Can I Use Human Toothpaste on My Cat? What to Use Instead

Can you use human toothpaste on your cat? No. Your cat can't rinse and spit, so she swallows whatever you put in her mouth. Human toothpaste is made to be spat out. Use a toothpaste made for cats instead.

Maybe her tube ran out. Or maybe she just licked a bit off your own brush. A small lick is usually not an emergency, and there's a clear plan below. Here is why human paste is a problem, what to do if she already had some, and how to start with the right paste this week.

Why Is Human Toothpaste Bad for Cats?

Human toothpaste is made for people who spit, and your cat can't. VCA Animal Hospitals says human toothpastes contain ingredients that should not be swallowed. If your cat swallows some, it can upset her stomach.

The Cornell Feline Health Center is blunt about it. Use only toothpaste or gel made for cats, it says, because human products can be toxic to cats. International Cat Care (iCatCare) adds that cats dislike the taste, and it may irritate the stomach.

So what in the tube is the problem? Vet sources name these:

• The foam. Human toothpaste foams because of a chemical called sodium lauryl sulfate. VCA's guide to personal care products and pets says it can upset the gut if swallowed.
• Fluoride. The same VCA guide says the fluoride in human toothpaste can be harmful to pets. Even tiny amounts, swallowed over months or years, may build up to a toxic level. That matters if you brush every day.
• Baking soda. Some pastes contain it. VCA says it is highly alkaline and can upset the acid balance in the stomach and gut. It also tastes bad, so your cat is less likely to cooperate.

What About Xylitol?

Xylitol is a sweetener found in some toothpastes, gums and mints. It gets the loudest warnings online, but that danger is mostly about dogs. The ASPCA says xylitol can be dangerous for dogs. It also says it does not cause serious problems in cats.

The cat research is small. A 2018 study in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics gave xylitol to six healthy cats. The authors found no toxic effects.

That still isn't a reason to use a xylitol paste on your cat. The foam, the fluoride and the taste are all still there. If a dog shares your home, keep xylitol products well out of reach.

What If Your Cat Already Licked Some?

A small lick usually causes mild trouble at most, but call if you're unsure. Pet Poison Helpline says fluoride in small amounts is not severely toxic for pets. A small amount usually brings mild signs, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Large amounts can cause more serious heart and nervous system signs.

Here is how to sort out what happened:

You can reach your vet, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. It is open 24/7. Pet Poison Helpline answers at (855) 764-7661. Both lines charge a consultation fee.

Skip home remedies. Don't try to make her vomit, and don't give her anything to flush it out. Pet Poison Helpline says any care should be guided by your vet or its own experts.

What Should You Use Instead?

Use a toothpaste made for cats, and only a pea-sized dab. Cat toothpaste is very different from yours. iCatCare notes it often comes in flavors like chicken, beef or fish. If your cat turns up her nose at one, try another.

LitterBond's enzymatic cat toothpaste is one option. It comes in a 100 g airless pump, with tea polyphenols and papain enzymes. It helps reduce plaque and freshens breath. It won't remove hardened tartar. Only a cleaning at your vet can do that.

Cats can't spit, so she will swallow a little of any paste, ours included. That's why you keep to a pea-sized dab. No brush comes in the box.

For the brush, choose a soft toothbrush made for cats. A silicone finger brush is the other common choice. iCatCare suggests avoiding finger brushes in most cases, because you could get bitten. A small, soft brush keeps your finger farther from her teeth.

How Do You Start the First Week?

Go slowly, and let your cat set the pace. iCatCare builds up to brushing in small stages. Keep each session short, and end it with something she likes.

Here is one way to spread the stages over a week:

1. 1

   Days 1 and 2: Touch her face

   Stroke her cheeks and lips for a few seconds. Then give her a favorite snack.

2. 2

   Days 3 and 4: Offer a lick

   Put a pea-sized dab on your fingertip, and let her lick it off.

3. 3

   Days 5 and 6: Touch a few teeth

   Rub a little paste on a few back teeth, in small circles. Use a cotton swab, as iCatCare suggests.

4. 4

   Day 7: Try the brush

   About ten seconds on each side. iCatCare says to build up to 30 seconds per side over time.

If she pulls away, go back a step for a day or two. Stop while she is still relaxed. Some cats need a few weeks, not one, and that's fine.

What If She Won't Let You Brush?

Some cats never accept a brush, and that's not a failure on your part. Other options ask much less of her. Our guide on how to clean cat teeth without brushing ranks them by how much handling each one takes.

One of them is Daily Purr Defense, LitterBond's dental mousse. You smooth the foam along her gumline in about 30 seconds. It helps reduce plaque between vet cleanings, but it won't remove tartar or replace a cleaning.

When Should You Call the Vet?

Some mouth problems need your vet, not a new toothpaste. Book a visit if you notice any of these:

The American Veterinary Medical Association lists most of these as signs of dental trouble in pets. Cornell adds head-turning while chewing. Daily care helps reduce plaque. Hardened tartar is a different story, and it needs a professional cleaning at your vet.

If you do one thing tonight, put your own toothpaste back in the drawer. Pick up a paste made for cats, start with a lick from your fingertip, and stop while she still enjoys it. The brush can wait until she's ready.

Questions this guide did not cover

Can I use a human toothbrush on my cat?

A very soft one can work for some cats. VCA Animal Hospitals says some cats do fine with a very soft toothbrush made for human babies. Pair it with toothpaste made for cats, never your own.

How often should I brush once she's used to it?

Every day, if she lets you. VCA calls daily brushing the most helpful, with three times a week as the minimum. PetMD explains why: soft plaque can start to harden into tartar in just 24 to 48 hours.

Is it too late to start with an older cat?

No. iCatCare says brushing can be introduced at any age. Kittens tend to get used to it quickly, so an adult cat may simply need more days at each step.

Related reading

• How to Clean Your Cat's Teeth Without Brushing: 7 Options, Ranked
• Do Cat Dental Water Additives Actually Work? An Honest Look