How to Clean Your Cat’s Teeth with the Cozy Comfort Carrier

Chances are good your vet has recommended that you brush your cat’s teeth. And yes, cats are notorious for needing dental cleanings later in life if there’s no preventive care. During a cleaning, your cat will have to be sedated. He may even end up having a tooth or two extracted. It’s an involved – and expensive – process that could be avoided if you simply brush his teeth – yeah, simple, right? Nothing to it! Just sit him down, get him to open his mouth, it shouldn’t take long…

… uh, no. After several attempts, a lot of cat parents are tempted to just give up, and many do. Some try wrapping their cats in a towel – an old solution that works for some, but for others, not so much. The towel can come unwrapped, allowing the cat to get in a few painful swats with the murder mittens before he’s under the bed for the rest of the day. That’s where the Cozy Comfort Carrier comes in. Keep reading to learn more about how to brush your cat’s teeth.

Cozy Comfort Carrier to the Rescue!

Want to know how to clean your cat’s teeth with minimal stress? Try using the Cat-in-the-Bag soft cat carrier! Many cats wriggle and squirm as much as they can to avoid the dreaded toothbrush. Our cat pouch carrier will help keep them secure. It features a heads-free design for easy tooth access and it’s made of tightly woven cotton to gently restrain your feisty kitty without making them feel trapped. Once secured in the bag, your cat cannot get away while you get their mouth open to work on those chompers. It’s one essential tool in what really is an important part of cat care.

Tips for How to Clean Your Cat’s Teeth

Learning how to brush your cat’s teeth isn’t as scary as it seems! Use our tips to minimize stress and make toothbrushing part of your regular cat care routine.

1. Get a good toothpaste that’s specifically made for cats. Cat toothpaste is safe for cats to swallow and contains special enzymes that help remove bacteria and slow plaque buildup. They also come in feline-approved flavors like chicken or fish. There are many on the market.
2. A toothbrush designed for cats is also a good idea, provided you can get it into the back of their mouth where stubborn tartar is often left to do the most damage.
3. If you find you are unable to work well with a toothbrush, you might try one of the finger tools available on Amazon or Chewy. They slip over your index finger, and they have an abrasive surface for effective cleaning.
4. If you are not worried about being bitten, you can just wrap part of an old washcloth around your finger.  There is enough abrasion in the material for cleaning. Wet it and use a dab of toothpaste.
5. Try to get them accustomed to you handling their mouth before you learn how to clean your cat’s teeth. Lift their lips for short periods of time during calm activities (like couch cuddling), being sure to watch their body language. Stop if they get too fussy!
6. Let them sniff at their toothbrush and toothpaste to get them used to their supplies. Once they’re finished, offer them a tasty treat so they’ll associate tooth time with a positive experience.
7. Clean your cat’s teeth three times a week at the minimum. Our lightweight cat carrier can help!

How to Brush and Clean Your Cat’s Teeth

Already have your cat-safe toothpaste, toothbrush, and a Cat-in-the-Bag cat sling bag? Then you’re ready to learn how to clean your cat’s teeth!

Get Ready to Brush

Find a quiet place with minimal distractions for both you and your cat. Place them in their Cozy Comfort Carrier and get into a comfortable position.

Brush the Front Teeth First

Lift your cat’s lips and use your toothbrush, finger brush, or washcloth to slowly and gently brush the outer surface of their teeth. Focus on their front teeth first, including their canine teeth. Pay special attention to the gumline!

Stay Calm & Manage Your Expectations

Our tip for how to clean your cat’s teeth: remain calm as you brush. You don’t want your feline to observe, or worse, mirror your stress and anxiety. It’s okay to stop if your cat seems upset – you can always come back!

Keep Brushing

Continue to brush, working your way to their back teeth. This is where the most plaque and tartar accumulate, so brush well!

Reward Time

Give your cat a treat, praise, or toys after you’re finished brushing their teeth – even if it didn’t go well. It helps teach them that toothbrushing is a good thing.

Cat Dental Care is in the Bag

See, that wasn’t so bad, was it? With a little time and patience, even learning how to clean your cat’s teeth can be a positive (or at least tolerable) experience for you and your feline. The Cat-in-the-Bag cat carrier helps a ton, too! And don’t forget you can also use it for other cat care, including cat medication administration and nail trimming. Love your cat with routine dental care – and the Cozy Comfort Carrier!