Brushing the cats’ teeth

What a breakthrough!!

This is clearly a case of “if you don’t try, how would you know?”

Ming-Yi recently told me that she could brush her cats’ teeth and I wondered how. I thought it was because Dorami and Mina are such obedient cats (they were when they stayed over here during Chinese New Year) and I was 100% sure our kucing kampung would not allow me to do it.

Well, you won’t know until you try, right?

And I tried last night and guess what? I managed to brush Riley, Akira and Kai’s teeth!!

To be fair, it wasn’t like how we brush our teeth (that thoroughly), it was just brushing whatever teeth we can without causing so much distress.

So, this morning, I took a leap and faith and decided to try it on more cats.

The results are way beyond my wildest expectations!

Note: Dental health is SO important for dogs and cats, particular for cats, because (1) they don’t drink enough water and (2) dental problems lead to kidney disease due to the production of globulin when there are dental problems like gum inflammation and plague accumulation.

Here are today’s results:

I have classified them under three categories: Successful; Struggle but possible; Impossible.

That’s the toothbrush that I use. It’s made of either rubber or plastic or both – I’m not sure. I used to use those finger wipes but that’s just wiping and not brushing.

Robin: Successful. Rey: Successful. I did not expect this at all!

Ginger: Successful and easy!

Lynx: Struggle.

Smurfy: Have not tried, but likely to be Impossible.

Minnie: Cannot even catch or touch her, so most likely Impossible.

Kai: Successful. Indra: Successful.

This is totally unexpected as I have problems pilling the Blondies.

Akira: Successful.

Samantha: Cannot even touch her, so confirmed Impossible.

Indy: Successful and easy. Expected.

Cow Mau: I won’t try because of his mouth pain and he has no more back teeth, only canines and incisors.

Tabs; Struggle. Expected.

She hates having her mouth opened for food but doesn’t mine capsules being plonked down her throat. I cannot figure that out but never mind. At least capsules work for supplements and medicines if they are in powder form.

Riley: Successful! That’s expected because Riley is a very easy-going cat. The only issue I have with her is that she’s a junkie.

I have not tried with Gerald and Misty as they have gone off to ronda now.

So, would you like to try brushing your pet’s teeth too?