Tooth brushing : have patience!!

coaster · 12-04-2004, 05:44 PM

There are several message threads here about brushing your cat's teeth. I believe it's important, especially considering the expense of dental care after problems have begun. I read several articles on how to brush a cat's teeth, and one important point was never emphasized: HAVE PATIENCE

The articles seemed to imply that one could expect results in a few days. A few weeks is more like it. I followed all the recommendations, and after a week or so was about ready to throw in the towel (er...toothbrush). But after almost three weeks now, I'm finally seeing progress. Both cats let me put the brush in their mouths, and although at this point I'm mostly slathering toothpast around that they're just licking up, and also wrestling with Rocket (one squirmy little devil) works up a sweat, I know I'm at least making progress and am encouraged to continue at it. My cats are young, with good teeth. I want them to stay that way. If sticking with it will prevent a big vet bill down the road, it's worth it.

Tim

drjean · 12-04-2004, 06:05 PM

An excellent and important post, thank you!

Cheers,
Dr. Jean

sunshine9 · 12-04-2004, 11:03 PM

Right now I have 2/3 cats tackled. They don't love it but they tolerate it. The 3rd cat is the next to train but she is such a wiggle worm that she's going to be a struggle. Of course, she watches the other two every night.

coaster · 12-05-2004, 08:15 PM

Rocket is a real wiggle-worm. and he keeps pushing away my hand with his front feet. the solution was to wrap him up in a towel, which restrains his feet. for some reason, he thinks it's really fun, and doesn't resist being wrapped up at all.

Tim

BoscosMum · 12-05-2004, 09:24 PM

O.k...........I have never attempted to brush a cats teeth.

DesnBaby · 12-06-2004, 12:03 AM

You should do it. It will help in other health problems in life.
I put my cat on the counter & brush her teeth this way. But she starts to meow sometimes. I don't know if this is paining her or what

. And then she moves her paw onto the toothbrush like she doesn't want her teeth brushed. Should I sit on the floor to brush her teeth? I did this one time, but it was when she was sleepy, she didn't meow or anything either.

sentimentalgirl · 12-06-2004, 12:14 PM

I brush their teeth on the sink in the bathroom. LOL

Yoda usually doesn't want to come and she stays on the floor, so i brush her teeth on the floor. I guess it depends on the cat and how comfortable they are.

Pyross_Smurf · 12-16-2004, 04:39 PM

what's a good toothpaste brand? any recommendation on the toothbrush? Is a children tooth brush with soft bristles good?

I think I will try brushing mine, she seems enthusiastic every morning when i brush my teeth. she sits on the faucet..

BelfiCat · 12-16-2004, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoscosMum

O.k...........I have never attempted to brush a cats teeth.

ditto here, though I think it may do Kirby some good, his breath really smells!

Ducky · 12-16-2004, 05:10 PM

I haven't been brushing Belfour's lately

He is usually patient though. He is used to being poked & prodded because of his eye.
The vet gave me these dental treats. They looked like rolls of sponge wrapped in a skin of plastic. Belfour ate them & they helped with dental care. I'll have to get more of those.

12-04-2004, 05:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
coaster Banned Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 17,798	Tooth brushing : have patience!! There are several message threads here about brushing your cat's teeth. I believe it's important, especially considering the expense of dental care after problems have begun. I read several articles on how to brush a cat's teeth, and one important point was never emphasized: HAVE PATIENCE The articles seemed to imply that one could expect results in a few days. A few weeks is more like it. I followed all the recommendations, and after a week or so was about ready to throw in the towel (er...toothbrush). But after almost three weeks now, I'm finally seeing progress. Both cats let me put the brush in their mouths, and although at this point I'm mostly slathering toothpast around that they're just licking up, and also wrestling with Rocket (one squirmy little devil) works up a sweat, I know I'm at least making progress and am encouraged to continue at it. My cats are young, with good teeth. I want them to stay that way. If sticking with it will prevent a big vet bill down the road, it's worth it. Tim

12-04-2004, 06:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
drjean Cat Addict Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 2,428	An excellent and important post, thank you! Cheers, Dr. Jean __________________ Jean Hofve, DVM www.littlebigcat.com www.spiritessence.com Boulder, Colorado

12-06-2004, 12:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
sentimentalgirl Cat Addict Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Burlington,ON, Canada Posts: 2,272	I brush their teeth on the sink in the bathroom. LOL Yoda usually doesn't want to come and she stays on the floor, so i brush her teeth on the floor. I guess it depends on the cat and how comfortable they are. __________________ -eva-

12-04-2004, 11:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
sunshine9 Cat Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 113	Right now I have 2/3 cats tackled. They don't love it but they tolerate it. The 3rd cat is the next to train but she is such a wiggle worm that she's going to be a struggle. Of course, she watches the other two every night.

12-05-2004, 08:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
coaster Banned Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 17,798	Rocket is a real wiggle-worm. and he keeps pushing away my hand with his front feet. the solution was to wrap him up in a towel, which restrains his feet. for some reason, he thinks it's really fun, and doesn't resist being wrapped up at all. Tim

12-05-2004, 09:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
BoscosMum Premier Cat Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Posts: 5,297	O.k...........I have never attempted to brush a cats teeth.

12-06-2004, 12:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
DesnBaby Banned Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 17,874	You should do it. It will help in other health problems in life. I put my cat on the counter & brush her teeth this way. But she starts to meow sometimes. I don't know if this is paining her or what . And then she moves her paw onto the toothbrush like she doesn't want her teeth brushed. Should I sit on the floor to brush her teeth? I did this one time, but it was when she was sleepy, she didn't meow or anything either.

12-16-2004, 04:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
Pyross_Smurf Jr. Cat Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NYC Posts: 70	what's a good toothpaste brand? any recommendation on the toothbrush? Is a children tooth brush with soft bristles good? I think I will try brushing mine, she seems enthusiastic every morning when i brush my teeth. she sits on the faucet..

12-16-2004, 05:10 PM	#10 (permalink)
Ducky Cat Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: London, Ontario Posts: 236	I haven't been brushing Belfour's lately He is usually patient though. He is used to being poked & prodded because of his eye. The vet gave me these dental treats. They looked like rolls of sponge wrapped in a skin of plastic. Belfour ate them & they helped with dental care. I'll have to get more of those.

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