Cat parents know that some cats love to get up close and personal. When a kitty comes in for a kiss, people may get a whiff of bad cat breath.

The unmistakable scent of bad cat breath may not bother some people, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Bad breath can be an indicator that a cat’s teeth are in poor health. Studies show that roughly 50 to 90% of cats over the age of four experience dental disease—most of which is preventable.

Learning how to brush a cat’s teeth is no small feat, but with practice and patience, pet parents can make cat teeth brushing a staple part of a grooming routine. To supplement a cat’s dental care, there are also several excellent at-home solutions. 

Dental Bites

Dental Bites for cats are a simple way to keep a kitty’s teeth clean in the form of an appealing snack. These crunchy bites instantly freshen breath and reduce plaque. For best results, a cat can have up to three dental bites per day. If a cat is a finicky eater, sneak the bites into their meal. 

Oral Dental Spray

If a cat prefers to skip getting their teeth brushed, Oral Dental Spray is the perfect solution for elongating the time between cat teeth brushings. Oral Dental Spray is easy to use—simply spray both sides of a cat’s mouth with the solution twice a day. The spray will help minimize plaque build-up and provide a fresh boost to a cat’s breath. Make sure the spray thoroughly coats a kitty’s teeth and gums for the best results.‌

Water Bowl Additives

Dental Health Solution is truly one of the easiest ways to support oral health between cat teeth cleanings. This solution is a non-toxic liquid added to a pet’s water bowl. Water bowl additives combat tartar and plaque and refresh a kitty’s breath every time they drink from their bowl. This product only requires a few drops when refilling their water supply. 

Plaque Wipes 

Looking for a new way to keep a cat’s mouth fresh and clean? Try Dental Wipes. The wipes—which can be used on dogs and cats—feature a textured cloth and non-toxic ingredients. To clean a cat’s mouth, wrap the wipe around a finger and gently rub it over a kitty’s little teeth and gum lines. 

Regular Brushing

While it may start out intimidating, learning how to brush a cat’s teeth is an investment in a pet’s pearly whites—and their long-term health. Master brushing a pet’s teeth by:

• Picking a high-quality Dental Hygiene Kit or Bundle.
• Letting a cat acclimate to the brush. Many cats like to lightly chew on the brush tips. 
• When they’re ready, very gently run the brush over the outsides of the kitty’s teeth.
• Patience is required. It may take some time, but a cat will get used to brushing weekly, or even daily.
• Make the process pleasant with plenty of snuggles and their favorite treats. Don’t be afraid to take breaks and calm a pet.

‌Wrapping the cat in a warm, fuzzy blanket may help to calm them during the tooth brushing process. Don’t fight or struggle with them. The goal is to make tooth brushing a regular part of the routine, not an exercise they hate, fear, or resist.

At-Home Support

To make sure your cat’s teeth are receiving the best care, take time to connect with Fuzzy’s 24/7 Live Vet Chat for guidance and personalized recommendations. Become a Fuzzy Member to learn in real-time how best to care for your cat’s oral health.