The Spruce Pets / Amelia Manley
Developing a regular tooth brushing routine with your cat is one of the most significant contributions you can make to their quality of life. Just like humans, cats should have their teeth brushed daily. It also may save you money on veterinary dental cleanings and treatment of periodontal disease.
Toothpaste for cats is typically clear or colored gels and sold in tubes, similar to human toothpaste. Some are designed to be used with a pet toothbrush while others have you gently use a finger.
Our overall favorite is Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste. It's made with vegan products, comes in three flavors, and effectively reduces plaque buildup. But we found several other great options with different textures, flavors, and application methods that might be more appealing to you and your cat.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste
Three flavors to choose from
Attacks bacteria and plaque at the tooth surface
Allergy-free and vegan ingredients
Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
Contains proprietary ingredients
Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste has a unique ingredient, Calprox, that is a proprietary encapsulated form of calcium peroxide and minerals. The peroxide dissolves the protein pellicle—a thin biofilm that forms on the surface of the teeth—to which plaque, bacteria and stains stick. This not only improves your cat's breath, but also makes it easier to brush away plaque. The minerals—calcium, magnesium and phosphates—help to “re-mineralize” tooth enamel by providing the building blocks that give enamel it’s strength.
Petsmile comes in three different flavors including London broil, rotisserie chicken, and say cheese. It is free of parabens and the plastic chemical BPA. It is also gluten free and vegan. Petsmile is made in the United States with human-grade ingredients. It can be used without brushing or with a cat toothbrush and you do not need to withhold food or drink after application.
Petsmile is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which sets standards and reviews data to highlight pet products that are proven to reduce plaque and tartar. VOHC products have been shown to decrease plaque and tartar buildup by 20 percent, thus reducing the likelihood of periodontal and other mouth diseases.
Flavor: London broil, rotisserie chicken, and say cheese Recommended Frequency: Daily
The Spruce Pets / Lu Han
Best Budget
Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Strength Dental Kit
Affordable kit
Enzymatic toothpaste made in the United States
Prevents bad breath
Brush is plastic and bristles are hard
The Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Strength Malt Toothpaste Dental Care Kit for Cats includes a silicone finger brush, a plastic toothbrush, and an enzymatic toothpaste. Ingredients in this 2.5-ounce tube of toothpaste are quite similar to the much more expensive Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog and Cat Toothpaste, which you'll find elsewhere in this roundup.
Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste uses enzymes extracted from fungal fermentation. The resulting enzymes are a variety of proteins that biochemically react with the plague on your cat's teeth. This can be a powerful tooth cleanser, especially in combination with the abrasive ingredients contained in the Petrodex toothpaste, including silica and the polishing chemical Dicalcium phosphate, found in some whitening toothpaste.
Some users stated they weren't thrilled that the brush is made of plastic and found the bristles too hard for their pets. Because the Sentry Petrodex toothpaste contains no foaming agents, it doesn't require rinsing after brushing.
Flavor: Malt Recommended Frequency: Daily
Best Enzymatic
Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
Virbac has 25-plus year history in veterinary home dental care
Helps eliminate bad breath
Multiple flavors available
Some cats don’t like vanilla-mint flavor
Enzymatic toothpaste contains specific naturally occurring enzymes, a type of protein, that facilitate a natural chemical reaction. Common enzymes used in toothpaste include lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, mutanase, and dextranase. Some kill specific types of bacteria while others prevent plaque from hardening or attaching to the teeth.
Virbac is well known in veterinary home dental care, having over a 25 year history in the field. The Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste line contains a “Dual-Enzyme System” composed of glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase. Glucose oxidase—extracted from the fungus Aspergillus niger—boosts the formation of hydrogen peroxide in the mouth, which is a natural whitener and has natural antibacterial properties. Lactoperoxidase is released naturally from salivary glands in mammals to kill bacteria and viruses so this toothpaste has an added boost of this important enzyme, helping to eliminate bad breath.
The first ingredient of this toothpaste is sorbitol, a low-calorie sweetener. Since cats don’t have taste buds that detect sweetness, most toothpaste that contains sugar and sweeteners were added to make the paste more palatable for dogs. Containing no foaming agents, this toothpaste uses silica as its abrasive and its other ingredients are simple, common, and safe for pets to swallow in small quantities.
This toothpaste comes in multiple flavors including poultry, beef, seafood, malt, and vanilla-mint. Pet parents report that their cats like the taste of most of the flavors, which makes brushing easier to accomplish overall, although some aren't as thrilled with the vanilla-mint flavor. Each flavor is available in a 2.5-ounce tube.
Flavor: Poultry, beef, seafood, malt, and vanilla-mint Recommended Frequency: Daily
Best Kit
Nylabone Cat Dental Kit
Nylabone has been around since 1955
Safe for kittens as young as three months
Made in the United States
Not all cats love the taste
Cat toothpaste can be brushless but most recommend you use them with a fingerbrush or toothbrush, and many manufacturers package their toothpaste with one or both types of brushes. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Cat Dental Kit comes with both types of brushes and the toothpaste is made with a blend of ingredients, Denta-C, that, according to their website, is “scientifically proven to reduce plaque that harbors bacteria.” Although the ingredients that make up Denta-C are considered proprietary, the ingredients on the label are transparent and include safe compounds typically found in other cat toothpaste formulas including those that remineralize tooth enamel with calcium, magnesium, and phosphates. The abrasive ingredient is silica, commonly used in human toothpaste.
The compact polyethylene plastic toothbrush has nylon bristles and an angled head for hard-to-reach back teeth. Some customers wish the toothbrush head and finger brush were smaller while others reported noticeable results after only a few uses. The original flavor is described as a natural molasses flavor, which not all cats love.
Nylabone has been around since 1955 and this product is made in the United States.
Flavor: “Original” described as natural molasses flavor Recommended Frequency: Daily
Best Powder
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Cat
Only two healthy ingredients and no added sugar
Simply add to your pet's food
Lasts for three to four months
Not recommended for animals being treated for hyperthyroidism
At first glance, you might think that powders are just a different form of toothpaste. But like dental water supplements, most dental health powders are meant to work systemically from the inside out, by sprinkling healthy food and mineral ingredients over your pet’s food.
SwedenCare ProDen PlaqueOff Powder is the only dental health powder for cats that holds a current Veterinary Oral Health Council Accepted seal of approval. Although it’s not a substitute for regular brushing, adding PlaqueOff Powder as a dietary supplement is a good complement to brushing, particularly if you are not able to brush your cat's teeth daily. You might also consider it if your cat struggles with dental health more than the average cat.
The ingredients are simple: just 90% natural sea kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) from the Scandinavian North Atlantic and 10% brewer’s yeast. Customers report that their cats eat it just fine when sprinkled over dry or wet food.
The supplement comes with a plastic scoop for easy, consistent measurement. A 1.4-ounce container is meant to last three to four months. The manufacturers recommend starting with less than half a scoop and gradually increasing the amount to a full scoop over several days to help your cat adjust to the change in taste of their food. This product is not recommended for any pets being treated for hyperthyroidism.
Flavor: Kelp and brewer’s yeast Recommended Frequency: Daily on food
Best for Cats with Gingivitis
Zymox Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel
Contains healing aloe vera
Cruelty-free
Easy to apply
A little more expensive than competitors
Gingivitis is dental disease caused by bacterial infection that causes the gums around the teeth to become inflamed. This disease, as well as other periodontal diseases, cause pain and discomfort that impacts your cat’s quality of life. If left unchecked, it can result in tooth decay and loss, a loss of appetite, weight loss, and a variety of subsequent health problems.
Zymox’s Oratene Brushless Oral Gel is easily applied directly to your cat's upper and lower gums twice daily, and specifically targets serious mouth conditions like gingivitis and other periodontal disease. Oratene contains several natural enzymes—mutanase, lactroferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, glucose oxidase and destranase—that work together to dissolve plaque biofilm and inhibit growth of the bacteria that cause irritation, tooth decay, and bad breath.
This gentle formulation is free of harsh and drying ingredients and includes healing Aloe vera. Zymox's oral gel is manufactured in compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Good Manufacturing Practices. This product does tend to be a bit more expensive than its competitors.
Flavor: Flavorless Recommended Frequency: Twice daily for 5 to 7 days
Best Teeth Wipes
Vet's Best Dental Care Finger Wipes
Helps reduce plaque build up and freshens breath
No toothbrush required
Disposable and easy to transport
Made with natural extracts and oils in the United States
No food or water for 30 minutes after application
Cat might not like your finger in their mouth
If your cat is comfortable with your finger in their mouth, Vet's Best Dental Care Finger Wipes for Cats & Dogs are a helpful way to provide oral care for your kitty. Simply apply the pre-moisten wipe to the finger of your choice and swipe your cat's mouth to freshen their breath and remove odor-causing bacteria.
Each pack of Vet's Best Dental Care Finger Wipes contains finger-shaped disposable wipes saturated with a plaque-fighting formula made with green tea extract, spearmint oil, and thyme oil. These one-time-use finger wipes are slightly textured to help remove buildup on your cat's teeth and gums. For maximum effectiveness, it's recommended that you keep food and water away from your cat for 30 minutes after application.
Flavor: Peppermint Recommended Frequency: Daily
Best Flavorless
Oxyfresh Dental Gel Pet Toothpaste
Cruelty-free, dye-free, gluten-free, and flavor-free
Removes build-up along the gum line
Made in the United States
Does not have seal of approval from Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
Oxyfresh's Dental Gel Pet Toothpaste is is odor-free, flavor-free, and has a bland taste that most cats will tolerate. It's also cruelty-free, so no animals are used during the testing phase. The paste is made with natural ingredients like aloe and chamomile, and it is free of artificial dyes, making it less likely to irritate your cat.
The toothpaste can be used daily, but if you only manage to use it three times a week you will still see an improvement in your cat's overall oral health. The pet-safe gel removes buildup, freshens breath, and soothes irritated gums. The toothpaste is often packaged with a finger brush, but you can also put the paste directly on your finger tip to wipe on your cat's teeth, use a cat toothbrush, or apply the gel to your cat's paw and allow them to lick it off. The more directly you can apply to your cat's teeth the better, but all methods are beneficial. Oxyfresh has been manufacturing oral care products for cats and dogs since 1984 in the United States, but this product does not have the seal of approval from the VHOC.
Flavor: Flavor free Recommended Frequency: Three times a week
Final Verdict
We like Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste because it effectively removes plaque buildup and freshens breath. The texture of the paste on a toothbrush is appealing to most cats, and it comes in three flavors so you can select the one that is most appealing to your feline friend. If your cat is struggling with gingivitis or another periodontal disease, try gentle, brushless Zymox Oratene Oral Gel to restore gum health. This can serve as a precursor to establishing a regular brushing routine or as an excellent supplement.
What to Look for in Cat Toothpaste
“You should only use toothpaste sold at pet stores that are approved for cat use,” Stephanie Mantilla, animal trainer, zookeeper, and author of How To Clicker Train Your Cat, told The Spruce Pets. “Toothpaste for humans has ingredients that can make your cat sick. Some cat toothpaste comes in mint flavor but chicken flavor may be more palatable to your feline friend. Many veterinarian offices sell pet toothpaste at their front desk so you can also swing by your cat's vet to get the kind your vet recommends.”
Wild cats may not get their teeth brushed, but they make up for it with other behaviors, such as chewing on grass. One study of captive cheetahs attributed dental problems to their diet, which lacked the "normal biting, tearing, and pulling action associated with natural prey capture." Since your cat is eating wet or dry food from a bowl, they're also missing out on these behaviors, making regular tooth brushing a necessity for their dental health.
Unlike human toothpaste, all cat toothpastes are meant to be ingested because it’s impossible to keep them from swallowing it. Use a toothpaste with natural, safe ingredients that has a flavor and texture your cat can tolerate. Organizations like the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, which maintains a ratings database, can be an excellent resource for evaluating ingredients.
Flavor & Texture
Many pet toothpastes are intended for both dogs and cats, which tends to make tooth cleaning tricky for cat owners. Because dogs are omnivores, they have the ability to taste some flavors that purely carnivorous cats do not. This includes sweetness, with cats lacking receptors that allow for them to recognize sweet tastes. As a result, certain common flavors and ingredients used in pet toothpastes will interest dogs, but not cats.
If your cat isn't showing any interest in the pet toothpaste you've selected, seek out toothpaste flavors that don't rely on mint, sorbitol, or other sweeteners. Cats tend to prefer natural meat flavors instead.
Texture is another important consideration. Cat toothpastes are often sold as a clear or colored gel or a paste of varying thickness. Some toothpastes are thicker so that they’ll evenly coat and stick to your cat’s teeth longer to increase treatment time while others are meant to last only as long as you’re brushing. When trying a new brand for the first time, if your cat doesn’t seem to like it, it might be difficult to tell if it’s the flavor or the thickness that’s bothering them. Once your cat is more habituated to regular brushing, it should be possible to reintroduce the toothpaste you feel will be most effective.
Ingredients
While many of the toothpastes in our roundup incorporate recognizable and natural ingredients, the use of emulsifiers, thickening agents, and preservatives will almost certainly mean that some of the label is unfamiliar.
But you can always research ingredients you don’t recognize. The aforementioned Environmental Working Group uses a rating system for evaluating the impact of ingredients on human health and the environment. While not cat specific, an EWG rating of 1 or 2 indicates a high level of safety.
Because cats swallow the toothpaste, cat toothpastes shouldn't contain the foaming agents common in human toothpaste. Therefore, you shouldn’t see foaming in your cat’s mouth when using a toothpaste for cats. Ingredients to avoid in high concentrations include triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Many cat toothpastes add the word “enzymatic” to their labels. Enzymatic toothpastes contain specific proteins to produce a natural chemical reaction. Common enzymes used in toothpastes include lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, mutanase and dextranase. You can spot them on the ingredients list because they often end with “-ase.” Each enzyme has a different function in the body. Some kill specific types of bacteria while others prevent plaque from attaching to the teeth or hardening into tartar.
Brushless or Not?
Some cat toothpastes are called “brushless,” because you can apply the paste directly to your cat's teeth—no brushing or rubbing are required. Dental pastes can effectively treat sensitive gums, gingivitis or other periodontal disease, making them a useful tool, especially if your cat won't tolerate brushing. Dental treats for cats "brush" their teeth and massage their gums as they chew.
Brushless toothpastes are often a thicker gel or paste, designed to cling to your cat's teeth for a longer treatment period than a standard brushing. As a result, many dental pastes recommend not allowing your cat food or water for a period before and after use. While brushless toothpastes can be useful in combating certain types of periodontal disease, they're not an adequate replacement for regular brushing.
- Why does my cat need toothpaste?
In general, cats are very good at hiding their pain or discomfort, so it's important to be proactive about their dental health. If food and bacteria are not removed often enough through regular brushing, bacteria flourish and soon coat the teeth with sticky plaque, especially at the gum line and in back teeth. Untreated plaque hardens to become tartar, which is even harder to remove and can result in bacterial infections. Gingivitis and other destructive periodontal diseases are not only painful for your cat, but may ultimately lead to tooth loss. Along with gum disease comes symptoms like bad breath, drooling, and bleeding gums. These sometimes result in difficulty eating and subsequent weight loss. Gum disease also increases your cat’s risk of heart, liver and kidney disease as they age—with the potential to cut their life shorter.
Can you use dog toothpaste on cats?“Dog and cat toothpaste are usually the same formula, just in smaller tubes for cats since they use less at a time compared to a large dog,” Mantilla told The Spruce Pets. “Dog toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors like mint, vanilla ginger, and beef while cat-specific toothpaste is usually in a chicken flavor. Cats tend to be pickier when it comes to flavor since they're carnivores but if you find a meat-flavored dog toothpaste, your cat may not mind.”
Is it safe to use homemade cat toothpaste?class="comp sources mntl-block">“There are a lot of ingredients that are safe for humans to ingest but not for cats to ingest. If you want to use homemade cat toothpaste, the safest bet would be to bring a copy of the recipe to your vet and ask for their approval,” Mantilla said. “Many homemade toothpastes aren't shelf-stable so you'll need to properly store them in the fridge and discard when it expires.”
If the recipe contains no ingredients that act as a “natural preservative” such as citric acid from citrus fruits like lemon juice or grapefruit seed extract or rosemary, sage or clove oil or extract, then homemade pastes should be discarded after about one week.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This piece was written by Lorraine Wilde who has had at least two cat companions in her home for the past 35 years, including some special needs kitties. Two of her cats lived happily and healthily into their early 20s. She currently lives with two senior feline companions, one of which has had her teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian. Wilde admits that she definitely does not clean her cat’s teeth often enough, but has been newly inspired by this article to do better for her cats (and dogs too).
When researching these brands, Wilde evaluated the type and quality of the ingredients, the company’s research and development, and their business ethics. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in environmental science. She is a firm believer that consumers can make healthy, informed and environmentally-conscious choices to protect their pets and our planet.
Stephanie Mantilla is an experienced positive reinforcement-based animal trainer with a focus on cat behavior. Her 12 years as a zookeeper have given her experience and training with a range of animals from lions, cheetahs and tigers to bears, elephants, shrews and monkeys. Mantilla is also the author of the new book, How To Clicker Train Your Cat, where she walks pet parents through the steps for training their cats the fun way.
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