The Best Cat Toothbrush: Ranked and Reviewed

If your cat’s teeth and gums aren’t as healthy as they should be, it may be time to invest in a cat toothbrush. Cats are not known for their patience, and if you choose to ignore this and get your cat just any toothbrush, you may have a fight on your hands. However, it’s important to take care of your cat’s teeth. Not brushing can lead to periodontal diseases and other painful mouth problems such as tooth loss and mouth infections.

While it’s best to start their oral hygiene routines while they’re kittens so they get used to it, it’s never too late to start brushing your cat’s teeth. Even adult cats will eventually get used to the sensation, but finding the brush and toothpaste flavor they like best can make the process a little easier.

Toothbrushes for cats come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing one can be a daunting task. We have made it easier by curating this list of some of the best cat toothbrushes you can find on the market to keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy and strong.

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Cat Toothpaste

#1 Best Overall: Virbac C.E.T. Fingerbrush Toothbrush with Paste

In our review, the best cat toothbrush is the Virbac C.E.T. Fingerbrush Toothbrush with Paste. This kit contains everything you need to start your cat’s oral hygiene program, including a double-ended toothbrush, a finger toothbrush, and CET Poultry Toothpaste.

The dual-ended toothbrush is designed to accommodate mouths with large and small tooth surfaces. The long handle with reverse angles makes them easy for you to maneuver in your kitty’s mouth. And the soft bristles make the brushes comfortable for your cat.

The finger brush slips over your index finger for ease of use.

The toothpaste is poultry flavored to entice your cat.

Most reviews for this cat dental kit were positive, but a few reviewers reported that their cats experience vomiting and/or diarrhea after having their teeth brushed with these products. Some reviewers said that this kit was too expensive.

Pros and Cons of the Virbac C.E.T. Fingerbrush Toothbrush with Paste

Best Overall

Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste + Toothbrush

• Easy to use toothbrush is designed for cats and kittens
• Soft bristles on a plastic fingertip cover
• Bundle includes two tubes of toothpaste
• Eliminates plague build-up and bad breath
• Gentle cleansing formula

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2. Best Finger Brush: Pet Republique Dog and Cat Finger Brush

Pet Republique Dog and Cat Finger Brushes have soft bristles that make them the perfect “beginners” toothbrushes for cats. They come in packages of six toothbrushes that are made from food-grade material. Since each brush is designed to last two months, the package should last a year.

The manufacturer tests and controls the hardness of the bristles to ensure that they won’t harm your cat but they will effectively brush off plaque and tartar.

Finger toothbrushes give you more control than traditional toothbrushes with handles, especially when it comes to accessing those hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

Some reviewers reported that these toothbrushes are too big for average-sized fingers and fall right off.

Pros and Cons of the Pet Republique Dog and Cat Finger Brush

Best Fingerbrush

Pet Republique Small Finger Toothbrush

• Designed specifically for cats
• Angled shapes makes cleaning a snap
• Comfortable silicone construction is soothing for cats' gums and teeth
• Affordable pricetag

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3. Best Value: H&H Pets Cat Toothbrush

The H&H Pets Dog Toothbrush (Single Head — Mini) is designed specifically for pets with smaller mouths, such as cats. These inexpensive toothbrushes come in packs of eight with two colors (mint green and white), so you can assign them if you have more than one pet.

The ultra-soft, flexible, polished bristles remove plaque and tartar without damaging your kitty’s gums or causing them pain. The head is angled perfectly so you can clean their front and back teeth more easily.

A few reviewers said that the bristles were too hard and a couple indicated that the toothbrushes were too long.

Pros and Cons of H&H Pets Cat Toothbrushes

Best Value

H&H Pets Cat Toothbrush

• Toothbrush has three sets of bristles on each side
• Comes with bacon-flavored toothpaste
• Finger brush design makes brushing easy
• Comes in a pack of four

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4. Best Toothbrush Alternative: Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste Applicator Swabs

A veterinarian designed the Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste Applicator Swabs as an alternative to regular toothbrushes to make brushing your cat’s teeth easier. The applicators are pre-loaded with toothpaste, so all you have to do is grab one and wipe it over your cat’s teeth. The swabs, which come in a pack of twenty, are textured to clean away plaque and leave your pet with fresh breath and healthy teeth.

A few pet parents said that they were disappointed by this product, which they said were “Just big Q-tips” that didn’t have toothpaste on them.

Pros and Cons of Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste Applicator Swabs

Best Toothbrush Alterrnative

Petsmile Professional Cat Toothpaste Applicator Swaps

• Applicator swabs offer a toothbrush alternative
• Swaps are pre-loaded with toothpaste
• Textured swabs make plaque removal easier
• Available in packs of 20

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5. Best Double-Headed: Petosan Double-Headed Cat Toothbrush (Puppy/Toy)

The Petosan Double-Headed Cat Toothbrush (Puppy/Toy) will be ideal for most cats. If your cat is particularly large, select the appropriate size from the manufacturer’s product page.

This toothbrush has several great features that make it easy to use. The most important of these is its soft bristles, which are gentle enough not to hurt your cat but firm enough to get rid of plaque.

The brush also has two heads, one angled at 45 degrees and the other straight. This makes it easy to clean hard-to-reach places like your pet’s back teeth. Finally, the brush comes with a handle that is 6 inches long, which means it can easily reach pets that are difficult to hold, such as cats or puppies.

Some reviewers reported that this toothbrush was difficult to use.

Pros and Cons of the Petosan Double-Headed Cat Toothbrush (Puppy/Toy)

Best Double-Headed Brush

Petosan Puppy and Toy Breed Toothbrush, Dental Cleaning Accessory

• Soft bristles are gentle on cats' gums and teeth
• Two heads offer options for cleaning — one straight, one with 45-degree angle
• Six-inch handle ensures solid grip

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6. Best Dental Toy: Ronton Cat Toothbrush Toy

The Ronton Cat Toothbrush Toy is good way to get cats who hate toothbrushes used to the sensation of brushing while playing with a fun toy. While this adorable crayfish-shaped toy isn’t a replacement for their regular oral hygiene routine, it can be helpful for teeth maintenance in between brushings.

This product is made from a durable, non-toxic hard rubber. The top of its body is covered in small bristles to clean your cat’s teeth when they bite it. The bottom of the toy contains compartments for a small bell and a catnip pouch to entice your cats to play with it.

Some pet parents said that the bell posed a choking hazard. Others said that their cats didn’t play with it.

Pros and Cons of the Ronton Cat Toothbrush Toy

Best Dental Toy

Ronton Cat Toothbrush Catnip Toy

• Gentle bristles clean your cat's teeth while they play
• Built-in compartments for bells and catnip
• Made from non-toxic hard rubber
• Easy to clean and maintain

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Choosing the Best Toothbrush for Cats: What to Look Out For

While there are plenty of products for brushing a cat’s teeth, not all are suitable for your cat. There are a few factors to think about when choosing a toothbrush for your cat:

Size of the Bristles

Cat bristles should be smaller than human bristles because cats have smaller mouths. This will allow you to get into the right spots without causing any discomfort or pain.

The Material of the Brush

Cat brushes should be made from soft materials that won’t irritate your pet’s gums or cheeks. Look for nylon and plastic for the best results.

The Size of the Handle

Some brushes come with long handles, and others come with short handles. Short handles are easier to maneuver in a small mouth, but long handles may work better if you need extra precision in brushing your cat’s teeth.

Your Cat’s Mouth and Its Comfort

A cat with a large mouth may need a bigger toothbrush to fit in its mouth and have enough space for you to do the cleaning. Also, the best toothbrush makes your cat comfortable while brushing. It should not irritate or cause them pain while brushing their teeth. Keep in mind that cats don’t like having their teeth brushed, so it’s important that you ensure that they’re comfortable.

Our Criteria, How We Chose The Best

As one of the only dog groomers in my area who also accepted cats, I’ve brushed a lot of kitty teeth in my time. Most don’t like it, especially since their owners often brought them to me as adults that have never had their teeth brushed before. The only thing worse than putting your hands near an annoyed cat’s needle-like teeth is being a stranger to said cat at the same time.

Brushing your own cat’s teeth usually isn’t quite as dire, since you usually have a modicum of goodwill built up with them. The process, just like nail trimming and other grooming tasks, is much easier if you start normalizing it as early as possible.

Finding a toothpaste flavor your cat likes also helps, as does choosing a style and size of toothbrush that feels most comfortable in your cat’s mouth. Our top pick is a dental kit with a long-handled toothbrush and an enzymatic toothpaste in various flavors. While your cat may find a finger brush less obtrusive, the long-handled option gives your hands more distance from their teeth if they’re prone to biting. The double-headed brush is great for cleaning their teeth from multiple angles, so if your cat tolerates brushing for a short time before getting annoyed, that is likely your best option.

The dental toy is a good maintenance option. It’s helpful if your cat is very against brushings because it will at least remove some build-up from the teeth. But this toy is not a replacements for a good, manual toothbrushing.

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