Advice on cat dental care - brushing teeth

[loppity]

I have recently re-homed a family cat. Unfortunately, she had gingivitis and had to have some teeth extracted. I have been advised to brush her teeth and wondered, if anyone had any tips. I have watched some videos on YouTube about introducing slowly but she is understandably not keen.
Have some alternative dental care I can try but think brushing is probably best.

Watching for tips. I have a very nervous rescue cat that doesn’t even like being picked up, although she will sit on my knee occasionally. At Her annual vaccination and examination, build up on her teeth was mentioned, but there is no chance I will be able to brush them.
I’m contemplating buying these, if I hold her firmly I might be able to manage to do this, although she won’t be happy. I’m just not sure how effective they will be.

I use https://www.boots.com/logic-oral-hygeine-gel-multi-enzyme-toothpaste-for-dogs-and-cats-70g-10336526 for my cat, as recommended by my vet.

The instructions say: If you can brush their teeth with it, do. If not, get them to lick it off your finger. If they won’t do that, rub some on their paws so they have to lick it off.

My girl enjoys licking it off my finger every night.

@ShouldHaveCouldHaveWouldHaveDone - that must be hard. I found some YouTube videos about getting cats used to their owners touching their mouths/teeth. My vet sold finger brushes similar to the picture on the packet.
@EmpressaurusKitty - ah thanks. I have managed to get mine to lick the toothpaste - thank you for the link 😀

I’ve had her 6 years, her quarterly flea and worm treatment is an absolute trauma for her so no chance with her teeth, I tried all the tips. God knows what her previous home did to her, poor thing.

Glad to hear the toothpaste is going down well with yours, mine is arriving tomorrow. I hope she takes to it!

Have you tried adding plaque-off to her food?

Yes, and some type of drops to her water. She wouldn’t touch either if they were added. I’m hoping this enzyme toothpaste will be appealing to her, she’s a fusspot! 🤞🏻

@ShouldHaveCouldHaveWouldHaveDone ooh good luck with the toothpaste. Sorry all is so traumatic for her. Yes, the mind boggles at what must have happened. Mine was with my niece so I know she was treated well and it's still hard so I can only imagine.
@tumblingdowntherabbithole - interesting - my vet practice suggested this - I will try this if the toothpaste/brushing doesn't take. Have you found it works well?

Our cat had several teeth out all at once a couple of years ago and we got given an aftercare pack by the vets. DH drew out the toothpaste and the vet said "Yeah, good luck with that one!".

She had painkillers in her food for a couple of weeks, had another checkup and everything was fine.

Unless you have kevlar gloves, I wouldn't attempt it.😂

Well the finger wipes haven’t gone down well!
She liked the taste of the toothpaste, but not licking it off my finger <sigh>
I dolloped it on her lips in the end as I couldn’t get near her paws, she doesn’t like them touched either. She now runs every time I try to approach her or stroke her head. I think I will have to give plaque off another go, maybe I can disguise half a dose in her food twice a day 🤷🏼‍♀️

My vet advised to start brushing the cat's teeth but I value my fingers so that won't be happening. We give her the dentalife crunchy treats and make sure she has dry food to crunch on.

My vet said that when he was young he advised people to brush their cat's teeth, but with experience he realised very few cats allow it. Mine certainly doesn't so instead we use dental food which seems to be helping.

My vet demonstrated flicking off large bits of tartar with a finger. I could do this with one cat, but the other only an insane person would go near his mouth.

Am sure the vet knows they have to tell you about teeth brushing but about 1% will manage it long term.

Oh no, glad she liked the toothpaste but sorry that she doesn't want to engage. Yes, maybe the plaque off. I forgot that the vet gave me a sample of dental 'biscuits' which she devours so that might help too. Wishing you the very best with her x