Caring for your cat’s dental health is a significant part of responsible pet ownership. However, brushing a cat’s teeth can be difficult and frustrating. Thankfully, there are other, more straightforward and less stressful ways to keep their teeth clean and healthy. The best alternatives to brushing a cat’s teeth are dental diets, treats, water additives, topical gels, and oral rinses for easy care. Each option has benefits and drawbacks, so let’s explore each in more detail.
1. Dental Diet: A Convenient Way to Keep Cats’ Teeth Clean
The PDSA advises feeding cats a balanced diet, including wet food and kibble, avoiding sugary human foods, and limiting treats to maintain oral health (1). A special dental diet can also help reduce plaque buildup.
Brushing a cat’s teeth can be challenging, and not all cats will tolerate it. A dental diet, on the other hand, is a convenient and effective way to maintain your cat’s oral health without brushing its teeth with a toothbrush. Some benefits include:
- Specially formulated kibble that reduces plaque and tartar buildup on cats’ teeth is crunchy in a way that helps scrub away plaque and debris from the teeth
- Dental diets also contain specific ingredients to reduce bacteria in the mouth and keep the teeth clean, which can help prevent bad breath
How to Choose a Dental Diet for Your Cat
The Veterinary Oral Health Council, or VOHC, is a helpful resource for evaluating dental diets and treats (2). The council evaluates pet food manufacturers’ claims and awards its seal of approval to products that reduce plaque and/or tartar by at least 20% when used as directed (3).
The
Science Diet Oral Care for Cats is one such product carrying the VOHC approval seal that you can purchase online.
Source: Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash
2. Topical Gels: An Easy Way to Remove Plaque and Tartar
Topical gels are a straightforward alternative to brushing cats’ teeth. The gel is applied directly to their teeth and gums, where it coats and adheres to the teeth—this helps to reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
The active ingredients in these products break down plaque and bacteria on contact, providing a clean that can help prevent gum disease and decay. The gel also functions to freshen breath and reduce odors caused by bacteria.
How to Use a Topical Gel for Your Cat
Using a topical gel as an alternative to brushing cats’ teeth is simple; it can be applied directly from the tube without additional brushes or tools. These gels are safe for cats when using products specifically formulated for felines with natural ingredients.
Choose a product suitable for cats with natural ingredients, such as TropiClean No Brush Dental Gel for Cats, a blend of naturally derived ingredients that helps remove plaque and tartar. Just apply one drop of gel in your cat’s mouth daily. Many cats don’t like the taste of it, but they usually get over it quickly.
3. Water Additives: A Simple Way to Prevent Gum Disease
Water additives are an easy alternative to brushing cats’ teeth. These additives are liquid solutions you add to your cat’s drinking water.
When cats drink from their bowl, the water additive comes into contact with their teeth and gums, helping to reduce plaque buildup (4). The additives usually contain enzymes and other ingredients that help break down plaque and tartar and freshen breath.
Water additives are a viable alternative to brushing cats’ teeth, which many animals find stressful and uncomfortable. They are also convenient and easy to use, which makes them a smart choice for those who don’t have the time or patience to brush their cats’ teeth regularly.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Most water additives do NOT contain fluoride, which is appropriate for cats. Fluoride can be toxic to cats, with toxic effects occurring at levels as low as 1 mg/kg, and the fatal dose being 5-10 mg/kg (5). While fluoridated tap water (typically 1 mg/L) is generally safe for cats in normal drinking amounts, concentrated fluoride in dental products can be dangerous if ingested.
How to Choose and Use Water Additives for Your Cat
Look for VOHC-approved water additives, as these have been tested and proven effective at reducing plaque (6). HealthyMouth is currently the only brand with VOHC approval for cats, specifically for plaque reduction (not tartar) (7).
Using water additives for your cat is simple; you don’t need any toothbrushes or toothpaste. Add the recommended amount of this dental care liquid to your cat’s water bowl each day according to package directions.
Important: It helps to monitor your cat’s water intake when first using an additive to make sure they’re drinking enough water. Some cats may be sensitive to changes in their water!
4. Dental Treats: A Fun Way to Reward Cats and Reduce Oral Bacteria
The advantages of using dental treats as alternatives to brushing cats’ teeth are convenience and enjoyment: treats with oral health benefits are much simpler to use than toothbrushes, as most cats (and owners) would agree.
Using dental treats as a toothbrush substitute, however, has some limitations, for instance:
- Dental treats have a different cleaning power than brushing, so they might not be as successful at removing plaque and other debris from the teeth
- Some cats may not be interested in eating dental treats, so they can sometimes be a less attractive option than brushing
Ultimately, whether or not to use this option instead of tooth brushing should be based on the individual cat and its needs.
Choosing Dental Treats for Your Cat
- Check for VOHC approval: The VOHC seal ensures the product has been tested and proven to reduce plaque and/or tartar (8). Look for VOHC-approved treats on their website.
- Check the ingredients: Avoid treats that contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Look for ones that contain natural ingredients to break down plaque and tartar, such as enzymes.
- Check the size and shape: Pick treats that are large and crunchy to give some abrasion on the teeth and gums, but not too hard or sharp that they might injure your cat’s mouth.
- Check the flavor: Some cats are picky about treats, so choose a flavor that your pet will enjoy and find appealing. Dental treats come in various flavors, like chicken, salmon, and catnip.
5. Oral Rinses: A Gentle Way to Flush Out Food Debris
Oral rinses are a beneficial and straightforward alternative to cleaning your cat’s teeth, especially if they are not fond of a toothbrush.
These rinses kill bacteria in the mouth that cause plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. They can also help reduce foul breath and freshen your cat’s mouth. Regular oral rinses can help maintain their dental health and keep their mouth fresh and clean.
How to Choose and Use Oral Rinses for Your Cat
First, check the label for safe ingredients:
- Look for a product that contains chlorhexidine gluconate and zinc, which are antiseptics that bind to gum tissues and tooth surfaces and fight plaque and tartar (9)
- Steer clear of rinses that contain xylitol, alcohol, fluoride, or other potentially harmful ingredients for cats
- Choose products specifically formulated for cats
Follow the instructions on the bottle to apply an oral rinse to your cat’s mouth. You’ll typically use a dropper or syringe or add the solution to their water bowl for them to drink.
Final Thoughts
When looking for alternatives to brushing cats’ teeth, you now have several options to keep their mouth healthy. Dental treats, diets, water additives, topical gels, and oral rinses are some of the choices you can consider depending on your pet’s needs and likes.
Do remember that while these alternatives to brushing cats’ teeth can be helpful, they are generally not as effective as daily tooth brushing (10). The best approach is often to combine methods (for example, using a dental diet along with water additives and occasional dental treats).
Naturally, it’s always a good approach to consult your local vet with questions or concerns. They can advise you on the best dental care options for your pet and whether they need any additional treatment.
Sources and Further Reading
- Cat Dental Health – PDSA
- Veterinary Oral Health Council – VOHC Accepted Products
- What Is VOHC? Understanding the Veterinary Oral Health Council – PetMD
- Is Cat Water Additive a Good Idea? Vet Approved Pros & Cons – Catster
- Can Cats Eat Toothpaste? Vet-Verified Risks & Precautions – Catster
- Are Cat Dental Water Additives a Good Idea? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ – The Vet Desk
- How Effective Are Cat/Dog Dental Water Additives? – Pets Stack Exchange
- VOHC Seal of Approval Requirements – Royal Canin Academy
- Cat Dental Products for At-Home Care – Well Pets
- Don’t Brush Off Your Cat’s Dental Health – Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine
