To choose the best type of cat toothpaste, read the ingredients carefully. You might have to experiment to see which types your cat will accept. It is a good idea to ask your veterinarian for advice on which brands of cat toothpaste are safe and recommended. You should avoid alcohol-based ingredients, which could cause dry mouth in felines. When shopping for cat toothpaste, the most common types you may find are gels and pastes.
In addition to gels and pastes, a toothpaste for cats may be in liquid form or as a spray. Decide which form of oral cat care is most convenient for you to use. The main problem with liquid oral care for cats is the potential of excess ingestion. If you choose a liquid dental product for your cat, be certain the ingredients are safe for consumption. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian, as it is better to be safe than sorry.
Before you buy any cat oral gel or toothpaste, there are a few factors you should consider. If your cat has bad breath, choose a paste or gel with a fresh smelling scent that will destroy mouth odors. To combat bad breath, the cat toothpaste should contain a germ-fighting ingredient. Look for a cat toothpaste that specifically states it kills bacteria, as this is the leading cause for foul-smelling breath in cats.
A major reason for brushing your cat's teeth is to prevent feline periodontal disease. This is a common condition among cats that do not receive proper dental hygiene from pet owners. A cat toothpaste that merely helps control plaque is not sufficient. To prevent gum disease in your cat, it is important to choose a toothpaste that is specifically designed to fight both plaque and tartar.
The best cat toothpaste in the world will not do much good if it is not well tolerated by your cat. A cat will generally resist as an owner attempts to brush its teeth. For this reason, it's essential to choose a cat toothpaste that actually tastes good to the cat.
Choose a flavor that cats find irresistible, such as salmon or tuna. Although fish-flavored toothpastes are generally most palatable to cats, any poultry flavored toothpaste should be accepted. Try to avoid lemon or orange flavored toothpastes and gels, as the acidic compounds could erode the enamel in the cat's teeth.