You just realized that your cat has tartar on its teeth. How did this even happen? Well, there is a variety of bacteria present in your cat’s saliva, which grabs on teeth and gums. These bacteria feed off food particles present in your pet’s mouth then transform into a gummy substance a few hours after a meal.
The gummy substance is referred to as plaque and is relatively easy to clean through daily oral care. However, when left unchecked, plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar.
So, is it possible to reverse the situation and have a tartar-free cat? Sure.
There are tartar removal products for cats that effectively prevent and reduce tartar buildup. This review includes 10 of the best tartar removal products that have been researched, cross-checked, and tested. We believe that this guide will help you zero in on the tool you need.
Veterinary professionals recommend Virbac for home dental care products. The brand has over 30 years of leadership and experience, a reason why their products are among the most trusted in the market. One dental solution for tartar removal is the Virbac C.E.T Enzymatic Toothpaste.
The toothpaste is formulated with C.E.T Dual Enzyme that prevents the formation of tartar and plaque. It is free of foaming agents, and in case your cat swallows it, there will be no harm done. You can use this enzymatic toothpaste with Virbac’s C.E.T toothbrushes.
Virbac toothpaste comes in appealing flavors like seafood, vanilla mint, malt, beef flavor to make brushing easier. If yours is a multi-pet household, you can use this paste on your dogs too.
We recommend Virbac C.E.T toothpaste as the best overall cat removal product for cats as it is effective, safe, and multifunctional.
If you are looking for the best tartar remover product for cats for the money, get the Sentry Petrodex Toothpaste. This dental care kit reduces plaque buildup, tartar and freshens breath.
This veterinary strength malt toothpaste contains a hydrogen peroxide enzymatic formula that removes tartar and plaque to clean teeth. It also comes with an ultra-soft bristled brush that gently removes food debris and tartar. The finger brush massages gums, which makes it perfect for kittens and adult cats.
The Sentry Petrodex Toothpaste is easy to use as it does not foam. Besides, cats love its malty flavor.
Pros
Easy to use
Veterinary-developed
Reduces tartar and plaque
Freshens breath
Massages gums
Cons
Some cats dislike the malt flavor
3. PetLab Co. Dental Formula Cat Water Additive – Premium Choice
The key ingredients are sodium benzoate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium sorbate, which are mainly used in toothpaste. Sodium benzoate prevents bacteria buildup while sodium bicarbonate prevents and scrubs plaque and tartar. Potassium sorbate supports bone mineral density and maintains healthy gums.
For best results, shake the bottle before use. Then use one teaspoonful of the water formula for an 8 oz. of drinking water. Since the additive is odorless and tasteless, felines are unaware of its presence.
This solution is free of alcohol, detergents, and harmful sugars.
Get to pamper your pet with a delicious treat while cleaning their teeth with the Feline Greenies Dental Cat Treats. They are made of natural ingredients, are vet recommended, and irresistibly tasty.
These oven-roasted chicken flavor treats are formulated with natural ingredients, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Not only are they a nutritious, balanced diet for your kitty, but their crunchy texture removes tartar buildup, cleans teeth, and freshens breath. If you are concerned about the calorie serving, each treat has less than two calories.
Feline Greenies Dental Treats are available in different flavors, including salmon, tuna, and catnip.
Purina DentaLife Dental Cat Treats provides daily dental care in yummy treats. These treats are an easy and effective way to remove tartar from your pet’s teeth.
DentaLife treats have a crunchy and porous texture that helps clean the sides of teeth. As the tooth penetrates the crisp and airy-textured treat, the treat scrubs plaque and tartar.
Other than promoting oral hygiene, these treats have added probiotics that aid in digestive health. They are also packed with calcium and taurine and come in savory salmon flavor.
If your pet weighs 5 pounds or more, you can feed them up to 17 treats a day. However, these treats should not substitute your feline’s diet. Also, the manufacturer cautions against feeding these treats to cats less than 5 pounds.
Pawstruck Dental Wipes for Cats are multifunctional as they are effective on cats and dogs. These textured pads are made with all-natural ingredients to promote dental health.
The active ingredients in Pawstruck Dental Wipes are Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.1% and Sodium Hexametaphosphate. They help reduce tartar and plaque buildup when used regularly. The wipes are also made with organic peppermint and parsley to freshen breath.
For best results, use one hand to lift your cat’s lip to reveal teeth and the other hand to wipe your cat’s teeth. Wipe the upper and lower jaw from front to back twice a day or after meals.
Tartar buildup is an eyesore to look at, but the Majestic Bombay Cat Tooth Scaler is here to help. Made with high-quality, surgical-grade stainless steel, this tool effectively removes plaque and tartar.
It is designed with a double-headed scraper that scrubs off debris, plaque, and tartar. It also features an octagonal, knurled handle to help your fingers maintain a sturdy grip when cleaning your pet’s teeth.
You need to be extra cautious when scraping tartar as the sharp, angler scrapers can easily nick your cat’s gums. Also, wash and dry the tool after use to prevent tarnishing or rusting.
Promote your pet’s dental and breath care with Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dental Care. This non-abrasive powder is naturally formulated to fight plaque and tartar buildup, clean teeth, and freshen breath.
This dental care formula is mess-free since you only need to sprinkle the powder lightly on your cat’s food. The directions for use are indicated on the bottle, and the results are often seen in as little as one to two weeks after use.
Best Breed Dental Care is ideal for cats and dogs. However, it is not proven safe for pregnant cats or animals intended for breeding.
Remove tartar easily from your cat’s teeth with the VetWell Zymadent Cat Dental Wipes. The wipes feature a textured surface that effectively grabs and removes tough debris, tartar, and plaque off your feline’s teeth. Moreover, the wipes contain Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Sodium Hexametaphosphate as active ingredients, which are effective in tartar and plaque control.
These special wipes are made in the USA to guarantee safety and quality. They are gentle on your cat’s gums and pretty easy to use compared to brushing your pet’s teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
The VetWell Zymadent Dental Wipes also control odor-causing growth and freshen your pet’s breath with peppermint and spearmint.
Made with 100% natural North Atlantic Seaweed, this powder is clinically proven beneficial for a cat’s oral hygiene. The seaweed is harvested from a pure but extreme environmental habitat then processed in a unique method to achieve maximum potency and purity.
The Proden PlaqueOff softens existing tartar and prevents the formation of additional plaque. Sprinkle a little supplement in your cat’s wet or dry food once a day.
Its active natural formulas prevent the buildup of plaque, clean your pet’s teeth, and maintain fresh breath. You can use the powder with cats of all ages.
The supplement contains natural ingredients and is free from gluten, added sugar, additives, and artificial preservatives. However, it is not recommended for pets with hyperthyroidism.
Pros
100% natural ingredients
Recommended by vets
Easy to use
Suitable for all cat ages
Ideal for daily use
Cons
May clump when added to cat food
Does not always work
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Tartar Removal Product for Cats
Types of Tartar Remover Products for Cats
Even though tartar remover products come in different shapes, they all work to reduce tartar in your cat’s teeth. Here are the different types of tartar remover products.
Image Credit: Natallia Boroda, Shutterstock
Pet Toothpaste
Cat toothpaste contains enzymes, not fluoride, to naturally break down bacteria. In addition, the toothpaste is palatable and safe if ingested. It comes in pleasant flavors such as tuna, beef, poultry, malt, and mint.
Dental Treats
Dental treats promote cat dental health as they slow down and prevent tartar. Not only do they taste great, but they also scrape off tartar without bothering your pet.
Dental Wipes
These work by cleaning the biofilm and plaque that sticks onto the cat’s teeth. Dental wipes contain ingredients that break down the minerals that form tartar. However, dental wipes are not as effective as brushing, and they are an ideal option for calm felines.
Water Additives
Liquid water additives also help prevent tartar when added to a cat’s bowl of water. However, these additives are more effective in freshening a pet’s breath. Moreover, water additives should never replace regular brushing and good oral hygiene.
image credit: Alexander Dubrosvsky, Shutterstock
Related Questions
How Do I Prevent Tartar Accumulation in My Cats?
Since plaque and tartar begin to form hours after a meal, a dental care routine is a must. You should brush, rinse, or wipe your cat’s teeth and gum line daily. Dental treats, dental chews, and water additives are other ways to prevent tartar accumulation.
Is It Okay to Use Human Toothpaste on Cats?
No. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that should not be swallowed. Some ingredients like baking soda can cause stomach problems when your cat swallows it.
Conclusion
To remove plaque and tartar, you need to practice good oral dental hygiene. We recommend the Virbac C.T.E Enzymatic Toothpaste as it is safe and effective in inhibiting the formation of plaque.
If you are looking for a cheaper but quality tartar removal product, consider the Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Toothpaste. It cleans teeth, freshens breath, and reduces plaque and tartar buildup. And if you are looking for dental cat treats that reduce tartar buildup, consider the Feline Greenies.
Featured Image Credit: image credit: Pixel-Shot, Pixabay
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe....Read more
