1. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste for Cats
Key Features
Tackles plaque and freshens the mouth
Tooth-safe abrasive enzymes
Non-foaming and freshens breath
Tasty beef flavor
If you’re looking for a toothpaste that’s super-efficient at tackling plaque, leaving a clean fresh mouth both you and your cat will love, then check out our best cat toothpaste pick, Virbac’s C.E.T Enzymatic Toothpaste. Thanks to its dual enzyme formula, this paste is more abrasive than many other toothpastes for cats but will not harm their teeth. The formula is also non-foaming, so safe to swallow and comes in a delicious beef flavor to make the whole cleaning process a treat for your kit. The toothpaste also acts as a natural antibacterial to keep decay at bay and will leave their teeth and gums healthy and clean. Not the cheapest toothpaste in our review but Virbac cat toothpaste is a plaque-tackling powerhouse that’s worth the investment.
2. Petrodex Dental Kit for Cats
Key Features
Toothpaste, brush and finger-brush
Non-foaming enzymatic formula
Reduced tartar and plaque build-up
Gentle enough for kittens
You get pet tooth cleaning quite literally at your fingertips with this affordable dental kit for cats from Petrodex. Containing a toothbrush and a finger-brush for the more reluctant or quick to get away cat, this set is effective and easy to use. The toothpaste is formulated with hydrogen peroxide producing enzymes that scrub and whip dirt and plaque away, helping to reduce tartar formation and freshen that kitty breath. It is also non-foaming so pleasant in your cat’s mouth and has a tasty malt flavor to make it an all-round pleasant experience as you boost their dental hygiene. The smell is a little strong but that is part of its appeal and the addition of a soft finger-brush also makes this set safe to also be used as a kitten toothpaste kit.
3. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dental Kit
Key Features
Denta-C to reduce plaque and tartar
Non-foaming and freshens breath
Nylon toothbrush tips for deep cleaning
Finger-brush ideal for kittens (from 3 months)
Containing Denta-C, which is proven to reduce plaque, this handy oral care kit for cats is a good addition to your feline grooming routine. The 2.5-ounce tube of toothpaste goes a long way and helps to give your cat a lovely clean feeling in their mouth, enticed by a choice of tasty flavors. With pet-safe ingredients, this toothpaste is effective at removing plaque and preventing bad-breath forming bacteria from taking hold. You also get a toothbrush with soft nylon tips to get in-between their teeth as well as neat little rubber massagers to boost their gum health. For more skittish cats or older kittens, the soft finger-brush works well and is a good way to get them used to a dental cleaning regime.
4. Paws & Pals Cat Toothpaste
Key Features
Two large size tubes of toothpaste
Non-foaming, with a beef flavor
Added calcium carbonate for bone health
Dual-headed toothbrush plus fingerbrush
You get a lot for your money with this great value cat toothcare pack from Paws & Pals. There are two large 7-ounce tubes of their Pet Toothpaste, enhanced by a beef flavor and boosted by calcium carbonate to support bone strength. The toothpaste is gentle enough for sensitive mouths and is pretty effective in cleaning away plaque and stinky breath. It’s non-foaming and can be used on its own, applied directly to your cat’s teeth and gum or with one of the supplied brushes. The brushes are versatile too, with a double-headed full-sized brush for those hard to reach places and a soft finger-brush for squirmy, nervous cats or kittens. A great value, quality set which should last you and your cat a long time.
5. Arm & Hammer Dental Care for Cats
Key Features
Enzymatic toothpaste with baking soda
Whitens and brightens teeth
Reduces plaque and bad breath
Natural ingredients and tuna flavor
Made with all-natural ingredients and an enticing tuna taste, this is an excellent value cat dental kit that works hard to do its job. Using the baking soda Arm & Hammer are known for, this enzymatic toothpaste goes in for a deep clean, reducing plaque and helping to eliminate the stinkiest of cat breaths. There’s also added herbs to heal inflamed gums, leaving their mouth fresh, comfortable and clean. And the minty smell makes life more pleasant for you too. You also get a decent sized toothbrush, plus a soft finger-brush so you can get your cat or kitten started on the road to fresh breath oral health. Our best priced toothpaste set to boost your cat’s teeth.
6. Oxyfresh Toothpaste For Cats
Key Features
Brush-free cleaning
Oxgene to kill bacteria
Simply apply to gum line
Tasteless and odorless
If you have a cat that simply doesn’t take to toothbrushing, then this easy to apply dental gel can do the work for you. With no brushing required, all you need to do is apply a little of this odorless and tasteless gel to their gumline. Made with Oxygene, which contains chlorine dioxide to neutralize bacteria and bad breath smells, you also get aloe Vera to calm and heal. Alcohol free, this is a gentle formula for your cat that works to help fight the causes of plaque, gingivitis and gum disease without causing your kit any toothbrushing stress. And it works quickly too, without leaving any unpleasant taste in your cat’s mouth.
7. Bluestem Cat Toothpaste
Key Features
Scientifically formulated to tackle tartar
Tasty natural chicken flavor
Hydrated silica to reduce plaque
Includes a dual-headed toothbrush
Our Premium Pick is this quality pet toothcare kit from Bluestem. Scientifically formulated to keep on top of your cat’s dental health, you get some smart plaque-fighting tech for your money. Chicken flavored, the toothpaste contains Bluestem’s Coactiv+ formula, which multi-tasks to fight plaque, reduce tartar and eliminate bad breath. And with hydrated silica, the paste is also gently abrasive to scour away food debris and plaque without harming your kit’s teeth. All the ingredients are food-grade and there are no nasty chemicals, additives or artificial flavors. A little of this toothpaste goes a long way and with the double-ended toothbrush for quick and easy cleaning, you have an effective oral hygiene routine for your pet.
8. PET KING BRANDS Oratene Toothpaste Gel
Key Features
Formulated for dry mouths
Tasteless; alcohol and xylitol-free
LP3 Enzyme System for effective cleaning
Aloe Vera to heal and soothe
Formulated for cats suffering from a dry mouth, the consistency of this toothpaste gel from Zymox helps to keep their mouth clean, soothed and protected. While not the largest tube of toothpaste in our review, you only need a small amount of the tasteless Oratene gel to boost your cat’s dental health, without needing a toothbrush. The clear enzymatic gel is gentle but tough on the bacteria that can take advantage of a dry mouth, removing plaque biofilm before it can cause any trouble. Zymox’s patented LP3 Enzyme System – a natural multi-complex – works to support periodontal health. Plus, there are no artificial nasties or Xylitol to dry out or cause excessive moisture in your cat’s mouth. Can be applied on its own or with a cat toothbrush for optimum dental health.
9. Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste for Cats
Key Features
Triple enzyme formula for a deep clean
Combats the growth of harmful bacteria
Delicious chicken flavor
Safe for both cats and dogs
Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste has a triple action formula to remove food and stubborn plaque from your cat’s teeth, while gently soothing and freshening their breath. By keeping all those nasty mouth bacteria at bay, regularly cleaning with Enzadent is also a good way to maintain your feline’s dental hygiene. With a delicious poultry flavor, your kit will soon come to see their teeth cleaning as a treat as it’s non-foaming and safe to swallow. Can be used on its own by rubbing along your cat’s gum line, or for a deeper clean use with a cat-safe toothpaste. And as it can also be used by dogs, this is a good value choice if you have a multi-pet household.
10. Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste Kit
Key Features
Triple Enzyme action formula
Tasty poultry flavor
Dual-end, easy use toothbrush
Includes soft finger-brush
If you’ve already used the toothpaste and like the results, or need a good value kit, then the Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste Kit works hard to keep your pet’s teeth healthy. Bringing together the triple-action enzyme formula of Vetoquinol’s popular Enzadent toothpaste, you also get a dual-end toothbrush which means you can easily reach those hard to reach places! The toothbrush is slim enough to fit your cat’s mouth without causing irritation and the toothpaste has a delicious poultry flavor to entice your kit to open wide. Using enzymes to not only deep clean but to reduce bacteria and eliminate odor, the toothpaste is non-foaming and needs no rinsing as it is safe for your cat to swallow. An easy to use kit for everyday teeth cleaning.
Best Cat Toothpaste Buying Guide & FAQ
Why is Cat Dental Care Important?
Unlike their wild cat counterparts, a domestic feline’s diet is not always enough to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Softer foods and a processed diet may contribute to the build-up of plaque, which can lead to bad breath and tooth decay. Cleaning your cat's teeth as part of their regular grooming routine can help prevent oral issues and keep their mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.
Take a look at our review of Cat Toothbrushes for more info.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Cat Toothpaste
When choosing a cat toothpaste, you should look out for the following:
Formula – your cat toothpaste should have enough cleaning power to whip away food debris without being too harsh for their mouth. Look for products that use cat-safe abrasive agents such as silica and calcium carbonate that gently clean their teeth and help to prevent plaque building up. Special enzymes which also kill the bacteria that cause bad breath is another formula to look for.
Ingredients – it goes without saying that the ingredients in your cat toothpaste must be non-toxic and pet safe so do check the label. And avoid chemicals such as fluoride and the sugar substitute, xylitol, which can both be harmful for cats if ingested.
Free from foaming agents – your cat doesn’t need a whole lot of froth going on in his mouth when you clean his teeth and some foaming agents can be unsafe for pets so check the label to ensure the toothpaste is foaming agent-free.
Flavor – unlike his human-parent, your cat doesn’t necessarily like their mouth to taste minty-fresh and so the toothpaste flavor needs to be appetizing to their feline tastes. Look for a toothpaste you think your own cat will find appealing; popular flavors include chicken, beef and seafood. If your kit associates their toothpaste with a treat, your regular teeth cleaning sessions will be so much easier.
Common Ingredients in Pet Toothpaste
Toothpaste for cats is specifically formulated to keep your kit’s teeth clean and help prevent dental or gum problems. It uses a range of ingredients that are pet-safe yet effective in removing food debris and plaque from your cat’s teeth and gums. Here are the most common ingredients to look for:
- Silica – this mild abrasive helps to scour grime from your cat’s teeth
- Ethanol – as an antibacterial agent, ethanol is safe for pets in small quantities
- Dicalcium phosphate – derived from calcium, this additive helps to strengthen feline teeth
- Glucose oxidase – the natural antibacterial properties of this ingredient tackles bacteria in the mouth
- Glycerin – a binding agent used to hold the toothpaste together and give it that lovely smooth texture
- Sodium benzoate –works to stop bacteria breeding in the toothpaste
- Xanthan gum – a cat-safe thickening agent to create that toothpaste consistency.
Ingredients that are potentially harmful to cats and should be avoided include fluoride, baking soda and the sugar substitute xylitol.
Benefits of Using Cat Toothpaste
Giving your kit a helping hand when it comes to their dental health has numerous benefits:
Prevents tooth loss – your cat is a carnivore and relies on those sharp teeth to eat, even if it's the tasty kibble you put out for them every day. Tooth loss due to poor oral hygiene can cause problems for your pet, eventually making eating difficult if not caught in time.
Tackles bad breath – stinky breath in pets is not nice so keeping their mouth clean will help to keep your home life sweet. Bad breath is caused by bacteria building up in their mouth, so cleaning away all that food debris from their teeth is going to prevent yucky bacteria making your cat’s mouth their home.
Maintains their dental health – while you should not forgo their annual dental check with the vet, regularly cleaning their teeth and gums not only maintains their oral health but enables you to keep on top of any problems as they arise.
Can help keep them healthy – periodontal disease has been linked to other health problems such as kidney and cardiovascular disease. So, keeping your cat’s mouth healthy by using a pet toothpaste can also help them to live a long, healthy life.
Will save you money – as they say, prevention is better than the cure and so if you want to save on expensive vet bills and dental treatment for your cat, then keeping their teeth nice and clean is also going to help keep those dollar bills in your bank account.
Our Top Pick
Top of our best cat toothpaste review is the plaque-tackling powerhouse, Virbac's C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs and Cats. With its powerful dual enzyme abrasive action, this toothpaste swipes away plaque and prevents tartar build up, all with a tooth-safe formula that has a beefy taste your kit will love. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it also soothes and heals their gums while freshening their breath. A little goes a long way, making this cat toothpaste from Virbac the one for your kit care bag.
