(vanity) Cat teethbrushing experiences: DO TELL

9/28/08 | marty_f

[martin_fierro]

So earlier today we had a most illuminating thread on the travails of bathing one's cat.

Now I'd like to hear from cat owners' experiences with brushing their cats' teeth:

• How often?
• How easy is it?
• How best to do it?

We have a cute little kitteh or two here whose breath is beginning to represent The Crypt. And I've heard that remedial dental work on cats can be $pendy as all get-out.

[RepoGirl]

I just used the toothbrush that came with the tube — but I think you can actually use a toothbrush designed for babies. The cat brush was just smaller, and angled differently. I can’t remember the brand — but it was just something I got at the local pet store. Rocket LOVED it. Sort of a beef and brewer’s yeast flavor! Mmmmmmmmm!

[Fawn]

2 of my cats are older— and one already had a tooth pulled. I was talked into buying this clear gell to rub on their teeth once a week, but it’s stupid since I’m rubbing it on dirty teeth! The older 2 trust me and will let me brush I think....I will have to buy that ..thanks again.

[FreedomOfExpression]

Oy got bettah!

Perhaps you were only MOSTLY dead.
There's a big difference between mostly dead and all dead. Mostly dead is slightly alive. With all dead, well, with all dead there's usually only one thing you can do.

Go through his clothes and look for loose change.

[Lady Jag]

Good idea! I think I’ll try that with our cats.

You could buy a bunch of brushes at a dollar store, stuff them into a jar and place it where the cats hang out.

Who knows, maybe someday you'll see this:

[FreedomOfExpression]

Putting them in a jar is a key point.
The cats need to think YOU want to use them!

[muggs]

My cat bite cost was over $4000.00. Spent Thanksgiving Day in the hospital.

[MEG33]

Done

[Slings and Arrows]

Thanks! I’ve added that page to my daily list, so I can make sure they their click every day.

[Fire_on_High]

Nice photography...you have both a good natured kitty and one hell of a cam to catch a kitty mid “fang-nuzzle”.

[Fire_on_High]

Calicos are well known for being spirited...the more loving they are normally, the more spirited when given reason. We’ve got a calico who tolerates the antics of my year and a half old kitty brothers with good humor and the occasional grooming, doesn’t so much as lay her ears back if accidentally pushed or kicked by my grandmother (bedridden and a bit senile), and otherwise every bit acts the part of a “good kitty”.

But...get her to the vet and she turns into a hissing, snarling, growling, mini wildcat.

[Titan Magroyne]

Bloodless way to give a cat a pill...

You crush the pill between two spoons to a fine powder. Take a dab of butter and mix it thoroughly with the powdered pill. Grab cat's front leg firmly and spread butter/powder mix onto fir. Release cat. The cat will be pissed off, but you will lose no blood and he will go clean himself thereby taking his medicine. This works, I have to do it every day it seems. Absolutely brilliant! Thank you!

[vetvetdoug]

I use a Sharpie to poke the pill down the cat's throat...the one thing a Sharpie isn't is sharp. I then follow the pill with 3ml of water. I do this every day. Now, if you miss twice give up. A man's got to know his limitations.

[Titan Magroyne]

Yet another tip, thanks!

(I can see myself losing my grip on the Sharpie at the worst moment and further traumatising my kitteh. That’s just me, LOL.)

[nw_arizona_granny]

Lady Jag, your photo is priceless.

How did you get him to hold the brush and use it too........LOL

[nw_arizona_granny]

Thank you for passing on the cat food post.

[Hot Tabasco]

Now I'd like to hear from cat owners' experiences with brushing their cats' teeth:

I left the toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste on the floor in the bathroom with a sticky note reminding my cat to brush.........

her excuse was that she can't read........Yea, right!

[nw_arizona_granny]

R.R. this is one of my favorite photos.

[LucyT]

one of my favorite photos

Thanks, Granny.

It is a cute itty bitty, teeny tiny squirrel. Not sure how the photo landed on a kitty thread; I must have been posting from my Abacus that day.

[nw_arizona_granny]

It is a cute itty bitty, teeny tiny squirrel. Not sure how the photo landed on a kitty thread; I must have been posting from my Abacus that day.<<<

God’s animals fit on all threads.

LOL, and every cat would love to have your squirrel for a pet or dinner.

[Slings and Arrows]

My pleasure - sometimes I like animals better than people.