--- title: "Cat dental care: a helpful guide for pet owners" id: "5006" type: "post" slug: "cat-dental-care" published_at: "2026-07-06T09:53:43+00:00" modified_at: "2026-07-06T10:20:04+00:00" url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/cat-dental-care/" markdown_url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/cat-dental-care.md" excerpt: "Cats often hide discomfort, so even if their mouth hurts, the signs may be missed, especially in the early stages. By the time pain becomes obvious, the underlying problem has usually been building for a while. Dental disease is one..." taxonomy_category: - "Health & wellness" --- [Pet Talk](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/) [Health & wellness](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/category/health-and-wellness/) Cat dental care: a helpful guide for pet owners Health & wellness # Cat dental care: a helpful guide for pet owners Written by our RSPCA Pet Insurance Team 6 Jul, 2026 - 8 min read Cats often hide discomfort, so even if their mouth hurts, the signs may be missed, especially in the early stages. By the time pain becomes obvious, the underlying problem has usually been building for a while. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues seen in cats, but it’s also one of the most preventable. A consistent at-home dental care routine, combined with regular vet dental check-ups, can make a genuine difference to your cat’s health and wellbeing. This guide covers the key things you need to know about keeping your cat’s mouth healthy, from recognising the warning signs, to building a tooth brushing routine that works for you and your cat. **Table of contents** - [Why cat dental care matters](#why-cat-dental-care-matters) - [How to spot dental disease](#how-to-spot-dental-disease) - [Brushing your cat’s teeth](#brushing-your-cats-teeth) - [Other ways to keep your cat’s mouth healthy](#other-ways-to-keep-your-cats-mouth-healthy) - [Professional dental cleans](#professional-dental-cleans) - [How pet insurance can support your cat’s health and wellbeing](#how-pet-insurance-can-support-your-cats-health-and-wellbeing) ## Why cat dental care matters Every time a cat eats, bacteria and debris form a thin layer on the tooth surface, called plaque. Over time, plaque will irritate the gums and, if left untreated, will harden into tartar and spread beneath the gum line, causing periodontal disease. As periodontal disease progresses, inflammation and destruction of the structures holding the teeth in place occurs, which can lead to bone loss and gum recession. Periodontal disease affects around eight in ten cats over the age of three. At its most severe, it causes significant pain, makes eating and drinking difficult, and can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and damage the kidneys, liver, and heart. In serious cases, tooth extraction may be required to resolve the pain and address associated health issues. The good news is that periodontal disease is largely preventable with the right at-home care and regular vet attention. ## How to spot dental disease A healthy cat’s teeth should be white, intact and chip-free. The gums should be pink, firm and smooth, with no redness, swelling, bleeding, lumps, or sores. Bad breath is worth taking seriously. A sudden or persistent change in the smell of your cat’s breath can indicate infection or another disease in the mouth or elsewhere in the body, and warrants a vet visit. Other warning signs of dental disease include: - Drooling - Pawing at the face - Difficulty chewing or swallowing - Dropping food - Changes in eating habits or unexplained weight loss - Messy fur (some cats will stop self-grooming if their mouth is painful) If you’re concerned that your cat may have dental disease, your vet can do a health check and assess your cat’s mouth for you. ## Brushing your cat’s teeth Daily brushing is a very effective thing you can do for your cat’s dental health. If daily brushing isn’t possible, three times a week can still make a difference. ### How to start Cats who have been appropriately introduced to care practices involving their mouth from kittenhood tend to accept brushing (and examination) far more readily than adults encountering it for the first time, so starting early with patience, gentleness and positive reinforcement pays off. If your cat is older and not used to having their teeth brushed, take a gradual, step-by-step approach, using positive reinforcement to introduce brushing. A good first step is to ask your vet for advice or a demonstration on how and when to introduce your cat to brushing. Start by allowing your cat to get used to having their head held and mouth touched or gently opened. Use treats or play to reward your cat immediately after each interaction. Early interactions should be short, positive, and never forceful. Pet-safe toothpastes come in different flavours, so finding one that your cat enjoys will help the process. ### Equipment Never use human toothpaste as some ingredients can make your cat unwell. Instead, make sure to use pet-safe toothpaste formulated specifically for cats. These are widely available and typically come in beef or chicken flavours. Never use dental floss, as it poses a risk of intestinal damage if swallowed, and its use isn’t recommended in cats. You can brush using your finger, an extra-soft baby toothbrush, or ideally, a small rubber finger-brush designed for cats. Adult human toothbrushes are too large and firm to be comfortable for a cat’s mouth and can damage their gums. ### Technique Cradle your cat from behind so they feel supported. They may prefer to sit in your lap. Gently lift your cat’s lips with one hand and use your other hand to brush along the teeth. For cats who are new to brushing, covering your finger in tuna water first can make the experience more positive. Regular brushing is important, but it doesn’t replace routine vet check-ups. Your vet can assess your cat’s whole mouth and identify any dental issues that may not be visible at home. ### Building the habit Start slowly. Let your cat sniff and lick the toothpaste before attempting to brush. Praise calm behaviour and keep early sessions short, starting with gentle touch, then brushing a few teeth at a time before building up to the whole mouth over multiple sessions. Some cats won’t let you brush the inside surfaces of their teeth. Consistency matters more than duration, and most cats adapt over time. Interactions should always be positive and rewarded. ## Other ways to keep your cat’s mouth healthy In addition to brushing, there are a range of products that can support your cat’s oral health: - **Dental chews and treats:** these may help reduce the build up of plaque and tartar but won’t completely prevent it. Look for products that have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval or are recommended by your vet. Make sure to consider the amount you feed, as extra treats can also lead to cats becoming overweight. - **Dental gels or rinses:** used once daily, some of these products can help manage plaque between brushing. Make sure to use a cat-safe product and ask your vet for advice on which products may be effective. - **Water additives:** if using a water additive, watch that the unfamiliar taste doesn’t put your cat off drinking. We recommend always having at least one water bowl per cat, plus one extra (so for two cats, you’d need at least three water bowls). - **Prescription dental diets:** these special diets are formulated to help reduce plaque and encourage chewing. Speak to your vet about whether this is a good option for your cat. - **Supplements:** some dietary supplements, like plaque-reducing powders, can help reduce plaque and tartar. Look for products that have the VOHC seal of approval or ask your vet for advice. Your vet is the best guide on which products are appropriate for your cat’s specific situation. ## Professional dental cleans Home care has limits. Periodontal disease can develop below the gum line, where brushing can’t reach, and other forms of dental disease can be present even when teeth look clean and white. Regular vet check-ups are important to ensure dental disease is picked up, even when brushing regularly. When periodontal disease has progressed, a professional vet dental clean under general anaesthesia may be required. Dental cleans are always performed under general anaesthesia to prevent your pet from experiencing fear, stress and pain during the process. This also allows your vet to scale and polish the teeth, remove tartar build up, remove bacteria from below the gum, perform a full oral exam, and take X-rays to examine the condition of your cat’s teeth and bony structures below the gum line. Some cats may require an annual dental clean to keep their mouth healthy, while other cats, including those who are older or have specific dental issues, may benefit from more frequent cleans. If your cat resists home dental care, professional vet health checks and dental cleaning become even more important for your cat’s health and wellbeing. ## How pet insurance can support your cat’s health and wellbeing Dental disease in cats can escalate quickly, and treatment costs, including professional vet cleans, extractions, and follow-up care, can add up. Pet insurance can help manage those unexpected expenses, giving you the confidence to seek vet care when your cat needs it. With [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) , your policy also contributes to the RSPCA’s animal welfare work across Australia. To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click [here](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote [online](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . ### **Disclaimer** As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs. ## FAQs ### How often should I brush my cat’s teeth? Daily brushing is ideal — this may seem daunting, but most animals will get used to their teeth being brushed if this is introduced gradually and with the right tools and techniques. Brushing three times a week will still make a meaningful difference compared to no brushing at all. ### Can I use human toothpaste on my cat? No. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that are not suitable for cats and can make them unwell. Always use pet-safe toothpaste that’s formulated specifically for cats. You can find these at vet clinics and pet stores. ### What are the signs of dental disease in cats? Bad breath, red, bleeding or swollen gums, drooling, pawing at the face, difficulty eating or dropping food, and weight loss are all potential signs. If you notice any of these, book a vet appointment. ### How often should my cat have a professional dental clean? Each cat has different dental care needs. Some may benefit from an annual professional veterinary dental clean. Older cats may need this more frequently, and some cats may be more prone to dental disease and require more assistance to keep their mouth healthy. All cats benefit from at least annual vet check-ups, which include an assessment of their dental health and care needs. Based on your cat’s individual dental health, your vet can advise whether they should have a professional dental clean. ### Does pet insurance cover dental treatment in cats? This depends on the policy. Some pet insurance policies include dental illness or injury cover. For instance, if your pet is under the age of three and you insure them with RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can choose to add dental cover to your policy as an optional extra. As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs. 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