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My cat won't let me brush her teeth. Are dental water additives safe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2 years and 6 months old

HOW can I brush my cat's teeth? I tried the cat toothbrush & the finger brush but, besides having difficulty opening her mouth ( & keeping it open ), it's hard to locate those tiny teeth... and so much space between. My vet's assistant said that as long as the enzymes were in her mouth she'd do fine. When we went for her annual checkup, the vet said that isn't so. Is there a safe additive for her water that works?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 21st, 2016

You can try dipping the finger brush in tuna water before rubbing it on your cat's teeth to make the experience more pleasant. That may make Lily more willing to open her mouth. I would also cradle her from behind, cup her chin, and lift up her lip to clean her teeth. HealthyMouth's range of water additive products is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, and has been approved for the removal of plaque. I would recommend using one of there water additive products.

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