My cat hates teeth brushing. How can I brush her teeth without breaking trust?

Question

I have recently started brushing both of my cats teeth. I use a small finger brush and I am very gentle and try to do it very quick, maybe only 5-10 seconds. My more social cat doesn't seem to mind. My more sensitive cat has begun to hide when she sees the brush. This is despite lots of love and treats after. It was hard to win her over and gain her trust in the first place and I fear I am breaking that trust trying to brush her teeth everyday. What do you recommend? Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 5 years and 11 months old | 12.45 lbs

Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

Cats are generally very sensitive about their mouths. It's great that you are trying with the brushing, but she is obviously not responding well to it and it might actually effect her behaviour negatively. I would lay off her for a bit. You could try every other day brushing and if she still really hates it I would simply start rubbing an enzymatic toothpaste on her teeth and forgoing the brush.

My cat hates teeth brushing. How can I brush her teeth without breaking trust?

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