Hey There

I don't know how easy (or difficult) it would be to pyhsically brush a cats
teeth, it may be hard getting them to stay still and you might end up being
clawed to pieces! What i do is give my cat Whiskas Dentabits. He absolutely
loves them and there are also good for cats teeth...cat thinks they're
getting a nice treat..and you don't get clawed to bits!

//Allan

CET chews and Logic oral hygiene gel were recommended by a vet in an answer
to the same problem in The Cat magazine a while ago. Re Logic oral hygiene
gel - just put it on your fingers and have your cat lick it off. The
instructions used to suggest putting it on the cats paws - I tried it - I
definitely wouldn't recommend it!

http://www.petvetcare.co.uk/acatalog/Toothpastes___Brushes.html

Hi Edie,

I wouldn't even try - it's bound to end in tears.  An ex cat of mine lived
to the adorable age of 22 without having his teeth brushed.  He had ordinary
cat biscuits (there were fewer special diets around in those days) which did
seem to help.  I know vets disagree about this, but my experiences suggest
that biscuits certainly help.  Once in a while, during a vetinary visit, the
vet would say Tiggypuss's teeth (or a tooth) had a build up of plaque.  If
he/she considered it a minor problem, he/she would simply chip off the
excess plaque with a fingernail.  Hardly invasive, and Tpuss wasn't stressed
by it.

During his lifetime, Tpuss twice had a more severe build up of plaque.  Each
time, the vet would keep T'puss in, sedate him and clean his teeth.
Although frequent sedation is far from ideal, I think twice in a lifetime
for essential dental work is very reasonable.  I know of people who sedate
their cat(s) far more frequently for travel, fireworks, and grooming.

I wonder why you want to start brushing her teeth?  It isn't usually
considered necessary.  If your vet has recommended brushing, perhaps you
should try with just a brush at first to see how your cat reacts.
Toothpaste is fine, but the gentle friction of brushing should be effective
on its own.  This way, neither you nor your cat will be plastered with
toothpaste if battle ensues.  If kitty copes with the brush, then try the
toothpaste next time.  Don't force your cat to put up with it.  I don't
believe that your vet would expect you to continue if kitty became
distressed.

I am inclined to think that 4 yrs old is rather young to be having tooth
problems.  Could there be a dietary or other problem affecting your cat's
teeth.  Does your cat have bad breath, for instance?  This could be due to
dietary or intestinal problems.    Be prepared to have a deeper discussion
with your vet.  If you're not entirely happy, try another vet for a second
opinion.

Spider