Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the U.K., from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community.
Cats may be clever, but without opposable thumbs (thankfully), they’re not brushing their own teeth any time soon. That job falls to you – their devoted owner and humble servant.
Here expert vet Dr Lizzie Youens explains why feline dental care matters, walking you through the simplest ways to keep your cat’s teeth in good nick.
A solid dental routine is key to keeping your cat’s teeth bright, clean and healthy.
Spending a little time each day on dental care can make a huge difference to your cat’s long-term health.
Periodontal disease is the most common dental problem in cats, affecting around 70% of cats over two years old. Plaque – a thin film of bacteria that forms after eating – hardens into tartar if it isn’t removed. Left untreated, this can lead to:
Brushing your cat’s teeth helps to:
It does take patience, especially if your cat is an adult or senior, but most eventually tolerate the routine.
It’s never too late to start – just make sure a vet checks for existing dental issues before you begin.
The ideal time to introduce tooth brushing is when your cat is an older kitten, roughly from six months onwards. Earlier than this isn’t recommended, as brushing during teething can be uncomfortable.
It’s also good to get your kitten accustomed to gentle handling around their face and mouth from a young age.
A healthy feline mouth should have:
Your cat shouldn’t be drooling excessively, pawing at their mouth, or struggling to swallow. Other signs of dental problems include:
To make dental care a positive experience, move slowly, stay calm and offer plenty of praise. It’s best to choose a quiet moment when neither of you is rushed.
Ask your vet to suggest a cat-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste – it can be toxic to cats. Leave the toothbrush somewhere visible for a few days so they can sniff and get familiar with it.
Daily brushing is ideal for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Cats like routine, so aim for the same time each day.
If your cat is older or unsure about the process, begin with brushing a few times a week. Over time, increase the frequency until you reach once a day.
Yes – vets can carry out professional dental cleaning. Brushing at home only removes soft plaque; hardened tartar needs a vet’s tools. Cats are given a general anaesthetic so the vet can safely perform a thorough examination.
During the procedure, the vet will assess each tooth, take x-rays if needed, remove plaque and calculus, and polish the teeth.
Prices vary depending on where you live and whether your cat needs extra treatment such as x-rays or extractions. Check your vet’s website or ask for an estimate.
As an example, Animal Trust lists a fixed price of £419* (for up to 90 minutes of procedure time), which usually includes:
Anaesthesia-free cleaning involves restraining an animal while tartar is scraped from the teeth. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) strongly advises against it because:
Alongside brushing, you can support your cat’s oral health by:
While daily brushing is the gold standard, some cats simply won’t tolerate it. Between professional cleans, you can try:
Unfortunately, kibble isn’t a substitute for brushing, and it won’t remove hard tartar. However, some studies suggest a dry food diet may support better oral health overall.
If needed, your vet can prescribe a specialist dental diet as part of a broader care plan.
Some pet insurance providers include dental illness cover as standard, while others offer it as an optional add-on. Always read your policy carefully to understand what’s covered.
Petgevity cat insurance, for example, allows you to add dental illness cover if you’d like your cat to have extra protection.
Be aware of the following T&Cs:
*Prices correct 11 December 2025