(1) Have your cat get used to you putting things in her mouth. Dip your finger in tuna water, chicken broth, or other liquid your cat may like. Call your cat with a voice that means "treat" and let your cat lick the liquid off your finger. Then rub your soaked finger gently over your cat's gums and teeth. After a few sessions, your cat should actually look forward to this and you can move on.
(2) Place gauze around your finger. (You can again dip it in the tuna water or other liquid.) Gently rub the teeth in a circular motion with your gauzed finger. Repeat this for the number of sessions it takes your cat to feel comfortable with this procedure. Remember to praise her and keep an upbeat attitude.
(3) After your cat is used to having the flavored gauze in her mouth, you are ready to start with a toothbrush, dental sponge, or pad. We need to get your cat used to the consistency of these items, especially the bristles on a brush. So, let your cat lick something tasty off of the brush or pad so she gets used to the texture.
(4) Once your cat is used to the cleaning item you are going to use, we can add the toothpaste (or rinse). Pet toothpastes either have a poultry, malt, or other flavor so your cat will like the taste. Get your cat used to the flavor and consistency of the toothpaste. Let your cat lick some off your finger and then apply some to your cat's gumline with your finger. Praise your pet.
(5) Now your cat is used to the toothbrush and toothpaste and you are ready to start brushing. Talk to your cat in a happy voice during the process and praise your cat at the end. At first, you may just want to brush one or both upper canine teeth (the large ones in the front of the mouth). These are the easiest teeth for you to get at and will give you some easier practice. As before, when your cat accepts having several teeth brushed, slowly increase the number of teeth you are brushing. Again, by making it appear to be a game, you both will have fun doing it.
6 comments:
Inga, I kinda get the idea that you want a cat. Fortunately for you, there are several adoption centers in the Bay Area.
LINDA is allergic.
You best remember that.
I love cleaning my dogs teeth with the rubber finger brush. I have the constant fear that she is going to start chewing while I’m cleaning her molars.
Hairless cats are hypoallergenic
Annie used to brush Oscar's teeth. She's a pro.
i was WAITING for you to say something RB! :)
an old vet urged me to brush his teeth daily, making it a routine. like after i brush mine, to brush his (its what she did with her cats). she said it with great importance.
oscar is lucky if i brush his teeth every 6 months.
This post is frighteningly similar to my soup post. Eating soup, is much more out of the ordinary than brushing a cat's teeth. Who eats soup these days?
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