10 Best Cat Toothbrushes – 2024 Reviews and Top Picks
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Whether your cat makes life difficult or you simply want a brush that will easily reach all their teeth, choosing the right toothbrush will make cleaning easier.
With several handled or dual-headed toothbrushes, finger brushes, and toothpaste applicator swabs available, the choice of which toothbrush to buy can be difficult.
Below, we have included reviews of 10 of the best cat toothbrushes available, as well as a guide on how to choose the ideal product for your cat.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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H&H Pets Cat Toothbrush |
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Best Value
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H&H Pets Cat Finger Toothbrush |
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Premium Choice
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Petsmile Professional Cat Toothbrush |
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Vetoquinol Enzadent Dual Ended Toothbrush |
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Woobamboo Cat Toothbrush |
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The 10 Best Cat Toothbrushes
1. H&H Pets Small Dog & Cat Toothbrush – Best Overall
| Brush Type: | Handle |
| Quantity: | 4 |
The H&H Pets Small Dog & Cat Toothbrush is ideally sized for cats. It has reasonably soft bristles and a small enough head to tackle the teeth at the back as well as the front of the mouth.
The soft bristles on the brush are also suitable for kittens. Although many owners wait until the vet tells them to clean their cat’s mouth, starting when they are young is best. Not only does this help prevent decay and other dental problems, but it also gets the cat used to having a toothbrush in their mouth. Brushing an adult cat’s teeth for the first time can prove impossible.
A single brush should last several weeks, and this pack includes four, making it good value. Its reasonable grip and soft bristles make it the best overall cat toothbrush on our list. The handle of the toothbrush is very basic, and it isn’t easy to grip if you have a struggling feline. It would benefit from a curved grip to grant easier access to the back teeth.
- Good price
- Soft bristles are suitable for kittens
- Small head good for cats of all sizes
- Somewhat slippery handle
- Could do with a curved handle
2. H&H Pets Standard Cat Finger Toothbrush – Best Value
| Brush Type: | Finger |
| Quantity: | 8 |
For cats new to brushing their teeth, it can be difficult to convince them to let you stick a long piece of plastic in their mouths. One alternative is that of the finger brush. Fitting over your fingertip, the brush is designed to be more sympathetic to intolerant cats.
They replace standard toothbrush bristles with plastic bristles, which do a reasonable job of removing plaque and tartar but not as good a job as the nylon bristles most owners are used to.
The H&H Pets Standard Dog & Cat Finger Toothbrush is a set of four brushes. They can be used multiple times, and the four-pack is cheaper than other brushes, making it our choice as the best cat toothbrush for the money.
However, the finger brush is quite large, so it can be a struggle for more petite fingers and may require padding out with tissue inside the brush. Also, the rubber bristles are less effective at cleaning than standard nylon ones.
- Cheap
- Suitable for resistant cats
- Rubber bristles are not as good as nylon
- Too big for some fingers
3. Petsmile Professional Pet Toothbrush – Premium Choice
| Brush Type: | Dual |
| Quantity: | 1 |
The Petsmile Professional Pet Toothbrush is an expensive choice of toothbrush but is designed for groomers and professional feline hygienists. It is also suitable for home use and has appealing features that make it stand out. It has dual heads, with a smaller head on one end and a larger one on the other.
You can use the large head for the front teeth and the smaller one to reach the back without causing much anguish. A textured rubber grip is in the middle of the brush, so it is easy to hold even when it gets wet with toothpaste. The brush head is angled at 45°, making it easy to brush the front, top, and back of teeth.
The bristles are BPA-free, which is important, considering you will be putting the brush in your cat’s mouth several times a week. The Petsmile toothbrush is a good choice for very large cats, but it is expensive, and the large head will be too large for some cats.
- Textured grip makes it easy to hold
- BPA-free nylon bristles
- Angled head makes access easier
- Very expensive
- Large head too large for most cats
4. Vetoquinol Enzadent Dual-Ended Toothbrush
| Brush Type: | Dual |
| Quantity: | 1 |
The Vetoquinol Enzadent Dual Ended Toothbrush is a double-headed toothbrush with one small and one large head. For very small cats, the larger head may prove to be too much of an obstruction, and you will struggle to get it between the teeth and the mouth. The small head should be suitable for most cats, however. The heads are angled to ensure they can reach every area.
The Vetoquinol Enzadent is expensive compared to most other brushes, and the nylon bristles can wear down quickly, but the angled heads are more convenient for brushing the tops and backs of teeth. Because of the large size of the second head, this brush is ideal for owners with a cat and a small dog requiring regular brushing.
- Two heads of different sizes
- Angled heads improve access
- Expensive
- The large head is too large for most cats
5. Woobamboo Dog & Cat Toothbrush
| Brush Type: | Handle |
| Quantity: | 1 |
As the name suggests, the Woobamboo Dog & Cat Toothbrush is made from bamboo, which is more natural for your cat, and you don’t have to use disposable plastics. The bristles of the brush are made from nylon, and they do a good job of removing food debris and cleaning the teeth while being gentle enough that they shouldn’t cause problems for cats with sensitive gums or bad teeth.
The handle can be a little slippery when wet and would benefit from having an angled head to make it easier to clean inside the mouth. The use of bamboo makes it more expensive than most plastic models, but as well as being made from bamboo, the company uses recycled packaging materials that can be further recycled. Woobamboo even uses a soy-based ink that is more environmentally friendly than traditional inks.
- Environmentally friendly product and packaging
- Nylon bristles are effective
- Expensive
- The handle can get slippery
- Would benefit from an angled head
6. Virbac C.E.T. Dual-Ended Dog & Cat Toothbrush
| Brush Type: | Dual |
| Quantity: | 1 |
The Virbac C.E.T. Dual-Ended Dog & Cat Toothbrush is a premium-priced toothbrush with two heads: one large and one small. The small head is suitable for cats, but the large one will likely prove to be too large and obtrusive for use in your cat’s mouth. It is suitable if you have a dog that needs a toothbrush.
The heads face opposite directions, making the brush easier to hold, and the neck is contoured according to the head size you’re using. The head is slightly angled, and while the angle isn’t huge, it does make it easier to get in and brush awkward spots in the mouth.
The Virbac brush is expensive compared to most others, and the large head is useful for all but the very largest of cats and multi-pet owners.
- Contoured handle
- Angled head
- Expensive
- Large head too large for cats
7. Pet Republique Dog & Cat Dual-Head Toothbrush
| Brush Type: | Dual |
| Quantity: | 3 |
The Pet Republique Dog & Cat Dual-Head Toothbrush is a pack of three dual-headed toothbrushes. The small head is suitable for use on cats, and the large head can be used if you have a giant cat breed, or it can be used on your small dog.
An angled head makes it easy to brush the top and back of teeth and reach the molars that are difficult to get to. The bristles are soft and suitable for cats with sensitive mouths, and the brushes are reasonably priced.
The straight handle could do with texturing or some sort of grip because the brush becomes slippery. The Pet Republique brushes suffer a similar problem to virtually all dual-headed brushes: the large brush is probably too large for your cat. For cats, the strength of the handle should be fine, but some dogs will chew or snap the handle easily.
- Angled heads are convenient
- Soft bristles are suitable for sensitive mouths
- No grip on the handle
- The large head is too large for cats
8. Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste Applicator Swabs
| Brush Type: | Applicator swabs |
| Quantity: | 50 |
No matter how soft the bristles, some cats suffer from sensitive gums and bad teeth. Brushing with anything can cause bleeding gums and make your cat resistant to having their teeth cleaned in the future. Although Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste Applicator Swabs are expensive, they provide a convenient way to brush sensitive and sore teeth.
You’ll put toothpaste on the swab and then rub it on your cat’s teeth. The lack of bristles means that the swabs shouldn’t cause additional pain, and if you use flavored toothpaste, the swabs shouldn’t cause anguish for your pet. The long wand handle also makes it possible to get to the back teeth, but the straight design makes it very difficult to reach all the surfaces of your cat’s teeth.
These swabs are expensive for cats with healthy teeth, and simply rubbing toothpaste onto their teeth will not do as good a job as proper brushing.
- Very gentle for sensitive gums
- Long handles are convenient for back teeth
- Very expensive
- Don’t clean as well as standard brushing
9. H&H Pets Dual Headed Dog & Cat Toothbrush Set
| Brush Type: | Dual |
| Quantity: | 4 |
The H&H Pets Dual Headed Dog & Cat Toothbrush Set is a set of four long toothbrushes with dual heads: one small and one larger. The small head is suitable for use in your cat’s mouth, especially getting to the back and surface of the teeth, while the large head can be used for dogs.
The toothbrush set is affordable, and the heads have a slight angle, which further helps reach the back teeth. The soft bristles are helpful for cats with sensitive gums. However, the long handle is smooth and difficult to grip, and the bristles start to wear quickly, so the brushes will need to be replaced regularly.
- Cheap
- Soft bristles suitable for sensitive gums
- Angled head makes brushing easier
- Straight handle has no grip
- Soft bristles wear quickly
10. Pet Republique Dog & Cat Finger Brush
| Brush Type: | Finger |
| Quantity: | 3 |
The Pet Republique Dog & Cat Finger Brush is a BPA-free plastic finger brush designed to fit snugly over an adult finger. Because the plastic is quite firm and does not have a contoured design, it is difficult to secure it over the finger so that it stays.
However, the tough material provides protection to your finger if your cat bites it. It is reasonably priced but difficult to fit on your finger, and the head is large. It’s likely too large for modest-sized and smaller cats.
- Reasonable price
- Protects your finger from bites
- Difficult to fit on the finger
- Head too large for most cats
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Cat Toothbrushes
Cats can suffer many of the same dental problems as humans. Plaque and tartar buildup are alarmingly common, while gingivitis can cause your cat pain every time they eat and whenever you brush their teeth.
Like people, cats need regular brushing to prevent dental disease and to ensure comfort while eating. Since cats can’t brush their teeth, you must brush them more often than during an annual visit to the vet.
Common Feline Dental Problems
- Plaque – Plaque is a bacteria that causes a film over the surface of the cat’s teeth. Left unchecked, saliva causes a plaque buildup to turn into tartar. Regular brushing helps wash the plaque away, ensuring it doesn’t have the opportunity to develop into tartar.
- Tartar – If plaque can sit and fester, it will mix with your cat’s saliva to create tartar. This fixes itself firmly to the teeth and can cause rotting and sensitivity.
- Gingivitis – Once tartar develops, it will grow, and new tartar builds up on top of the existing layer. This eventually leads to tartar forming in the gum tissue. This leads to sensitivity around the gums, called gingivitis, which can make it painful to eat and during brushing.
- Abscesses – Once bacteria are allowed to enter the gums, they can erode the roots of the teeth. This prevents the teeth from getting the blood supply that they need. The body responds by producing white blood cells. These manifest as pus, and a pus build-up causes abscesses, which are painful and uncomfortable. Watch for swelling under your cat’s eye as the main sign of an abscess.
- Tooth Loss – When the roots have died and teeth have decayed, it can lead to tooth loss. Physical injuries and other illnesses may also lead to this dental problem, which will leave your cat struggling to eat properly and potentially in pain.
Most periodontal problems start as plaque, and if it is allowed to build up, it will become progressively more aggressive and damaging to your cat’s dental health. Regular brushing will brush plaque away, preventing tartar from forming and stopping bacteria from entering the roots of the teeth.
Why You Need a Cat Toothbrush
A cat toothbrush is specifically designed for use on cats. It is smaller than a human toothbrush, which makes it easier to get into the mouth and brush the tops and backs of teeth. It should also have soft bristles because the cat’s teeth are sensitive. However, the bristles are important because they help remove plaque and tartar.
To ensure all plaque is effectively removed, you will need an effective toothpaste, as well as a good quality cat toothbrush. What should you look for when buying a toothbrush?
Brush Type
- Finger Brushes – Finger brushes are finger-shaped sleeves that fit the index finger. Some cats that are resistant to toothbrushes may be more willing to accept a finger in their mouth. Finger brushes are usually made of rubber or plastic, and they are not usually as effective as nylon bristles. What’s more, the universal design of the finger brush means that unless you have the perfect-sized index finger, they are likely to be too small or too large. If your cat simply won’t let you near with a normal brush, a finger brush will likely be your best option.
- Handled Toothbrushes – The handled toothbrush is what most people think of when buying a toothbrush. They have a single head, usually consisting of an arrangement of nylon bristles. The head can be angled to allow greater access to difficult areas, and the handles can be textured for improved grip. The simple design of the handled toothbrush means that it is the cheapest type.
- Two-Headed Cat Toothbrushes – The two-headed toothbrush is similar to a handled toothbrush, except it has a brush head at either end of the handle. Typically, one of the heads will be smaller than the other. The large brush is designed for brushing the large and easy-to-reach surfaces at the front of the mouth and the tops of teeth, while the smaller brush is used for awkward areas and more precise brushing. Dual-headed brushes can be difficult to hold, and the thin handle makes them flimsy.
- Toothpaste Applicator Swabs – Toothpaste applicator swabs are an alternative to standard brushes and finger brushes and are suitable for a cat with severe gingivitis or a very sensitive mouth. The swab is made from cotton, and you dab the toothpaste on the tooth before smearing it around. A swab is not a good substitute for a standard brush, except when the cat can’t tolerate a toothbrush or finger brush.
Do I Really Need to Brush My Cat’s Teeth?
Brushing prevents plaque and tartar, which are responsible for virtually all cases of periodontal disease. Vets and professional groomers can brush your cat’s teeth, but it is unlikely that they will be able to do so often enough to prevent dental decay. Therefore, brushing your cat’s teeth is a vital part of cat ownership but one that is frequently overlooked.
How Often Should I Brush My Cat’s Teeth?
Owners are usually recommended to brush a cat’s teeth three times a week, but the best regime includes daily brushing. This will eliminate the debris and plaque that has built up over the day. Also, the more often you brush a cat’s teeth, the easier it should become and the more willing your cat will be to succumb to the routine.
How To Brush A Cat’s Teeth
Brushing a cat’s teeth is similar to brushing your teeth. Follow these steps to ensure good dental health:
Get your cat used to the toothpaste first. There are several flavors available, including those that taste like chicken. Put some paste on your finger and place it in your cat’s mouth. Do this once a day for a few days so that your feline gets used to the toothpaste and the sensation of you putting something in their mouth.
Hold the cat with their back facing you. Open their mouth using your fingers and use a cotton swab to push their lips back and get to the gums. You can use a cotton swab initially because it will cause less stress in your cat. After a few days of using a cotton swab, swap it out for a toothbrush.
Brush in circular motions on each side for about 45 seconds. Initially, you may have to brush for shorter periods before spending longer and longer each day.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of cat toothbrushes available. First, decide on the type of brush you want to use, whether it’s a handled brush or a finger brush, and then decide whether you want the greater reach of an angled head and the improved grip of a textured handle. Also, choose a suitable brush for your cat; if it is too large, it will be uncomfortable when stuffing it in your cat’s mouth.
While compiling the reviews above, we found the H&H Pets Small Dog & Cat Toothbrush was reasonably priced and had soft bristles, but if you want to spend even less or you need a finger brush rather than a handled one, the H&H Pets Finger Toothbrush is an excellent value for money.
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
