Reviewed against current veterinary guidance on feline dental care. Last reviewed: June 2026.
Brushing your cat’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do at home for their dental health, more so than any treat, water additive, or dental diet. The catch is using products made for cats and building the habit the right way. Here are the best cat toothbrushes and toothpastes, and how to actually get your cat to tolerate the routine.
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The 5 best picks at a glance
| Product | Type | Key feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virbac CET Enzymatic | Toothpaste | Enzyme system, no rinsing | Best overall |
| Petsmile Professional | Toothpaste | VOHC-accepted | Best clinically backed |
| Vet’s Best Enzymatic | Toothpaste | Natural ingredients | Best budget |
| Virbac CET Dual-Ended Brush | Toothbrush | Two head sizes | Best toothbrush |
| Jasper Finger Brushes | Toothbrush | Slips over fingertip | Best for beginners |
Best cat toothpastes
The golden rule first: never use human toothpaste. It contains fluoride and often xylitol, both of which are toxic to cats, and it is meant to be spat out, which cats cannot do. Cat toothpaste is made to be swallowed and comes in flavors cats actually like.
1. Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste: Best overall
This is the one most vets reach for. The CET system uses natural enzymes that keep working against plaque-causing bacteria after brushing, and because it is designed to be swallowed there is no rinsing step to fight your cat over. The poultry flavor is genuinely popular, so much so that many cats accept it as a treat, which is half the battle with brushing. Reliable, vet-trusted, and easy to use, it is the sensible default. It is the same enzymatic formula Virbac sells for both dogs and cats, so a listing labeled for dogs is the same product, just confirm it is the enzymatic toothpaste in a flavor your cat likes.
2. Petsmile Professional Toothpaste: Best clinically backed
Petsmile holds a distinction no other toothpaste on this list does: it is the only cat toothpaste accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), meaning it has clinical evidence behind its plaque-and-tartar claims. Its Calprox technology works to dissolve the protein film bacteria cling to, and notably it is designed to help even without rigorous brushing, which makes it a strong option for cats who tolerate only a quick swipe. The London Broil flavor is well received. If clinical backing is your priority, this is the pick.
3. Vet’s Best Enzymatic Toothpaste: Best budget
If cost or a preference for simpler ingredients is steering you, Vet’s Best is a dependable value option. It uses an enzymatic, natural-ingredient formula (including aloe and neem oil) and, like the others, needs no rinsing. It is not VOHC-accepted and the flavor is less of a sure thing than Virbac’s, but for everyday brushing on a budget it does the job well.
Best cat toothbrushes
4. Virbac CET Dual-Ended Toothbrush: Best toothbrush
A proper feline toothbrush has soft, angled bristles sized for a small mouth, and the Virbac CET dual-ended brush delivers exactly that, with a larger and a smaller head so you can pick what fits your cat. The long handle gives you control along the gumline, where brushing matters most. Paired with the CET toothpaste above, it is the classic, effective combination.
5. Jasper Finger Toothbrushes: Best for beginners
For cats new to brushing or those who resist a handled brush, a finger brush is the gentlest way in. It slips over your fingertip so you have direct, calm control, and the soft bristles feel less intrusive to a nervous cat. Many owners use a finger brush to train the routine for a few weeks before graduating to a handled brush, and some cats happily stay on the finger brush for good. An inexpensive, low-stress starting point.
The honest part: technique beats the product
Here is what the product pages will not tell you. The specific brush and paste matter far less than two things: consistency and technique.
Consistency is everything. Daily brushing is the gold standard, because plaque starts to harden into tartar within about 48 hours. Brushing a few times a week still helps a great deal, but a drawer full of premium products used twice a month does almost nothing. The best routine is the one you can actually keep up.
Technique matters more than scrubbing. The goal is the outer surfaces of the teeth along the gumline, where plaque accumulates. You do not need to pry the mouth open or reach the inner surfaces, the tongue handles those reasonably well. A gentle, angled motion on the cheek-facing surfaces is what counts.
Brushing is prevention, not a cure. This is the honest limit. Brushing prevents new plaque and slows tartar, but it cannot remove tartar that has already hardened, and it will not reverse existing gum disease. If your cat already has visible tartar, red gums, or bad breath, those need a veterinary dental exam and likely a professional cleaning first. Brushing keeps things good once they are good, it does not fix a problem that is already there.
How to get your cat to accept brushing
Go slow, over a couple of weeks rather than all at once. Start by letting your cat lick a little toothpaste off your finger so they associate the flavor with something pleasant. After a few days, rub a dab along the outside of a few teeth with your finger or a finger brush. Build up to a proper brush gradually, keeping each session short and calm and ending on a good note with praise or a small reward. If your cat gets stressed, stop and try again later, since a forced session sets the whole project back. Patience in the first two weeks pays off for years.
🩺 Vet Tip
Brushing prevents disease, it does not treat disease that is already there. If your cat has bad breath, visible brown tartar, red or bleeding gums, or is pawing at their mouth, please book a veterinary dental exam rather than relying on brushing to fix it. Those are signs of existing dental disease, and once tartar has hardened or gums are inflamed, only a professional cleaning under anesthesia can properly address it. Brushing is what keeps the mouth healthy afterward, and what protects a young, healthy mouth in the first place. And never use human toothpaste, the fluoride and xylitol it contains are toxic to cats. Start the habit early, keep it gentle, and your cat’s teeth (and your vet bills) will thank you.
Frequently asked questions
1. How often should I brush my cat’s teeth?
Daily is ideal, because plaque begins hardening into tartar within about two days. If daily is not realistic, a few times a week still makes a meaningful difference. The most important thing is consistency over time, a sustainable routine beats an occasional perfect one.
2. Do I really need to brush, or are dental treats and additives enough?
Brushing is the most effective at-home method by a wide margin. Dental treats, water additives, and dental diets are helpful supporting players, especially for cats who refuse brushing entirely, but none match the plaque control of a brush on the tooth. Think of them as useful add-ons rather than replacements.
3. Can I use human toothpaste in a pinch?
No, never. Human toothpaste contains fluoride and often xylitol, both toxic to cats, and it is formulated to be spat out rather than swallowed. Always use a toothpaste made for cats. If you have run out, brushing with plain water is far safer than using human paste.
4. My cat absolutely refuses to let me brush. What now?
Start smaller and slower: a finger brush, a lick of toothpaste as a treat, and very short sessions built up over weeks. If your cat still refuses, lean on VOHC-accepted options that work with minimal brushing (like Petsmile), plus dental treats, a water additive, and a VOHC-accepted dental diet. Something is always better than nothing, and your vet can advise on the best mix for a brushing-averse cat.
The bottom line
Brushing is the most powerful tool you have for your cat’s dental health, and the products are simple. For most cats, the Virbac CET toothpaste and dual-ended brush are the proven combination, Petsmile is the pick when you want VOHC-backed evidence or a cat who tolerates only a quick swipe, and a finger brush is the gentlest way to start a nervous cat. Whatever you choose, consistency is what makes it work, and remember that brushing prevents problems rather than fixing ones that already exist. If your cat’s mouth already looks or smells off, start with the vet, then keep it healthy with the brush.
A two-minute habit now saves a painful, expensive cleaning later.
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Medical disclaimer: This content is for general information only and does not replace individualized advice from your veterinarian. If your cat shows signs of dental disease, please see your vet.