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My cat hates brushing. Can I just rub toothpaste on their teeth?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 14 lbs

My cats hate the toothbrush, would rubbing virbac toothpaste with my finger onto their teeth and gums daily work to maintain their oral hygiene.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Julia Henwood

Certified Veterinary Nurse

Published on March 31st, 2017

Yes this would work just be careful not to get bitten! There are other alternatives too that you can try to help with oral hygiene if tooth brushing is proving to be a problem. You can get a seaweed extract to add to the food daily called plaque off. There is also aquadent which is a bit like a mouth wash that you add to their water for them to drink.
My favourite option is hills TD food as this has both a mechanical and chemical action to break down the calculi and improve oral hygiene and hopefully prevent dental work.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Applying the paste is better than not doing any at home dental care but the act of brushing helps to remove food particles and bacteria. i believe there are enzymatic pads you can purchase and 'brush' the teeth as well. Lio may tolerate that better. Good job on brushing his teeth! It really does make a difference!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 22nd, 2018
Unfortunately only few cats will let you brush their teeth unless they have been used to it since kittenhood. However, if you use enzymatic tooth paste then usually just rubbing it onto the teeth will suffice. Unfortunately brushing teeth or rubbing tooth paste on will only be effective in preventing tartar. It will not remove tartar, so if your kitty already has tartar on his teeth and /or red gum lines, he will need to have his teeth checked and cleaned by a veterinarian. If you then diligently use the enzymatic tooth paste after professional cleaning, then you significantly lengthen the time between professional cleanings and onset of tartar. The chewies are a good idea, but again only really effective if there is no significant tartar on the teeth.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat won't let me brush her teeth. Are dental water additives safe?

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.

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My pet hates teeth brushing. What are easier dental care options?

Hi and thanks for posting! Don't worry- you are not alone! Many pets do not enjoy their owners brushing their teeth. The best thing really is to have a professional dental scaling with your veterinarian once a year. However, there are many dental products out there to help decrease plaque formation and prevent dental calculus build up. Perhaps a dental chewable, water additive, or a dental spray would be easier. I have included below a link to a list of dental products approved by the veterinary oral health council. http://www.vohc.org/VOHCAcceptedProductsTable_Cats.pdf I hope this helps!

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Is cat toothpaste necessary for removing plaque from my cat's teeth?

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My cat won't brush. Is finger rubbing gums effective for gingivitis?

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