🦷 Whiskers, Purrs & Pearly Whites
A Gentle Guide to Cat Dental Health
From Healthy Paws Mobile Vet - Servicing parts of Brisbane & Moreton Bay
Cats are graceful, independent, and quietly resilient, which is why they’re often masters at hiding pain, especially in their mouths.
At Healthy Paws Mobile Vet, we’ve cared for many cats across Brisbane and Moreton Bay who appeared “fine” on the outside, but were silently living with dental disease.
It’s more common than you’d think. In fact, by the age of three, most cats already have early signs of dental issues. The good news? With gentle support, early detection, and some practical at-home habits, we can help protect their comfort and their health.
Let’s explore how to spot the subtle signs of feline dental problems, what you can do at home, and why a mobile vet visit may be the kindest way to keep your cat’s smile healthy.
🦷 What Is Dental Disease in Cats?
It all starts with plaque- a soft, sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and leads to inflammation (gingivitis), infection, and eventually, periodontitis - a painful condition that can affect the jawbone, teeth, and even internal organs via the bloodstream.
Left untreated, dental disease in cats can cause:
Ongoing pain and tooth loss
Chronic inflammation and infection
Bacteria spreading to the heart, liver, or kidneys
Changes in appetite, grooming, behaviour, and mood
Cats often don’t stop eating, even when it hurts, so the problem can go unnoticed without regular vet checks.
😿 Subtle Signs Your Cat May Have a Sore Mouth
Cats rarely show obvious pain. But they do communicate, softly, and often through behaviour.
Here are some signs your cat may be experiencing dental discomfort:
💨 Bad breath - foul, sour, or metallic-smelling
🍽️ Chewing only on one side or dropping food
🐾 Pawing at the mouth or rubbing their face against furniture
😾 Avoiding touch around the mouth, face or head
💤 Sleeping more, seeming grumpy, or withdrawing socially
🩸 Drooling, bleeding gums, or yellow/brown tartar on teeth
🧼 Matted or messy coat - due to reduced grooming
If you’re seeing any of these signs, please don’t wait, a gentle mobile vet visit can help identify and ease their discomfort, all in the safety of home.
🪥 Yes, You Can Brush a Cat’s Teeth (Kindly and Slowly)
While brushing a cat’s teeth may sound like trying to bathe a tiger, it can become a tolerable, and even bonding ritual when introduced slowly, gently, and respectfully.
Start Slow. Go at Their Pace. Reward Everything.
Here’s a cat-friendly brushing process that actually works for many:
1. Choose the Right Time
Pick a calm moment when your cat naturally comes for affection (after a nap or meal).
2. Get Them Used to Face Touch
Gently touch and stroke around their cheeks, lips and chin for a few days. Always reward with treats or praise.
3. Lift the Lip
Begin to softly lift their lip to expose a few teeth. Offer a treat. End session.
4. Introduce Toothpaste
Use pet-safe cat toothpaste only- human toothpaste is toxic to cats. Dab a little on your finger and let them taste it.
5. Try Your Finger
Rub the paste along the outer surfaces of the teeth with your finger. Then, slowly work toward using a finger brush, soft baby toothbrush, or gauze-wrapped finger.
6. Keep It Short & Sweet
Only aim for a few seconds at first. Slowly increase as your cat becomes more comfortable.
🎯 Brushing Tips That Actually Help
Never force. If your cat is stressed, stop and try again later.
Always pair brushing with a positive reward: a treat, chin scratch, or playtime.
Focus on the outer surfaces of the back teeth- these are where plaque builds up most.
Aim for daily brushing, but even 2–3 times a week is beneficial.
🛑 If Your Cat Shows Pain - Stop Immediately
If your cat flinches, pulls away, growls, or seems distressed during brushing, do not continue. Brushing should only be introduced after a vet has confirmed there’s no pain or active dental disease.
Brushing a sore mouth can cause trauma, emotionally and physically, and make future care harder.
If in doubt, book a gentle dental assessment at home. We’ll check their teeth and gums in a low-stress environment and guide you on what’s safe.
🧺 Other Ways to Support Dental Health
While brushing is ideal, there are other helpful additions:
Dental prescription diets (ask us which ones are suitable)
Vet-approved dental treats for cats
Additives or gels designed for feline oral care
Annual dental checks, especially for cats over 5
Professional scale & polish under anaesthetic when needed
Even with perfect at-home care, most cats will need a professional dental clean at some point in their life.
🏡 Why Choose a Mobile Vet for Cat Dental Checks?
Cats aren’t fans of crates, car rides, or waiting rooms, especially when they’re unwell or in pain. That’s why we offer mobile cat dental checks and gentle at-home vet care across:
📍 Parts of Brisbane
📍 Parts of Moreton Bay
We come to your home, assess your cat where they feel safe, and provide tailored advice for their unique temperament and needs. No trauma, no drama, just calm, compassionate care where it matters most.
💛 A Healthy Mouth Is a Happy Cat
Caring for your cat’s dental health isn’t about perfection, it’s about paying attention, offering comfort, and choosing gentle, preventative steps that protect their wellbeing.
Whether your cat is young and curious or a quiet senior curled in sunbeams, dental health matters, and you don’t have to do it alone.
We’re here to help, from mobile dental checks to practical advice and support, across parts of Brisbane or Moreton Bay.
🐾 Book a Cat Dental Check at Home
📍 Mobile vet care for cats in Brisbane and Moreton Bay
🐱 Gentle support for all cats - from curious kittens to perfect old soul fluffballs
💬 [Contact us here → linked here]