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This self-cleaning cat toothbrush is amazing — and it’s only $4.99

Even when you start early, teaching your cat to tolerate having his teeth brushed can be a real struggle. Dental care is an essential element of caring for your cat, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy, especially if your cat strongly protests having his teeth brushed. While a good cat toothbrush is a must-have, the best toothbrush might not be one of those traditional toothbrushes that you use on your cat’s teeth. Instead, a self-cleaning cat toothbrush can make the process of caring for your cat’s teeth much easier and more enjoyable. We’ve shared our top pick below to help you save time with your shopping.

Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick

If you want your cat to enjoy the benefits of tooth brushing, then the Petstages catnip and dental health cat toys are a great option. These toys are designed to help remove soft tartar and plaque as your cat plays and chews, so your cat is improving his dental health with every play session. This self-cleaning cat toothbrush makes cleaning your cat’s teeth a whole lot of fun for you both.

Our top pick is the Fresh Breath Mint Stick. This mint-filled toy features a mesh netting exterior that gently scrapes your cat’s teeth clean. The toy is filled with natural, dried mint to help freshen breath at the same time. Because mint is closely related to catnip, it entices your cat much in the same way that catnip does. The result is an appealing toy that will keep your cat’s interest.

This toy features crinkly leaf ends to help encourage play, batting, and chewing. The toy is ideal for both joint and solo play, and it measures 5 inches long by 1.65 inches wide. If you want to refresh the minty scent, just press and roll the toy’s center to reinvigorate the mint.

Why we like it:

  • Freshens breath and cleans simultaneously
  • Good for both joint and solo play
  • Appeals to cats in the same way catnip does

If the Fresh Breath Mint Stick doesn’t strike your cat’s fancy, you can also choose from a wide array of Petstages dental toys that are equipped with the same mesh netting covering as this mint toy. With fun shapes like a banana, cherries, and other dental chews, you can get a few different styles to determine which is most appealing to your cat. Having a few of these cat toothbrushes around means you can swap them out, so your cat always has a new and enticing toy to play with that can hold his interest.

Additional dental care tips for your cat

This cat toothbrush can make playtime dental care time, too, but there are other important ways that you can support your cat’s dental health. Talk with your vet about the type of food they recommend since certain diets and food products can be better for your cat’s health than others. Choosing treats with a harder exterior texture can also help to scrape your cat’s teeth clean as he eats.

Investing in a self-cleaning cat toothbrush is just one more way you can prioritize your cat’s dental health. Even with careful dental management, it’s still important to take your cat to the vet regularly to have his teeth examined. Your tooth brushing efforts at home may be able to keep in-office dental cleanings at bay for a while, but it’s likely that at some point, your cat may need an in-depth cleaning at the vet. With better dental health, though, your cat can enjoy better overall health and reduced pain. Buying some self-cleaning cat toothbrush toys is a great way to get your cat started on a path to better dental health.

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Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
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