“Parents why have you forsaken me” (Our cats, translated, 2023)

It is important to maintain our cat’s dental hygiene to prevent dental plaques and decay, just like humans. We also don’t want to be kissing their permanent morning breath, that’s why vets recommend regular brushing with toothbrush.

We always hear the Colgate ads “9 out of 10 dentists recommend this product”. We’re not dentists, but we might be inclined to say “2 out of 2 cat owners don’t recommend this product”, at least at our home. We purchased Arm & Hammer Cat Dental Care Dental Kit. Seems like a great combo, finger and proper tooth brush with toothpaste combo, all-in-one. This all changed once we opened the toothpaste, now I know this will be subjective, but the smell. O-M-G, the fusion of tuna, baking soda and other enzymes made for a…pungent first impression.

Following their instructions, we fought on, maybe it’s just us humans? Maybe the cats like sharp white tuna flavor? We dabbed a bit onto our fingers to let them smell and lick, the boys couldn’t even get past the first step. Sorry boys, it’s manhandling time. To the boys, it was torture. To us, we felt bad. But at least they got their snacks after that.

Delivery Time: N/A, store bought/10

Price: $20AUD from Petbarn, lost 80% of the value because the boys didn’t like the toothpaste :’)

Quality: Toothbrush, amazing. Easy to use, the bristles are nice and soft on the boy’s gums (but remember to wet it before use). The finger…toothbrush…thing? I don’t get it. I know it’s meant to allow better control but the end making contact with teeth and gums are so rigid, and it’s just an all round more larger and cumbersome to brush with.

Oral hygiene quality: I have no idea, managed to brush them a quarter, maybe half before they wriggle away. Can’t have good oral hygiene if they don’t accept the toothpaste.

Conclusions: I might let the boys summarize this for us: MEOW MEOW MEOW MEOW HISSSS MEOW translated “Please don’t ever use that again, I like fish but not that one”. In all honesty, good toothbrush to use, and we are still using the same one. Just maybe try a different flavor? Rejected faster than a bad first date.