Cat / Exotic Shorthair - Answered 1459 days ago
Our cat has bad breath. I want to brush her teeth, but she doesn't like being touched in the mouth. I've been bitten before so I'm a little afraid. Is there a good solution to this? (By the way, I've been wondering why the cat doesn't smell after grooming herself, even though she has bad breath)
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Emma Davis
United States
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Cleo
Exotic Shorthair, 2 years old spayed female
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Link the brushing to a treat, such as drinking water from a dripping faucet or a favorite canned food," "Just before the treat, you can apply a tiny amount of the gel onto a finger and gently apply it to the cat's teeth. Most cats will forgive your foolish human behavior to savor their desired food or beverage. Repeat this procedure every day for the first week to establish the new routine. Then, apply the gel a little further back in the mouth, but still without stressing the cat." If you grip your cat and jam a toothbrush down her throat, the battle is lost. Once the cat is tolerant of the gel on the finger prior to receiving the cherished item, try the same routine with the gel on the brush rather than the finger. Because cats hate having their mouths forcefully opened, simply stretch back the lips without opening the mouth. Don't bother the tongue side of the teeth or focus too much on the motion. You simply want to disrupt the plaque buildup at the margin between the tooth and the gum line. The younger your cat, the easier it will be to brush her teeth. Never use toothpaste for humans because some of its components can upset a cat's stomach. And never force the issue; it's not worth putting yourself at risk. Some veterinarians believe that dry food is also better than canned food to prevent plaque buildup. Don't expect the cat to cooperate at the very first time it will take time, practice and patience to put it in routine.
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