AIVetTree · Cat Oral Health Guide
Cat Tartar — Prevention and Removal
Tartar forms when plaque, a bacterial film, hardens with minerals in saliva. Once it has hardened, toothbrushing cannot remove it and professional scaling is required. Tartar can contribute to gum inflammation and periodontal disease, so daily plaque control is important.
How does tartar form?
Plaque, a sticky bacterial film, begins to build up on a cat's teeth within hours after eating. If it is not removed, it can combine with minerals in saliva and harden into tartar within days. Hardened tartar requires professional removal, so daily plaque control is the most effective prevention.
In numbers
- Plaque builds up again within a few hours after eating — so daily brushing can help prevent it. (AAHA Dental Care Guidelines)
- More than 50% of cats over 3 years of age are reported to have some form of dental disease, with tartar and gum inflammation being common starting points. (Cornell Feline Health Center)
Signs to watch for
| What to look for | What it may mean |
|---|---|
| A yellow or brown hard object on the tooth | hardened tartar |
| Gum line becomes red | Inflammation of gums around tartar (Gingivitis Guide) |
| bad breath | Accompanied by bacterial growth (Bad Breath Guide) |
Prevention and removal
Prevention (at home)
- Brush your cat's teeth every day to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
- No human toothpaste, use toothbrush and toothpaste specifically for pets.
- Choose dental snacks and products that have the VOHC certification mark.
Professional removal
- Hardened tartar is removed through professional scaling, usually under anesthesia so the veterinarian can safely treat below the gum line.
- Excessive scraping with household tools is not recommended as there is a risk of damage to the gums and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove cat tartar at home?
Hardened tartar cannot be removed by toothbrushing. It requires professional scaling at a veterinary clinic. At home, daily toothbrushing removes plaque before it hardens and helps prevent new tartar.
Do I have to visit a veterinary clinic if I have tartar?
Arrange a veterinary exam if you see thick, hardened tartar together with inflamed gums or bad breath. Untreated tartar can contribute to periodontal disease.
What is the most effective way to prevent tartar?
Daily toothbrushing is most effective. Plaque builds up within hours after eating and can harden within days, so remove it before it becomes tartar.