Brightening Our Days: A Personal Tale of Kyro & Cleo’s Dental Hygiene Journey

Life with Two Furry Londoners and Their Smiles

Kyro and Cleo are getting ready to run at the first sign of a toothbrush! [Image by Hadinet Tekie]

Living in the vibrant heart of London, my days are filled with the joyful chaos of caring for my two indoor cats, Kyro and Cleo. As a dedicated cat lover, I want nothing more than to keep them happy, healthy, and, of course, smiling bright.

But, oh, the trials and tribulations of feline dental hygiene! It’s not always easy, and it’s often a bit messy, a little frustrating, but so worth it. Today, I want to share my personal journey — what I’ve learned about keeping my cats’ teeth clean, the challenges I’ve faced, and how I’ve found ways to make dental care less stressful for everyone involved.

---

Before the First Signs of Trouble: Learning About Dental Health

It started when they were kittens. I read up enthusiastically on all I could lay my hands on and gobbled down all the advice provided during the vet visits in their first year.

As much as I love my cats, I realised that dental health is often overlooked, but it’s so vital. Poor dental hygiene can lead to pain, infections, and even affect their overall health.

I started to build a small dental arsenal at home and looked at ways I could introduce these items into their daily life.

---

Why Is Dental Hygiene So Important for Cats?

Many cat owners don’t realise that dental problems are incredibly common in cats, especially as they age. According to veterinary studies, over 70% of cats develop some form of dental disease by age three. That is why I make a point to always at least try to brush their teeth when they allow me. If not, there are other alternatives that I will expand on later in this blog.

Common issues include:

• Plaque and tartar build-up
• Gingivitis and inflamed gums
• Tooth decay and abscesses
• Bad breath (halitosis) — the most obvious sign

Left untreated, these issues can cause pain, difficulty eating, and even systemic infections that affect their organs.

As a loving owner, I want to do everything possible to prevent these problems in Kyro and Cleo.

---

My Personal Struggles with Dental Care: The Challenges of Keeping Their Teeth Clean

Trials and Tribulations  (Image by VETIQ)

Now, I’ll admit it — getting cats to accept teeth brushing is a challenge. Kyro, my gentle, adventurous furball, is surprisingly tolerant, but that's only because he licks the paste off and refuses the brush to do any kind of brushing. Cleo? She’s a little diva when it comes to her ears, but she'll chew the brush like it's a cable, only when she feels like it.

I’ve tried everything — brushing their teeth with special feline toothpaste, offering treats afterwards, and using finger brushes, teeth toys and treats. But it’s not always smooth sailing. Kyro tends to squirm and run off after licking all the paste off, and returns in time to try and lick Cleo's paste.

And Cleo, while more cooperative, still doesn’t love the process, showing her feelings through trying to destroy the offending tool with her teeth. Sometimes, I end up with toothpaste on my shirt and cats with fur in their mouths. But I remind myself: persistence and patience are key.

---

How I Make Dental Care Easier (and Less Stressful!)

Over time, I’ve discovered a few tips that help make dental care a little less stressful for everyone:

• Start Young, Start Slow: From the day I adopted them, I introduced teeth brushing gradually, using tiny amounts of toothpaste and gentle touches.
• Use Cat-Safe Toothpaste: I only use specially formulated feline toothpaste (Insert affiliate link here). Never use human toothpaste — it’s toxic to cats! (Paid Ad)
• Get the Right Tools: Finger brushes (not for my two), plaque powder (unsure if it has helped improve their teeth),  soft toothbrushes, and dental wipes (again, not for my two). I keep them handy and introduce each slowly. (Paid Ads)
• Make it a Calm Routine: I choose a quiet time in the evening, pet them gently, and speak softly. Treats and praise follow to reinforce positive associations.
• Handling Resistance: When Kyro squirms, I distract him with a toy or hold him gently but firmly. Sometimes, I give him a break and try again later or another day.

---

The Role of Dental Treats and Chews

Since brushing isn’t always possible or welcomed, I incorporate dental treats and chews into their daily routine. These products help reduce plaque and freshen breath, making a big difference in their oral health. (Paid Ad)

Of course, I choose high-quality treats that are vet-approved and suited for their age and health. Regular treats help keep their teeth cleaner between brushings and are a fantastic way to reward good behaviour. (Paid Ad)

---

The Power of Regular Vet Checks

Open wide! [Image by Pixabay]

Despite all my efforts, I know that professional dental cleanings are sometimes necessary, especially if plaque or tartar becomes stubborn. My vet has already assured me that the earliest my two will most likely need their first clean will be next year, as they had barely turned 2 this spring (during another visit), and luckily, their teeth are looking quite healthy at present.

My vet has been a huge help, offering advice tailored to Kyro (as he has a little more plaque than Cleo).

Sometimes, a professional cleaning under anaesthesia is the best option — it’s safe and thorough, but hopefully when my two will have their first session or other future sessions, this will not be necessary. However much I trust my vet, the idea that they would need to go under over anything causes me anxiety.

---

Living with Felines Who Care About Their Teeth (and Who Don’t!)

Let’s be honest — cats are masters of persuasion. Some of them tolerate dental care, and others outright refuse. But I’ve learned to respect their boundaries while still doing my best. It’s about finding the balance between persistence and patience.

Kyro still squirm, Cleo sometimes tolerates it, but I always celebrate small victories. Every bit counts. And knowing I’m doing my part to keep their smiles bright makes it all worthwhile.

---

Final Thoughts: Love, Patience, and Bright Smiles

Caring for Kyro and Cleo’s teeth has been a journey of patience, learning, and love. It’s not always easy, and sometimes I feel like giving up — but then I see their happy, wagging, or freshly brushed smiles, and I know it’s all worth it.

Our cats trust us to keep them healthy, and their smiles are a testament to the bond we share. Remember, even small efforts like brushing or giving dental treats can make a big difference.

Thanks for reading my personal story about the trials and triumphs of feline dental hygiene. If you’re in the same boat, hang in there — your cats will thank you!

For more insight and fun facts, check out my other blogs!

---

Warm Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. This post shares my personal experiences and tips. If your cat has persistent dental issues or pain, please consult your veterinarian for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.