The Best Cat Toothpaste
You have to keep those pearly whites clean. Here are some suggestions for toothpaste that will do the trick.
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Does My Cat Need Toothpaste?opens in a new tab Best Cat Toothpasteopens in a new tab Best Enzymatic Toothpaste for Cats opens in a new tab Best Toothpaste for Cats with Gingivitis opens in a new tab Best Homemade Toothpaste for Catsopens in a new tab What to Avoid in Cat Toothpasteopens in a new tab
Brushing your cat’s teeth may sound like a ridiculous notion, especially if they are more Hyde than Jekyll, but it’s actually a very important part of oral health. If they have ever had a dental procedure at the vet’s office, you know these are expensive endeavors. Research shows that if pet parents don’t continue dental care at home through brushing and other means, plaque returns to the teeth within hours of a dental cleaning and turns into hardened tartar within two weeks.
So, brushing is a very important step to maintain your cat’s clean teeth after a dental procedure and in protecting your wallet, too. When choosing a cat’s toothpaste, it’s important to select one that is specifically formulated for felines to avoid ingredients that may be toxic or unhealthy for them.
Most cat toothpastes are also flavored to be especially appealing to cats; think tuna or chicken instead of mint. Products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) have undergone additional evaluation and may be more reputable in their claims. Some popular options include Petsmile Professional pet toothpaste, Virbac CET Enzymatic toothpaste, and Healthymouth toothpaste. Even if your cat won’t tolerate toothpaste, brushing with a plain toothbrush can still be an effective strategy, so don’t give up.
It can be difficult to assess cat toothpastes and determine which one is best because there have been very few scientific studies that actually compare different products and evaluate their effectiveness at reducing dental disease. The VOHC seal of approvalopens in a new tab is a good starting point for finding more reputable products. In order to get this seal, a manufacturer must apply and provide data from randomized trials to show the product’s effectiveness at reducing plaque and/or calculus.
There is no requirement to show that these products actually reduce dental disease in the long run, however, and no independent studies are conducted to confirm the findings of the manufacturers, so we must take these limitations into consideration as well. In most cases, the best toothpaste for your cat will be the one they like the best, so long as it is safe and intended for cats. The more enjoyable the experienceopens in a new tab is for your cat, the more likely you will be able to easily build it into your routine and keep up with brushing regularly.
Does my cat need toothpaste?
Not really, but it can help. The mechanical action of brushing your cat’s teeth, even with no toothpaste at all, is very effective at removing plaque from the surface of the teeth. It is the brushing action that is most important. The trick is to get your cat to play along, and this is where toothpaste can actually help.
Cat toothpastes are flavored to appeal to your cat. With choices like tuna, chicken, or seafood, it can enhance the experience and entice your cat to cooperate. In addition to using a yummy toothpaste, you’ll want to employ other tactics to make brushing a positive experience for your cat.
Start very gradually by allowing your cat to sniff, chew, or lick the toothbrush and/or toothpaste. Use rewardsopens in a new tab, such as treats, toys, or praise, to encourage cooperation and keep the sessions very short at first. As your cat gets more comfortable with these initial phases, you can start working towards brushing the teeth.
Is toothpaste bad for cats?
Toothpastes intended for cats are not bad for them, but human toothpastes can be dangerous for cats and should never be used. Some ingredients — including fluoride, foaming agents, and/or xylitol — in human toothpastes can be toxic or unhealthy to pets. Because cats don’t routinely spit out their toothpaste after brushing, unlike humans, whatever is in the toothpaste must be safe for them to swallow and ingest.
Cat-specific toothpastes, especially those with the VOHC seal of approval, are safe for this purpose. It’s also important to use a cat-specific toothpaste so that the flavor will be enjoyable and will encourage your cat to cooperate with brushing. Using mint-flavored products can be unpleasant for cats and may create an aversion to the whole tooth brushing experience.
What should I look for in a good cat toothpaste?
Important features of cat toothpastes include the VOHC seal of approval, effective ingredients to control plaque, and delicious, cat-friendly flavors. Be sure to check for the following:
OHC Seal of Approval: This is a product evaluation provided through an independent organization. They review randomized trials conducted on the products to assess whether the product actually meets the manufacturer’s claim to reduce plaque and/or tartar.
Effective plaque-reducing ingredients: In order to be beneficial, the toothpaste should contain specific ingredients that will reduce plaque. This includes enzymes with antimicrobial effects and/or gentle abrasives like silicates that help to remove debris.
Flavor: Many cats have very finicky palates, so choose a flavor that will appeal to your cat. You may need to test out a few different flavors to find one that your cat approves of.
The best cat toothpaste
It’s worth reiterating that the best cat toothpaste will be the one your cat likes, as long as it is safe for cats. Toothpaste should help improve your cat’s cooperation and make the experience more enjoyable. If your cat doesn’t like the flavor of the toothpaste, it is not worth using. You will not be able to brush as thoroughly or as regularly if your cat is resisting. That said, some good options to choose from include:
Petsmile Pet Toothpasteopens in a new tab: This toothpaste has the VOHC seal of approval. Its active ingredient is called calprox, and it prevents plaque and bacteria from sticking to the surface of the teeth. Flavor options include rotisserie chicken, London Broil, and “Say Cheese.”
Healthymouth toothpaste kit:opens in a new tab Healthymouth uses a variety of ingredients to soften plaque, making it easier to remove with brushing. Their cat toothpaste comes in original flavor only. This product also contains cinnamonopens in a new tab, which can be unhealthy for cats in large amounts, so be sure to follow the directions carefully.
Best enzymatic toothpaste for cats
In theory, enzymatic toothpastes use the action of enzymes for their antimicrobial effects and to reduce plaque. Many toothpastes may claim to have enzyme activity; however, there is no guarantee this is actually the case. There are currently no VOHC approved enzymatic toothpastes so keep that in mind when assessing these claims.
Virbac CET Toothpaste:opens in a new tab This product has been around for a while, and many veterinarians and pet parents have found it helpful. Some of the best parts about it are that there are many flavors to choose from, so your cat can take their pick. There are also trial-size packets available, so you can see if it suits your kitty before committing to a full-sized package.
Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpasteopens in a new tab: Vetoquinol uses enzymes including lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, and lysozyme which they claim mimic the action of saliva in preventing plaque and killing microbes. This brand comes in poultry flavor.