Do I need to brush my cat's teeth. His gums look a little red where thye connect to the teeth.?

I have had several cats over the years and had always had their teeth cleaned pretty much yearly - as the cost of cleaning is less than the cost of looking after a cat with an infected mouth.





Then a new Vet began to work at the clinic and she suggested that I feed my cat some special vet food designed for oral care as she was feeding it to her cats and their teeth were great. (Hills Prescription TD - but I am sure there are others) Well, I am here to say that almost 5 years later I have not had to have my cats teeth cleaned - they look wonderful and her health is great too. She is 9 and all my previous cats didn't eat this food and were having yearly anesthetic for cleanings and all died of various liver, kidney and cancer problems. She - in the 5 years I have had her had never had anesthetic and she is fit as a fiddle. I am not saying that anesthetic causes problems, I am just saying that doing it regularly may have weakened my animals health.





If your cats teeth need cleaning - please do it, then perhaps through diet you could maintain the teeth so they will need cleaning less frequently.

Do I need to brush my cat's teeth. His gums look a little red where thye connect to the teeth.?
if you can it's a good idea, regular cleaning by your vet is a must also. If gums are now red you should get an appointment with Vet asap
Reply:yes you can and should...


do not feed a lot of canned food either as this contributes to gum disease and rotting teeth - dry is much better....
Reply:Probably you should consider upon taking him to his vet.


I've Never Heard of brushing a cat's teeth, i have heard about brushing dogs' Teeth.
Reply:definitely check in with your vet about your cats gums. also, check a local pet supply store for dental care products for cats.


i know they have them for dogs (doggie tooth brushes and bones to help clean plaque)





good luck and i hope everything is o.k!
Reply:yes you do need to brush your cats teeth. cats teeth need looking after as much as human teeth. when a humans gum is red next to the tooth, then it means they have gum desease. you can find many books about cats health in libaries or you could ask your vet for more advice on how to do it and how often to do it.
Reply:If it's that bad, then you need to brush them.


But do it daily, and begin promptly.
Reply:By all means brush his teeth. Start out by rubbing his gums with a finger , gently. Then graduate to a soft cloth, then a wash cloth. You can buy doggie toothpaste at the pet store and also a soft brush. Brush softly while holding and petting him and he will actually enjoy it.
Reply:Yes, and get a dental appointment with the vet, I think he has gingivitis now.