Last updated Jun 23, 2024
The best cat toothpaste will have effective ingredients and appeal to feline palates. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Dental hygiene is often overlooked by cat parents. We get it—the majority of cats aren’t thrilled about having their mouths handled, and most aren’t exactly cooperative with the process. But even though it’s challenging, regular brushing can save you from expensive dental treatments later on. One way to make the experience more tolerable for your cat is to find a toothpaste they enjoy—or at least tolerate.
To that end, we’ve combed the market to bring you six effective cat toothpastes that are popular with pet parents and their cats. Since every cat owner will have slightly different criteria in mind, we’ve categorized our recommendations to suit a range of needs. Keep reading for the best cat toothpastes for polishing teeth, freshening breath, and maintaining good oral health.
At a Glance: Best Dental Toothpaste To Buy In 2024
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste
- VOHC Seal of Approval
- Doesn’t contain sorbitol
- Proprietary formula breaks down plaque and bacteria
Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Dog & Cat Toothpaste
- Triple-enzyme formula
- Calcium pyrophosphate prevents tartar
- Zinc gluconate has antibacterial properties
Oxyfresh Premium Pet Toothpaste
- Doesn’t contain sorbitol
- Minimal ingredients
- Infused with aloe and chamomile to soothe gums
Oratene Enzymatic Brushless Toothpaste Gel
- Contains enzymes to break down plaque and manage bad breath
- Provides antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral protection
- Designed to relieve dryness, irritation, inflammation, and redness without causing salivation
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog & Cat Toothpaste
- Available in beef, malt, poultry, seafood, and vanilla mint
- Dual-enzyme system inhibits plaque
- Good choice for multi-pet homes, as it’s suitable for both cats and dogs
Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Dental Kit
- Formulated specifically for cats
- Most cats like the taste
- No foaming agents
Why It’s Important To Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
Regular teeth brushing contributes to better overall health. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
It’s quite common for cats to suffer from dental disease, with 50% to 90% oexhibiting signs by the age of 4. Unfortunately, since cats can’t communicate when something is wrong, it often goes unnoticed.
Although pet food manufacturers often claim that dry cat food helps clean teeth, it’s not enough to remove plaque and tartar that can lead to gingivitis. And while dental treats and water additives can help, they’re not a suitable replacement for regular brushing.
Ignoring dental disease can introduce a host of problems for your cat. For one, it can cause severe pain and inflammation, making it difficult for your cat to eat and drink. Additionally, bacteria might enter the bloodstream, causing systemic infection. In serious cases, dental disease can necessitate the removal of some of your cat’s teeth.
To protect your cat’s dental health, it’s best to brush their teeth regularly with a cat-specific toothpaste. If your cat is initially wary, there are also antiseptic gels and rinses that can help in the meantime. These products won’t be as effective as toothbrushing, but they’re better than nothing.
Why Trust Cats.com
Before making my product selections, I read up on periodontal disease in cats and preventative care recommended by veterinary professionals. I also researched common ingredients in cat toothpastes and how they work. I compared these to the ingredients found in some of the most popular formulas on the market.
Since it’s important that a toothpaste is at least tolerated by your cat, I read dozens of customer reviews and searched Reddit to learn what formulas other cats actually liked. During testing, I examined the texture and smell of each toothpaste. I also let my two cats smell and taste each one to determine which were the most appealing and which were not.
Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while Petsmile is our top choice, it might not be ideal for your unique cat. To help you choose the right toothpaste for your cat, we’ve broken down our recommendations by the type of formula, value, and other key considerations.
#1 Overall Best: Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Petsmile is the only cat toothpaste to have earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Approval. Unlike many other pet toothpastes, it doesn’t contain sorbitol—an ingredient that’s safe in small quantities but can cause digestive issues in sensitive cats.
This formula is powered by Calprox, a proprietary ingredient that’s been clinically proven to control plaque and whiten teeth. In three independent clinical trials, Petsmile showed significant improvements in oral heath: a 62% reduction in plaque and 28% fewer cases of gingivitis. The formula also contains antibacterial ingredients to freshen your cat’s breath.
Floyd gives Petsmile a whiff. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
We tested the rotisserie chicken flavor. The formula didn’t have an overly powerful smell, which was nice for my human nostrils, but might explain why my cats were less enthused. Senior cat Amber took a few hesitant sniffs and politely declined.
Conveniently, this paste is also designed to work without brushing. The brand asserts that even if your cat is resistant to brushing, you can apply the paste to their teeth and let their tongue do the rest of the work.
This formula is vegan and does not contain any animal proteins, sulfates, parabens, gluten, or BPA. It can be safely used on both dogs and cats. It’s pretty pricey, but if it helps protect your cat’s teeth, it might be worth the investment.
Ingredients
Calprox. Deionized Water, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Cellulose Gum, Urea Peroxide, Carbopol 934P
What We Liked:
- VOHC Seal of Approval
- Doesn’t contain sorbitol
- Proprietary formula breaks down plaque and bacteria
- Available in three flavors: London broil, say cheese, & rotisserie chicken
What We Didn’t Like:
- Most expensive option ($20 for a 4.2-ounce tube)
#2 Best Enzymatic: Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Dog & Cat Toothpaste
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Vetoquinol harnesses the power of three enzymes to polish teeth by removing plaque and food particles. Even if you struggle with brushing your cat’s teeth, the enzymes will do most of the work for you.
Calcium pyrophosphate is another noteworthy ingredient that inhibits the formation of dental calculus. You’ll also find zinc gluconate, which has antibacterial properties.
The poultry flavor was a hit with my cat. I didn’t care for the smell, but she seemed to really enjoy it.
Ingredients
Sorbitol, Glycerin, Silica, Calcium Pyrophosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Poultry Extract, Purified Water, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Lactate, Potassium Thiocyanate, Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin E, Glucose Oxidase, Lactoperoxidase, Lactoferrin, Lysozyme.
What We Liked:
- Triple-enzyme formula
- Calcium pyrophosphate prevents tartar
- Zinc gluconate has antibacterial properties
- Fairly strong smell, which is appealing to cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains sorbitol
#3 Best for Kittens: Oxyfresh Premium Pet Toothpaste
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Kitten owners will likely prefer a gentle formula, free of any questionable ingredients. This clear gel is odorless and flavor-free. It contains minimal ingredients, which exclude sorbitol. The fact that it’s colorless and odorless also makes it a good pick for long-haired cats prone to getting toothpaste on their face.
This toothpaste breaks up tartar and eliminates bad breath with a proprietary ingredient, Oxygene. It’s also infused with aloe and chamomile to soothe your cat’s gums.
However, if your cat requires strong smells or tastes to accept toothbrushing, they mihgt struggle with this one. Neither of my fussy cats were into this toothpaste.
Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Sodium Chlorite (Oxygene – Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Glycerin, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.
What We Liked:
- Doesn’t contain sorbitol
- Minimal ingredients
- Infused with aloe and chamomile to soothe gums
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some cats won’t go for a flavor-free paste
#4 Best Brushless Formula: Oratene Enzymatic Brushless Toothpaste Gel
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
If your cat is resistant to brushing, using a brushless formula is a smart tactic.
Oratene features two patented enzyme systems that dissolve plaque and prevent bacteria. The MD2 system contains mutanese and dextranase, which help regulate pH levels in your cat’s mouth to ward off germs and plaque. And the LP3 system employs a combination of three enzymes (lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, and lactoferrin) that have anti-inflammatory properties, making this toothpaste a good choice for pets with recurring oral issues.
The gel is relatively easy to apply with a brush or finger. I liked that the thin tapered dispenser makes it easier to apply a small amount of gel. You don’t need to brush or rinse, and the gel doesn’t cause excess salivation.
Oratene doesn’t have a detectable smell but is said to have a mildly sweet, non-bitter flavor. My cat readily licked it up.
Ingredients
Aloe Vera, Dextrose, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Polyglycitol, Potassium lodide, Sorbitol. Natural Enzymes: Glucose Oxidase, Lactroferrin, Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme
What We Liked:
- Contains enzymes to break down plaque and manage bad breath
- Provides antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral protection
- Designed to relieve dryness, irritation, inflammation, and redness without causing salivation
- Easy to administer
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some cats prefer a stronger smell
#5 Best Flavors: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog & Cat Toothpaste
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
If you have a picky cat or just one that likes variety, Virbac’s line of C.E.T. toothpaste is available in several flavors, including beef, malt, poultry, seafood, and vanilla mint. It’s also one of the toothpastes most frequently recommended by veterinary professionals.
This toothpaste contains enzymes that, when combined with saliva and oxygen, produce hypothiocyanite, which has an antibacterial effect. It’s safe for your cat to swallow and does not contain foaming agents.
This paste has a pretty strong smell, which might entice your cat. Most reviews indicate that cats love it, but when we tried the poultry flavor, our cat did not have the same enthusiasm (to each their own).
Ingredients
Glucose Oxidase, Lactoperoxidase, Sorbitol, Purified Water, Dicalcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Hydrated Silica, Glycerine, Poultry Digest, Dextrose, Xanthan Gum, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Thiocyanate.
What We Liked:
- Available in beef, malt, poultry, seafood, and vanilla mint
- Dual-enzyme system inhibits plaque
- Good choice for multi-pet homes, as it’s suitable for both cats and dogs
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains sorbitol
#6 Best Dental Kit: Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Dental Kit
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
With an all-in-one kit, you’ll have everything you need to get started with your cat’s dental care. This Sentry Petrodex set includes a small cat-sized toothbrush, a finger brush, and a 2.5-ounce tube of toothpaste formulated specifically for cats.
Along with cat toothpaste, this dental kit comes with a small toothbrush and finger brush. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
The toothpaste contains aspergillus niger fermentation extract: an enzyme extracted from fungal fermentation that biochemically reacts with plaque to prevent buildup. The formula also relies on abrasive ingredients to whiten teeth, including silica and dicalcium phosphate.
This toothpaste is malt-flavored and has a pretty strong smell. A lot of customers report their cats love the taste—our own cat Amber included.
Ingredients
Sorbitol, Dicalcium Phosphate, Water, Hydrated Silica, Glycerin, Barley Malt Extract, Dextrose, Xanthan Gum, Acidified Calcium Sulfate, Potassium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract.
What We Liked:
- Formulated specifically for cats
- Most cats like the taste
- No foaming agents
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains sorbitol
What To Consider When Buying Cat Toothpaste
Cat toothpastes come in a range of textures and flavors. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
You want a toothpaste that’s both effective against plaque and appealing to your cat. Here are some things to keep in mind while you shop.
Flavor and Texture
To entice your cat and make brushing more of a treat than a dreaded chore, choose a toothpaste flavor that your cat enjoys. As obligate carnivores, most cats will be interested in meat-flavored formulas (gross, I know, but they like it!).
Pet toothpaste also comes in a range of textures, from thick and pasty to thin and gel-like. Different textures will appeal to different cats. As we all know, cats are particular creatures, so it might take some trial and error to land on the right one.
Ingredients
Since they can’t spit out their toothpaste the way humans do, cats require a species-specific formula that’s safe to swallow. Toothpaste made specifically for cats is meant to be ingested and will leave out harmful ingredients commonly found in human toothpaste, like baking soda and fluoride. It also excludes foaming agents.
For plaque-busting power, look for enzymes, which often end with “-ase.” Some common ones include glucose oxidase, mutanase, dextranase, lysozyme, and lactoperoxidase. Abrasive ingredients like silica can help polish teeth. And antibacterial ingredients help fight bad breath.
Sorbitol is a confusing ingredient that’s found in many cat toothpaste formulas. In limited amounts, it doesn’t seem to cause problems. But if your cat is prone to digestive issues, you might want to avoid it.
Application Method
Traditional brushing is the gold standard of pet oral care, but some sensitive cats might benefit from a brushless formula. Brushless formulas can be applied directly to your cat’s gums and teeth. These are usually a thicker gel that clings to the teeth to fight periodontal disease without friction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to use human toothpaste on cats?
No, cats need a species-specific toothpaste. Human toothpastes contain ingredients that can cause digestive upset, like fluoride, sodium, and detergents. Not to mention, the minty flavor will be highly unpalatable to most cats.
Can I brush my cat’s teeth with baking soda?
There is some debate on the topic, but we advise against it. Not only does it taste bad, but baking soda is alkaline and can cause an upset stomach.
Do cat dental treats work?
Cat dental treats can certainly help, but they’re not a suitable replacement for traditional brushing.
What if my cat hates having their teeth brushed?
This is not uncommon. Most cats don’t like having a brush forced into their mouth! The key is to proceed gently and slowly. Acclimating your cat to teeth brushing can take time, so don’t fret if it’s slow-going at first.
Take one step at a time, letting your cat get used to having their mouth handled and trying the toothpaste on your finger before introducing the brush. Keep sessions short and offer lots of praise and treats. If your cat is still resistant, try adding other oral care strategies to your routine, such as water additives, dental treats, and chew toys.
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https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-dental-disease
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https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20063121295
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https://vohc.org/accepted-products/#cats
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33247264/
All of these products contain Sorbitol which is essentially sugar (sugar alcohol to be exact). Most of them even list Sorbitol as the first ingredient. Isn’t this bad for the cat’s heath? Especially considering that they will be swallowing this and we are supposed to brush their teeth couple times a week at least.
Hi Charlie, good point. It does appear that sorbitol is safe in small quantities, but it’s hard to say how it may affect cats’ health over time. The primary concern with sorbitol is its effect on digestion—it can make food move more quickly through the digestive tract and may cause diarrhea. This doesn’t seem to be something that will build up over time, however, so if your cat seems able to tolerate it in the short-term, avoiding a sorbitol-based toothpaste for this reason doesn’t make much sense. The other concern is that it may cause problems for cats with diabetes. Overall, it’s an ingredient to approach with caution, but we don’t know enough to say whether or not it’s a hazardous inclusion in your cat’s toothpaste.
I would like to know options for cat toothpastes that do not contain sorbitol
Hi Eric, thanks for commenting! I know we went over this by email, but Petsmile is a good option that doesn’t contain sorbitol and which seems to be one of the best-performing options on the market. All the best!
Sorbitol gives my 8 month old kitten diarrhea any time I use these to brush her teeth. Even if I take a break and then only use it one night, she will have loose stools the next day. Any recommendations for good toothpastes without Sorbitol?
Hi Jenn, Petsmile toothpaste doesn’t contain sorbitol: https://www.amazon.com/Petsmile-Professional-Toothpaste-Human-Grade-Ingredients/dp/B0988DB9PP/?tag=wwwallabou001-20
My Kitty, Aubree will NOT use ANY of the toothpastes. So I have been brushing, and following this up with the dental cloth/wipes.
I am also incorporating the powder into her canned/wet food. Any other thoughts on how to give her the optimum in Oral Hygene?
Hi Marilee, besides what you’re already doing, there are a few things you can do to ensure that Aubree has good dental hygiene. One is taking her in for professional cleanings to remove any lingering plaque, and most importantly, tartar. Additionally, you might consider feeding her some raw meaty bones. Compared to wet food, these take more effort to eat and can help to remove dental buildup. Raw feeding is controversial and complex; you won’t want to feed raw if she is immunocompromised, and it’s important to make sure that the bones are fairly small. Remember that cats can safely eat the bones of mice, lizards, chipmunks, and other small prey animals, but larger bones from pork or beef may pose a risk. Again, this is a relatively controversial area, so you may want to consult your veterinarian before incorporating raw bones into her diet. Hope this helps!
Hello, I currently use C.E.T virbac toothpaste for my FIV+ cat. But I recently read that Sodium benzoate, Dicalcium Phosphate Anhydrous, and
Potassium Thiocyanate are all harmful to cats. And that the two enzymes in it (Glucose Oxidase, Lactoperoxidase) are not tested on pets and work well in humans, but could be harmful for cats. I read that sodium benzoate is safe for dogs, but not cats. And dicalcium phosphate anhydrous causes kidney stones and organ issues that could kill a cat. I do not know what to do or what toothpaste to use. Is a natural homemade one better? I am also concerned about the purified water because I heard that is bad for cats. And is the poultry digest safe? I’m unsure what that is.
Hi George, thanks for the comment, and nice work reading up on this. Frankly, I’m not a vet or veterinary nutritionist, and I can’t give definitive answers on all of this. But I will say that while some of these can be harmful in certain quantities or under certain circumstances, I haven’t seen enough evidence to think that the amounts used in common toothpaste products for cats will be harmful. Dicalcium phosphate is one I’ve recently had to address with a veterinarian working on staff at a pet food company, and they say that “dicalcium phosphate supplies calcium and phosphorus, 2 essential minerals, to the food. Extremely high levels of calcium in the blood can lead to calcification of tissues and renal disease, this is seen with vitamin D toxicity because of the mechanisms within the body. Added at an appropriate level to make sure the calcium and phosphorus meet the AAFCO minimum required nutrient levels without exceeding the maximum levels is not going to lead to health issues in an otherwise healthy pet.” They add that “If you google pretty much any mineral ingredient that is used in pet food, you will find warnings because the information is not specific to proper inclusion levels.” Regarding those enzymes, cats produce their own lactoperoxidase, just like humans and other animals do, so that’s promising, but glucose oxidase does remain a mystery. However, the products including these ingredients do appear to have been tested and found both effective and safe, so I wouldn’t be too concerned. Poultry digest should be safe, yes—it’s a product made from hydrolyzed poultry tissue. The proteins are broken down and concentrated for intense flavor.
My vet directed me to the Veterinary Oral Health Council website for recommended products – https://vohc.org/accepted-products/ Wondering what you guys think of these? Will you guys review any of these?
Great question, Jesus! We’ve covered some of the VOHC-approved treats here: https://cats.com/best-dental-cat-treats and one of the prescription dental diets here: https://cats.com/best-foods-for-cats-with-dental-disease. I’m not familiar with the Healthymouth gels and water additives, though, so I’ll see if we can schedule a review!