Brushing a cat’s teeth is not as easy as brushing a human’s teeth is, which is not a surprise. Many cats are often reluctant to open their mouths and allow a toothbrush in, and even if you manage to get it in somehow, they will not allow proper cleaning. Luckily though, there are a couple of alternative to brushing cats’ teeth you can use to make sure your cat’s mouth stays clean.
So in this article, we will look at the different methods you can use to do exactly that, and also how you can use each one depending on what your cat feels most comfortable with.
Alternative to brushing cats’ teeth
If you have tried to use a toothbrush to clean your cat’s teeth and it does not let you, there are a couple of things you can do to make sure that it still has clean teeth.
However, it is worth mentioning that these methods do not replace brushing, which is a thorough cleanup of your cat’s mouth and teeth.
But they do work well if you are in a snitch of time and still want to get the job done. We also recommend getting any other products approved by a vet beforehand, so you can use them on your cat without worrying about any side effects.
Now, let’s take a look at our alternative to brushing cats’ teeth suggestions for brushing teeth.
Using dental wipes
Dental wipes are a good option if your cat does not like the texture of the tooth brush in its mouth, but is still okay with having your hand and a tissue type of material in its mouth.
The way this works is that instead of using the bristles of the toothbrush to clean back and forth your cat’s teeth, you use a dental wipe to do the same.
You take a dental wipe from the packet and spread it into a thin layer, then insert it into the cat’s mouth and wrap it around its teeth.
After this, you will use your thumb and index finger to gently rub the wipe back and forth the cat’s teeth to make it clean.
This action is to be continued for a minute or two, which is almost as long as you would generally brush your cat’s teeth. So if you are in a shortage of time, then take a look at other alternatives to brushing cats’ teeth.
Oral rinsing your cat’s mouth
Oral rinsing is like mouthwash, but for cats. It’s usually way more effective when used after brushing to keep the teeth clean, but it can do on its own too.
The method of using this is similar to letting your cat intake water.
Some vets recommend putting this in your cat’s water bowl and letting it have it multiple times throughout the day, while others just say to put some in your cat’s mouth at night time when it is done with eating activities for the day.
Though not as effective in the long run, you can definitely use it as a short-term solution to keep your cat’s teeth clean.
Also, make sure your cat is having a sufficient intake of water after using this product. Some cats dislike the taste of this and avoid drinking water altogether because they assume a similarity in taste.
If that is the case, you may need to visit the vet.
Chew toys specifically for dental purposes
Is your cat fond of chewing toys? If the answer to this is yes, then great news! There are dental chew toys available in the market for cats that dislike brushing.
Toys like these are made with a dental-friendly material that is known to scrape the plaque and tartar off your cat’s teeth as much as possible, even if it does not brush regularly.
It also removes some food stuck between its teeth, which can be a source of relief for your cat.
Other than that, these chew toys also contain a secret ingredient that will attract your cat’s attention: catnip!
If it’s a toy made with web-like material, it may contain some catnip and also act as a piece of floss for your cat’s small teeth.
Hence, a chew toy can be a lifesaver for your cat’s dental hygiene if you do not brush your cat’s teeth that often.
Dental supplements
Dental supplements are specifically made for cats if their owner is unable to brush their teeth for certain reasons.
You may have to get a vet-approved prescription to obtain these supplements for use, but they are usually easily available.
These are like small tablets that work best when used daily. Dental supplements come in different flavors like mint, chicken, and other types of meat flavors.
You can also use the plain flavor so your cat does not find out that it is in taking supplements, otherwise it may avoid them.
Mix a tablet in your cat’s water bowl, or cover it up with some food, and your cat will readily eat it without ever knowing.
Dental gel
A dental gel is the most common type of dental product used for cats’ teeth, after brushing.
The ingredients in the gel contain cavity-fighting properties that simultaneously work on removing tartar and plaque from your cat’s teeth.
A gel is similar to toothpaste, but because of its stronger and dominant characteristics, you do not need to brush it over your cat’s teeth.
Simply apply it all over its teeth and wipe it off after a few minutes. You may need to use your finger to apply it.
For best results, try to use the gel consistently every day. If any side effects emerge, talk to your vet for solutions.
Switching up your cats’ diet to make it dental-friendly
Yes, there exists a special type of diet that is meant to keep your cat’s teeth healthy.
A dental diet is commonly used with other types of dental products, mostly because it is not a very reliable technique on its own.
Special kinds of cat foods contain properties that will make your cat’s teeth and gums healthier. But this method is not suitable for many cats unless approved by the vet.
If you are looking for a proper method to remove plaque and build up from your cats’ teeth and clean up thoroughly, then a dental diet is not your best option.
Chewing on bones
It sounds unusual, but when cats chew on hard things, it helps with their dental hygiene.
Chewing on bones and certain tendons around the bones is good for cats. Their teeth are made to withstand the pressure, so any plaque or build-up gets wiped off and thus, cleaned.
Some cat owners also freeze the bones for their cats so their gums feel soothed if they are inflamed.
After this, they may proceed to give them other sorts of dental products for the cleaning procedure.
Dental sprays
Dental sprays are a more hands-free method of oral hygiene in cats and can be an alternative to brushing cats’ teeth.
Unlike dental gel and rinsing using dental solutions where the use of fingers is required, a dental spray just has to be sprayed into your cat’s mouth once a day and forgotten about.
The spray does not have to be pointed or even have covered your cat’s teeth arch, it simply has to be put into the mouth once, where the saliva will do the job of spreading it onto the gums and teeth.
We recommend that you use the product based on what your vet recommends, and also what is written on the package instructions.
Also, consistent usage will result in the most improvement in oral hygiene.
Dental chews
Dental chews are similar to chew toys, but they act as a treat to cats. This means that if your cat is behaving well, you can give it a dental chew and let it swallow it too as an alternative to brushing cats’ teeth.
They are similar to breathe mints for humans, except it has properties to keep both the breath and the teeth safe from decay as well.
Regular use of dental chews will allow regular cleanup of build up from your cats’ teeth.
However, this works best if your cat has average to good oral hygiene. Meaning, if your cat has really bad oral hygiene and you give it a dental chew regularly, chances are that the results won’t be satisfactory.
Get a checkup from your vet to ensure that the dental chews are fit for your cat before use.
Getting professional dental cleaning services
Getting your cat’s oral hygiene taken care of professionally is not a bad option if you are not able to brush your cat’s teeth as regularly as you should.
While more costly than cleaning teeth at home, it is great to get a professional treatment every few months to ensure that your cat’s health is alright.
The price of the treatment depends on your cat’s current oral hygiene status, its weight, and also rates of the area where you live.
For cats with a bad state of cavities, the doctor may give your cat a specific dose of anesthesia. So if your cat is older, then it is best to get a consultation on whether you should go ahead with the procedure as there is a risk of your cat not waking up after anesthesia.
However, if done right, all your cat’s teeth problems can be eliminated with ease and the treatment will last for a long time as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what are the best alternatives for brushing your cat’s teeth?
There are multiple things you can do to clean your cat’s teeth if it does not let you brush its teeth.
Using dental wipes, gel, sprays, and chews are all great options. You can also use methods like changing your cat’s diet to a dental-friendly one, as well as getting professional services to take care of your cat’s oral hygiene.
With all these methods, it is important to consult a vet because chances are it may not suit each and every cat.
Lastly, it is worth noting that none of these methods replace brushing teeth, they are all substitutes that can be combined and used together for maximum effectiveness.
Brushing teeth remains the best method of cleanliness, but these methods work fine as alternatives.