weekly or once weekly would be acceptable.





Failing that, cats eating a raw meat diet should be in good dental health if they're fed chunks of muscle meat to "muscle" through and of course raw bones. That's how cats are meant to keep their teeth clean.





Another method is to feed chicken necks - that's what I've started doing. It's both meat and bone.





There are also supplements you can add to the water or to the food, or there's a product you can buy which you rub on the cat's gums once a week. I think it's called Oravet.....





You only need to clean the outside of the teeth. Their tongue takes care of the inside.





The one thing you shouldn't do is feed dry food. IT DOESN'T CLEAN THEIR TEETH! In fact, it usually makes things worse - either bits get stuck or just the fact that it's mostly carbs leads to decay and whatnot.