My cat needs toothpaste. Is PetSmile safe and effective for her?

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The short and sweet answer to your question is yes! Virbac makes a feline version of these so be sure to purchase to one formulated for cats. I hope Sweetie enjoys these- they are very good for the teeth.

Great question! The Veterinary Oral Health Council is a group of veterinary dentists that investigates and reviews products that are marketed for dental care in pets. You can find a list of the products for cats that have received their seal of approval here: http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products_cats.html

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I can understand some of your concern here regarding carbomer. There have been some studies evaluating its toxic effects, mainly when used as a gel substrate in eye medications in animals and this is what I was able to find regarding this: Use: Carbomer-based gels significantly extend contact of solutes or suspended solids with the corneal surface Overdosage: Doses up to 1 g/kg PO in dogs x 6 mo resulted in no observable clinical effects and no pathological lesion No toxic effects expected; should signs develop, treatment should be symptomatic Systemic toxicosis not expected due to poor bioavailability So therefore, there are no concerns here when this compound is ingested in animals (dogs or cats). This is typically the case when dealing with over the counter supplements or dental products in general. If toxicity concerns were there, a product would likely require a prescirption and would not be available as an over the counter. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and best wishes with your pet Cooper moving forward and her dental care. Take care. : )

I am attaching a link to the products that the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has tested and approved for use. http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products.htm You will see that the list for cats is pretty short, but there are some diets, treats and water additives that might be an option for you. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! You are my hero for trying to brush Nala's teeth. If you haven't tried to start with the left side first, do that. Yes, at least getting the enzyme tooth paste on the teeth will do something. The brushing does help the most. Try to brush at least 3 times per week. They also make a tooth brush that fits on your finger tip, that may work better for her. Also check out the link for the Veterinary Oral Health Council's recommended products. Otherwise just keep trying! Practice makes perfect and also hopefully Nala will acclimate. She may still be sensitive on the one side from the cleaning. I hope this helps and I wish you and Nala the best! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3497 http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products_cats.html

Hello, thank you again for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I answered your question yesterday. I researched the product before I answered you and I did not see any harmful ingredients. However, that does not mean no animal will never show any adverse effects. If it does not agree with your cat stop using it. No one can guarantee anything. I have been a veterinarian in the US for close to 20 years and as a certified veterinary technician for 5 years prior to that. I have never heard of this product but that does not mean there is anything wrong with it. There are millions of products in the world marketed towards animals with new ones coming out each day. There is no way to keep up with all of them. Again, I suggest you contact the manufacturer directly for any concerns.

You can try dipping the finger brush in tuna water before rubbing it on your cat's teeth to make the experience more pleasant. That may make Lily more willing to open her mouth. I would also cradle her from behind, cup her chin, and lift up her lip to clean her teeth. HealthyMouth's range of water additive products is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, and has been approved for the removal of plaque. I would recommend using one of there water additive products.