We get it; cat dental care isn’t always the most thrilling topic to bring up with pet owners. But from our perspective as vets, it’s one of the most vital (and often overlooked) aspects of feline health. We’ve seen firsthand how much discomfort dental disease can cause in cats, especially when it’s gone unnoticed for too long.
Cats are incredibly stoic creatures, and they’ll often suffer in silence — even with significant pain in their mouths. That’s why we want to help you understand the importance of dental care and give your feline companion the best chance at a long, happy, and pain-free life.
How Can I Prevent My Cat From Developing Dental Problems?
Dental health is one of the most neglected areas in feline medicine. The best way to stay on top of it is to bring your cat in for an annual health check. During this visit, your veterinarian will examine your cat’s mouth and teeth closely for issues like plaque and tartar build-up, gingivitis, fractured teeth, or foul odours — all of which could be signs of developing dental disease.
Feeding dry food (unless otherwise advised by your vet) may assist with mechanically reducing plaque. If your cat tolerates it, brushing their teeth is also highly beneficial. However, not all cats accept brushing, so thankfully, there are a number of products designed to support dental health — including dental diets, water additives, and dental chews. Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) or other reputable organisations, which maintain a list of scientifically backed options.
Why Are My Cat’s Teeth Yellow?
Mild discolouration is a normal part of ageing in cats. However, yellowing may also indicate a build-up of plaque, tooth decay, or other underlying dental problems. If you're unsure, it's worth having your vet assess their mouth to rule out anything more serious.
Why Does My Cat Have Bad Breath?
Persistent bad breath — or halitosis — is usually an early warning sign of dental disease. It’s often caused by bacteria thriving in the mouth or beneath the gumline. In some cases, it may point to a tooth root abscess or another oral health issue.
If your cat’s breath is consistently unpleasant, it’s best to have them examined by a vet. A comprehensive dental clean under general anaesthesia may be recommended to fully assess and treat the issue.
Can I Keep My Cat’s Teeth Clean Without Brushing?
Yes — brushing is ideal, but not always realistic. Most cats aren’t too fond of having their teeth brushed, so other options can be very effective too. Feeding dry food and hard treats may help remove plaque, and there are many vet-recommended products that support oral hygiene, such as dental chews, prescription dental diets, and water additives.
Look for the seal of approval of a recognised animal dental association when choosing dental products, if possible — this ensures they meet efficacy standards for plaque and tartar control.
Tips for Making At-Home Cat Teeth Cleaning Easier
Start slowly and gently — use a cotton bud to wipe along the gumline for a few seconds each day. Keep sessions short and positive, using treats or praise to reward calm behaviour. As your cat becomes more comfortable, you can introduce a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste (never use human toothpaste, as it’s toxic to cats).
Flavoured cat toothpastes (like poultry or seafood) can help make the process more tolerable. The key is consistency and patience.
Why Do Cats Need Professional Dental Care, and How Often?
Professional dental care is essential because the most serious dental disease occurs below the gumline — an area that can’t be addressed by brushing alone. A full dental scale and polish, performed under anaesthesia, allows your vet to clean beneath the gums and check for hidden issues using dental X-rays if needed.
We typically recommend professional dental cleaning every 12 months, starting from around 3 to 6 years of age. However, some breeds or individual cats may need earlier or more frequent dental care depending on their genetics and overall oral health.
What Health Problems Can Arise From Poor Dental Hygiene?
Untreated dental disease can be extremely painful — and unfortunately, many cats continue eating even with severe discomfort. Problems such as gingivitis, tooth resorption, fractured teeth, and abscesses are common and may require extraction.
Worse still, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs, potentially contributing to heart disease, kidney issues, or liver dysfunction. Routine dental care not only protects your cat’s teeth but also helps safeguard their long-term health.
Book Your Cat’s Dental Health Check
Whether your cat is showing signs of oral discomfort or you just want to stay ahead of any issues, a dental health check is always a wise move. Your vet can tailor a dental care plan to your cat’s specific needs — helping them stay healthy, happy, and comfortable for years to come.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (808) 460-3939, or you can email us at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.