Best Cat Toothbrush: 8 Picks for Clean Teeth

Chances are, you’ve noticed your cat’s pearly whites. Maybe, like me, it was while you scratched their chin and saw their sharp little canines poking out from their lips. But you might not have considered whether your kitty needs their teeth cleaned and brushed. 

It’s estimated that somewhere between 50 and 90 percent of cats over the age of four have some kind of dental disease. And dental disease only gets more common as your cat gets older. Just like us, they can get plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gingivitis and several other associated health risks and painful problems.

That’s why, if you want to take good care of your feline family member you should have a cat toothbrush on hand.

Our Top Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Best Overall Cat Toothbrush: Petsmile Professional Dog & Cat Toothbrush
• Best Runner-Up: Kittyteeth Pet Toothbrush
• Best Cat Finger Toothbrush: Jasper Finger Dog & Cat Toothbrush
• Best Cat Toothbrush and Toothpaste Combo: Sentry Petrodex Dental Kit Malt Toothpaste for Cats
• Best Eco-Friendly Cat Toothbrush: Woobamboo Small Dog & Cat Toothbrush
• Best Dual-Head Cat Toothbrush: Vetoquinol Enzadent Dual-Ended Dog & Cat Toothbrush
• Best Value Cat Toothbrush: Pet Republique Dog & Cat Dual-Head Toothbrush
• Best Kitten Toothbrush: H&H Pets Cat & Small Dog Toothbrush

8 Cat Toothbrushes for Your Feline’s Teeth

Whether you’re looking for a sturdy toothbrush, brush for a kitten, or a finger brush, here are the cat toothbrushes that stood out to us:

Best Overall Cat Toothbrush

Our Pick: Petsmile Professional Cat Toothbrush

With a 45-degree angled brush head and five rows of BPA-free nylon bristles, this toothbrush is an excellent choice for cleaning your cat’s teeth quickly and comfortably because it can scrub even hard-to-reach spots in your cat’s mouth — even when they wiggle around. “The bristles on this toothbrush are soft and rounded,” explains Schecter. “[This] low bristle profile and small brush head makes it gentle on your pet’s teeth.” Plus, it’s got brushes on either side of the handle — one bigger and one smaller — so you’re sure to find the size you need for your cat’s (or dog’s) mouth. 

Highlights

• BPA-free bristles
• Low, soft bristle profile perfect for cleaning little cat teeth without hurting them
• Brushes at a 45-degree angle for optimal cleaning
• Double brush end
• Comfortable handle
• Made in the USA

Things to Consider

• More expensive than many cat toothbrushes on this list
• Bigger brush too big for some cat’s mouths
• May need to replace it more often

Best Runner-Up Cat Toothbrush

Our Pick: Kittyteeth Pet Toothbrush

If you’re looking for a cat toothbrush that is small and specifically designed for cats, you can’t really go wrong with this toothbrush. Made in the USA, it features a small brush head containing soft bristles so you can effectively clean your cat’s teeth with minimal hassle because it easily fits in their mouth. Plus, it’s affordably priced so you won’t mind replacing it every few months as needed. The only real drawbacks: the plastic material of the handle isn’t the most comfortable or eco-friendly and some people find it to be a little short. 

Highlights

• Made in the USA
• Small brush head
• Specifically designed for cats
• Ultra soft bristles to not damage gums
• Comfortable handle
• Affordably priced

Things to Consider

• Plastic handle isn’t that eco-friendly
• Dense brush which some cats don’t like
• Handle is on the shorter side

Best Cat Finger Toothbrush

Our Pick: Jasper Finger Dog & Cat Toothbrush

This finger toothbrush might be a little pricier than some of the toothbrushes on this list, but in our opinion, it’s the best finger brush you can get, especially for cats that are a little weary of this whole teeth-brushing routine. With a 360-degree angle design and soft, silicone bristles, you can easily clean all angles of your cat’s teeth without having to awkwardly spin your finger around in their mouth. Plus, the silicone can shrink or expand to fit different sized fingers with just a few drops of water. Best of all, the silicone material is BPA and phthalate free, making it safe for your cat. 

Highlights

• 360 degree frush
• Soft, safe silicone bristles
• BPA and phthalate free
• Adjusts to fit different finger sizes
• Comes with a carrying case to keep it safe
• Available in multiple colors
• May be easier to use than a traditional toothbrush with finicky cats

Things to Consider

• On the pricier side for a cat toothbrush
• Won’t protect you from bites
• May be a little big for some cat’s mouths

Best Cat Toothbrush and Toothpaste Combo

Our Pick: Sentry Petrodex Dental Kit Malt Toothpaste for Cats

Let’s be honest: picking a toothbrush and toothpaste for your cat can be kind of a hassle. So if you can find a one-and-done solution, without compromising on quality, wouldn’t that be the best of both worlds? Well with this combo, featuring a specially-designed toothbrush for cats and enzymatic toothpaste, you can. “I like the Sentry toothbrush that comes with toothpaste because it works great to reduce tartar and plaque buildup,” says Dr. Melissa Brock, board-certified veterinarian. “It’s gentle enough for kittens plus it includes a finger brush which I really like.” Plus, the whole kit is very affordably priced.

Highlights

• Affordably priced
• Small brush size
• Soft bristles
• Designed specifically for cats
• Comes with enzymatic toothpaste

Things to Consider

• Toothpaste size is on the smaller size
• Toothbrush is made of plastic
• Not the most comfortable toothbrush handle

Best Eco-Friendly Cat Toothbrush

Our Pick: Woobamboo Cat Toothbrush

Cats, like humans, go through toothbrushes pretty quickly, so if you’re worried about the planet, you might not like the idea of discarding all that plastic. If that’s the case, this is the toothbrush for you. The handle is made of organic, biodegradable bamboo, a natural and eco-friendly material that won’t just end up in a landfill when you toss it. Plus, the brush handle is ergonomically designed, making it comfortable to hold as you brush your cat’s teeth — and if your cat is into it, it can even be used as a toy afterwards because the bristles can be removed. The bristles are soft too, so you won’t hurt your cat’s tender gums as you brush.

Highlights

• Organic, biodegradable, eco-friendly handle
• Soft bristles
• Packaged in recyclable materials
• Veterinarian-approved
• Suitable for cats or dogs
• Affordably priced

Things to Consider

• Brush size be a little big for some cat’s mouths
• Bristles may be too long for cats
• May be better suited for dogs or larger breeds of cats

Best Dual-Head Cat Toothbrush

Our Pick: Vetoquinol Enzadent Dual-Ended Cat Toothbrush

This dual-ended toothbrush is a great option if you need different sized brushes to clean the front and back teeth. With one large brush and one small, it has everything you need, all while not being overly expensive. The bristles are soft and gentle, so you don’t have to worry about harming your cat’s gums, too. 

Highlights

• Affordably priced
• Dual-sided brushes, one small and one large
• Suitable for cats and dogs
• Soft bristles
• Easy to use

Things to Consider

• Not specifically made for cats
• Plastic handle isn’t the most eco-friendly.

Best Value Cat Toothbrush

Our Pick: Pet Republique Cat Dual-Head Toothbrush

With angled handles and two brush heads — one small, one large — this toothbrush is an easy-to-use brush for cleaning your cat’s teeth. The angled head makes the whole process slightly easier and the handle is durable and easy to hold. Plus, what makes this brush the best? You can buy it in sets of up to six, making it one of the most cost-effective purchases you can make for your cat’s health. 

Highlights

• Sold in sets of three or six
• Dual heads
• Angled brush for easier cleaning
• 15% of the profits for these purchases for to the American Animal Rescue Society
• Can be used on dogs and cats
• Sold in two colors for multi-cat homes

Things to Consider

• Plastic handle is not the most eco-friendly
• Not made specifically for cats
• Larger headed brush may be too large for some cat’s mouths
• Bristles may be a little firm for some cat’s mouths

Best Kitten Toothbrush

Our Pick: H&H Pets Cat Toothbrush

With small brushes specifically designed for small animals, these soft bristled toothbrushes are perfect for kitten’s tiny teeth and sensitive gums. The handle is durable and firm, and the whole toothbrush is made of safe materials. Plus these toothbrushes come in sets of four, making them not only affordably priced but good value too. 

Highlights

• Sold as a set of four
• Small brush head great for kitten’s small mouths
• Soft bristles safe for sensitive gums
• Easy to hold
• Well made

Things to Consider

• Plastic handle is not the best for the environment

What is a Cat Toothbrush? 

A cat toothbrush is exactly what it sounds like: a toothbrush that has been specially designed for your kitty’s teeth. 

This means that it has slightly different features than a human toothbrush, explains Dr. Alex Schechter, a veterinarian at Burrwood Veterinary. “It has longer bristles to reach deeper in cats’ mouths and is softer and rounder than a human toothbrush,” he says. “The bristles are also thicker so they’re better at gripping tiny cat teeth.”

These thicker, longer bristles are also more flexible, making them more comfortable as they brush against your cat’s gum line. Some brushes also have two, three, or even 360-degree brush heads to help make brushing your cat’s teeth easier.

How We Chose Our Top Cat Toothbrushes

In order to find the best cat toothbrushes, I spoke with veterinarians, read reviews by cat parents, and used my own experience as a mom to three cats to find the best and safest cat toothbrushes on the market. 

Cat Toothbrush Buyer’s Guide

When you’re shopping for a cat toothbrush, there are a few things to consider, including:

Type: Generally, cat toothbrushes come in two types — those with handles that look like smaller human toothbrushes and finger toothbrushes. 

Both are perfectly suitable for kitties if you get one specifically made for a cat’s anatomy, so the choice of which one to get will depend on your cat’s personality and your preference. 

For example, if you are worried about your kitty trying to bite you (or your finger), a brush might protect your fingers better, but if your cat is afraid of the stick but trusts you near their mouth, they might tolerate a finger brush better.

Comfort: If you opt for a brush with a handle, make sure you pick one that’s comfortable for you to hold while you brush their teeth. Some options have grips to make it easier to get traction on the brush. 

Size: Some cats are a little bigger than others, so make sure you’re picking one that will fit your cat. “It should be small enough that your cat doesn’t have to stretch to brush,” explains Dr. Schechter. 

Materials: If you’re purchasing a finger brush, look for one that’s made of silicone rather than plastic for safety reasons. Similarly, you’ll want to look for a more durable brush if you’re opting for a toothbrush with handles so that it doesn’t snap easily as your kitty bites down while you clean their teeth.

Bristles: “Pick a toothbrush with soft bristles that won’t harm your cat’s gums or teeth,” recommends Dr. Schechter. “There are many toothbrushes on the market that are designed specifically for use with cats while others may be too coarse or abrasive.” This can make them unsafe for your feline. 

Cat Toothbrush Alternatives

If you’re afraid or wary of brushing your cat’s teeth, you can try alternatives, such as cat dental treats and chews, dental toys, or water additives. Dental chews or dental toys can help polish your cat’s teeth, to a certain extent, as your cat chews on them because they can be tough and abrasive against the teeth. Water additives, meanwhile, can help cut back on the bacteria in your cat’s mouth, lessening the chances of gingivitis. 

However,none of these options are as effective as actually brushing your cat’s teeth with appropriate cat toothpaste and a toothbrush. 

Cat Toothbrushing FAQ

Should I brush my cat’s teeth?

The short answer is yes, you should brush your cat’s teeth. “It is absolutely important to brush your cat’s teeth,” explains Dr. Brock, “[It] can help prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay by removing food particles and tartar buildup.” 

It does this because the brushing action, combined with the specially-formulated cat toothpaste, will help remove food and bacteria that cause tooth decay. Plus, daily brushing can help reduce their bad breath, adds Dr. Schecter. 

How often should I brush my cat’s teeth?

“Most cats need to be brushed every day, or at least every other day,” says Dr. Brock. “If you notice any bleeding from your cat’s gums, this is a sign that their teeth are in need of some serious attention—you should brush their teeth as soon as possible.”

You also want to brush their teeth if you notice they have particularly bad breath or if they are vomiting food frequently — though these also are signs that you might want to get your kitty to the vet to make sure there aren’t underlying health issues that need attention. 

If you struggle to get your cat to agree to daily teeth cleanings, aim for at least three times a week — especially if you didn’t start your brushing routine when they were a kitten. 

Is toothpaste bad for cats?

Human toothpaste is bad for cats because it is foaming and contains ingredients such as xylitol, fluoride, sodium, or baking soda — all of which are bad or even toxic for your cat. 

However, cat toothpaste, which usually is enzymatic, non-foaming, and protein-flavored, is specifically made to help clean your cat’s teeth and keep them healthy. Make sure you’re using a toothpaste specifically formulated for cats. 

When should I start brushing my cat’s teeth? 

You should start brushing your cat’s teeth as early as possible. “The best time to start brushing your cat’s teeth is when they are a kitten,” explains Brock. “They will learn to associate the process with something positive such as getting lots of attention from you and maybe even a treat afterward.” 

If you wait until your cat is older, it can be much harder to break bad habits and get them to enjoy having their teeth brushed. Teeth brushing can also be more uncomfortable for them if they already have dental disease, which will make it all the more difficult for you to get them to enjoy it.

If you adopt an older cat, you can still teach them to let you brush their teeth — but start slow and always use praise and positive reinforcement.

How do I clean my cat’s toothbrush?

Just like human toothbrushes, cat toothbrushes can collect bacteria over time. If you want to keep it clean (and use it for longer without replacement), you might want to consider cleaning it from time to time. 

To do that, you can either put it in a pot of boiling water for three minutes to kill bacteria, use a UV toothbrush sanitizer, or even put it in the top rack of your dishwasher and wash it. Just make sure that if you opt for the last option, you wash it without any dishwasher soap. 

Cat Toothbrushing: Tips for Success

It’s important to be careful when brushing your cat’s teeth, especially if your cat is new to the process. 

“Feline teeth can be sharp and cats do not always welcome oral probing,” says Dr. Stacy Chocynski Johnson. “Slowly introducing the toothbrush will reduce fear and create trust”

“I recommend placing flavored toothpaste on the ‘inner wrist’ of the paw before introducing the toothbrush,” she continues. “The goal is to acclimate your cat to the taste of the toothpaste when he grooms it off of the fur.” 

Then, you can gradually begin by touching your cat’s mouth, then teeth, before attempting to brush. This process can take a few days — or even months — which is why it’s always best to start when they’re kittens, if possible. 

Once you think your cat is ready, gently lift their lips, hold their mouth steady, and gently brush while trying to avoid the gums and tongue.