People think of cats as scratchers, not as chewers, but the truth is that cats also need chew toys in order to live their happiest, healthiest lives. Plus, dental toys can keep your cat’s teeth in good health in between vet visits and can even help freshen up your cat’s breath. If you’re looking for the best dental toys for cats, our reviews will give you all the info you need so that you can make the best choice for your kitty.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
CatTwig Silver Vine Stick Cat Chew Toy
All-natural and organic
Helps to scrape away plaque
Promotes a sense of calm
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Best Value
Petstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel Cat Chew Toy
Made of durable rubber
Helps with teeth and jaw muscle health
Perfect for all cats
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Premium Choice
Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Grass Planter
Made of ceramic and plastic
Provides interesting texture for your cat to chew
Keeps your cat away from other plants
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Best for Kittens
Bundle: PureBites Salmon Raw Treats + Petstages Mint Stick Chew Toy
Comes with two great products
Salmon treats are great for kitten development
Mint stick helps to keep your kitten’s breath fresh
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KONG Kitty KONG Cat Toy
Made of durable rubber
Cleans teeth and massages gums
Can put catnip or treats inside
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The 10 Best Dental Toys for Cats
The CatTwig Silver Vine Stick Cat Chew Toy is our pick for the best overall dental toy for cats because it is an all-natural, organic toy that your cat will love. The materials used in this toy help to scrape away plaque and keep your cat’s teeth healthy and clean. The effects of silvervine are also similar to catnip, and sometimes they can even be stronger. This toy is perfect for all cats, but especially those who like to chew on things. Not all cats like to chew on bark-like textures, though.
Materials: All-natural 100% organic Silver Vine
Dental Benefits: Scrapes away plaque
Best For: All cats
Pros
All-natural and organic
Helps to scrape away plaque
Promotes a sense of calm
Stronger than catnip
Perfect for all cats
Cons
Some cats may not like the bark-like texture
The Petstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel Cat Chew Toy is our pick for the best dental cat toy for the money. It’s affordable, it is made of durable rubber, and it helps to keep your cat’s teeth and jaw muscles strong and healthy. This toy is also perfect for all cats, from kittens to adults, but those who like to chew on things will get the most benefit from it. However, some cats may not like the rubber texture and prefer to chew on something more natural.
All-natural and organic
Helps to scrape away plaque
Promotes a sense of calm
Stronger than catnip
Perfect for all cats
- All-natural and organic
- Helps to scrape away plaque
- Promotes a sense of calm
- Stronger than catnip
- Perfect for all cats
Some cats may not like the bark-like texture
- Some cats may not like the bark-like texture
Materials: Rubber
Dental Benefits: Helps to remove tartar and plaque
Best For: All cats
Pros
Made of durable rubber
Helps with teeth and jaw muscle health
Perfect for all cats
Cons
Some cats may not like the texture of the rubber
Many cats like to chew on grass and other plants for various reasons. Although this isn’t a true dental toy, the Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Grass Planter is a great choice for those looking for an eco-friendly option for something for your cat to chew on. This planter is made of ceramic and plastic and has a built-in planter with a watering system. You can have fresh cat grass for your cat to chew on any time and can also keep your cat from chewing on your other house plants. The downside is that you have to buy the cat grass seed separately.
Made of durable rubber
Helps with teeth and jaw muscle health
Perfect for all cats
- Made of durable rubber
- Helps with teeth and jaw muscle health
- Perfect for all cats
Some cats may not like the texture of the rubber
- Some cats may not like the texture of the rubber
Materials: Ceramic, plastic
Dental Benefits: Provides interesting texture
Best For: All cats
Pros
Made of ceramic and plastic
Provides interesting texture for your cat to chew
Keeps your cat away from other plants
Cons
Cat grass seeds not included
Some cats may throw up after eating grass
- Bundle: PureBites Salmon Freeze-Dried Raw Treats + Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Chew Toy – Best for Kittens
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Materials: Salmon, mint
Dental Benefits: Helps to remove tartar and plaque, freshens breath
Best For: All cats
The Bundle: PureBites Salmon Freeze-Dried Raw Treats + Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Chew Toy is our best choice for kittens because it comes with two great products that will help keep your kitten’s teeth clean and healthy. The salmon treats are made of all-natural ingredients and are a great source of healthy protein for your growing cat. They also contain natural omega fatty acids for healthy brain development and skin and coat health. The mint stick is also a great way to help keep your kitten’s breath fresh and gives them something to chew on when teething. Adult cats can benefit from this bundle as well. The downside is that some cats may not like the taste of mint on the chew stick or the taste of salmon in the treats.
Made of ceramic and plastic
Provides interesting texture for your cat to chew
Keeps your cat away from other plants
- Made of ceramic and plastic
- Provides interesting texture for your cat to chew
- Keeps your cat away from other plants
Cat grass seeds not included
Some cats may throw up after eating grass
- Cat grass seeds not included
- Some cats may throw up after eating grass
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Materials: Salmon, mint
Dental Benefits: Helps to remove tartar and plaque, freshens breath
Best For: All cats
Pros
Comes with two great products
Salmon treats are great for kitten development
Mint stick helps to keep your kitten’s breath fresh
Perfect for all cats
Cons
Some cats may not like the taste of mint
- KONG Kitty KONG Cat Toy
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Materials: Rubber
Dental Benefits: Cleans teeth and massages gums
Best For: Heavy chewers or teething cats
The KONG Kitty KONG Cat Toy is our pick for the best toy for cats that love to chew or are teething. It is made of durable rubber and helps to clean teeth and massage gums. This toy is also perfect for those who like to chew on things. You can place catnip or treats inside to entice your cat, and this toy is also easy for cats to bat around. The only downside is that some cats may not enjoy the texture when chewing on it.
Comes with two great products
Salmon treats are great for kitten development
Mint stick helps to keep your kitten’s breath fresh
Perfect for all cats
- Comes with two great products
- Salmon treats are great for kitten development
- Mint stick helps to keep your kitten’s breath fresh
- Perfect for all cats
Some cats may not like the taste of mint
- Some cats may not like the taste of mint
Materials: Rubber
Dental Benefits: Cleans teeth and massages gums
Best For: Heavy chewers or teething cats
Pros
Made of durable rubber
Cleans teeth and massages gums
Can put catnip or treats inside
Cons
Some cats may not like the texture of the rubber
The Petstages Dental Banana Cat Chew Toy with Catnip is a great choice for all cats, but those who like to chew on things will get the most benefit from it. This toy is made of a cotton polyester blend and nylon mesh, so it is very durable. And it is filled with catnip, which can entice your cat to chew on it. As they bite and chew it, it will also help to remove tartar and plaque. It’s also crinkly which can make the toy fun for some cats. The downside is that the catnip can wear off over time, which can cause cats to lose interest over time.
Made of durable rubber
Cleans teeth and massages gums
Can put catnip or treats inside
- Made of durable rubber
- Cleans teeth and massages gums
- Can put catnip or treats inside
Materials: Cotton polyester blend, nylon mesh, catnip
Dental Benefits: Helps to remove tartar and plaque
Best For: All cats
Pros
Made of durable materials
Filled with catnip
Makes a fun crinkly sound
Cons
The catnip can wear off over time
The Catit EcoCat Sisal Fish Cat Toy is a great choice for those looking for an eco-friendly option. This toy is made of sisal, which is a sustainable material that helps to clean teeth and massage gums. It also has feathers on it, which makes it fun for your cat to play with. Your cat will enjoy batting it around. The downside is that the feathers may come off over time, and sisal may not be as durable as other materials.
Made of durable materials
Filled with catnip
Makes a fun crinkly sound
- Made of durable materials
- Filled with catnip
- Makes a fun crinkly sound
The catnip can wear off over time
- The catnip can wear off over time
Materials: Sisal
Dental Benefits: Helps to clean teeth and massage gums
Best For: All cats
Pros
Made of sisal
Eco-friendly
Fun to bat around and chew
Cons
Feathers may come off over time
Sisal may not be as durable as other materials
- Petlinks Crazed Cat Sticks Silvervine Cat Toy
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Materials: Silvervine, catnip
Dental Benefits: Helps to clean teeth and massage gums
Best For: All cats
The Petlinks Crazed Cat Sticks Silvervine Cat Toy is a great choice for those looking for an eco-friendly and natural option. This toy is made of silvervine and catnip which can attract cats to the toy and provide a durable chewing option at the same time. It also has feathers, which provide more enticing play for your cat. This toy is great for all cats, but the downside is that the feathers can come off over time and the effects of silvervine and catnip may wear off over time as well.
Made of sisal
Eco-friendly
Fun to bat around and chew
- Made of sisal
- Eco-friendly
- Fun to bat around and chew
Feathers may come off over time
Sisal may not be as durable as other materials
- Feathers may come off over time
- Sisal may not be as durable as other materials
Materials: Silvervine, catnip
Dental Benefits: Helps to clean teeth and massage gums
Best For: All cats
Pros
Made of silvervine and catnip
Comes fun feathers
Helps to clean teeth and massage gums
Perfect for all cats
Cons
Feathers can come off
Effects of silvervine and catnip wear off
This plush snake will encourage your cat to stalk, pounce and play. The ZEZE Lovely & Delicate Forest Snake Tease Wand Cat Toy is made of a plush nylon mix and can be sprinkled with catnip. It’s not a true dental toy, but it is made of a durable cloth that is great for chewing. It entices your cat to play, and the chewing and biting in the process can help massage your cat’s gums and can offer relief from teething. This snake toy is perfect for all cats, but it’s pricey and is not truly designed for dental care.
Made of silvervine and catnip
Comes fun feathers
Helps to clean teeth and massage gums
Perfect for all cats
- Made of silvervine and catnip
- Comes fun feathers
- Helps to clean teeth and massage gums
- Perfect for all cats
Feathers can come off
Effects of silvervine and catnip wear off
- Feathers can come off
- Effects of silvervine and catnip wear off
Materials: Plush nylon mix, catnip
Dental Benefits: Helps massage gums, great for soothing teething
Best For: All cats
Pros
Made of a plush nylon mix and catnip
Helps to clean teeth and massage gums
Cons
Pricey
Not a true dental toy
The Catit Senses 2.0 Digger for Cats is another option that is not a true dental toy, but we still felt that it deserves a mention. It’s a slow-feeding system that will help to reduce tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth by limiting how much food they can eat at one time. It’s made of durable plastic, and it allows your cat the opportunity to dig for its food. This toy is a good choice for all cats, but cats that eat their food too fast or eat too much can get the most benefit from it. The downside on top of it not being a true dental toy is that it is pricey.
Made of a plush nylon mix and catnip
Helps to clean teeth and massage gums
- Made of a plush nylon mix and catnip
- Helps to clean teeth and massage gums
Pricey
Not a true dental toy
- Pricey
- Not a true dental toy
Materials: Plastic, nylon
Dental Benefits: Helps to reduce tartar buildup
Best For: All cats
Pros
Interactive toy
Made of durable plastic
Reduces tartar buildup by limiting food intake
Cons
Pricey
Not a true dental toy
Interactive toy
Made of durable plastic
Reduces tartar buildup by limiting food intake
- Interactive toy
- Made of durable plastic
- Reduces tartar buildup by limiting food intake
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dental Toys for Cats
When it comes to choosing the best dental toy for your cat, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. In this buyer’s guide, we will discuss the different materials used in dental toys, the benefits of dental toys, and what to look for when choosing a dental toy for your cat.
Materials Used in Dental Toys
There are a few different materials that are commonly used in dental toys for cats. The most common material is rubber. Rubber is a great material for dental toys because it is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Additionally, rubber is known to clean teeth and massage gums. Another popular material that is used in dental toys is silvervine. Silvervine is a natural, cat-friendly material that is durable and can help clean teeth and massage your cat’s gums.
The Benefits of Dental Toys
There are many benefits that come along with using dental toys for cats. The most obvious benefit is that dental toys help to keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy. Additionally, dental toys can help to prevent gum disease and other dental problems by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Dental toys can help to reduce stress and anxiety in cats by providing a way to keep them busy when left alone.
What to Look for When Choosing a Dental Toy for Your Cat
When you are choosing a dental toy for your cat, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. First, you need to make sure that the dental toy is made from safe and non-toxic materials. Additionally, you want to make sure that the dental toy is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Finally, you want to make sure that the dental toy is comfortable for your cat to chew on and that the dental toy is the right size for your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best material for a dental toy?
A: The best material for a dental toy is rubber. Rubber is a great material for dental toys because it is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Additionally, rubber is known to clean teeth and massage gums.
Q: Do dental toys help with hairballs?
A: Some people believe that chewing on dental toys can help to reduce hairballs in cats. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Q: Do all cats like dental toys?
A: No, not all cats like dental toys. Some cats may prefer to chew on other objects such as cardboard or rope. It is important to offer a variety of different chew toys to your cat and see what they respond best to.
Q: My cat doesn’t seem to be interested in dental toys. What should I do?
A: If your cat is not interested in dental toys, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure that you are offering a variety of different chew toys to your cat. Additionally, you can try flavoring the dental toy with catnip or another type of treat. Finally, if all else fails, you can always consult with your veterinarian for more advice on keeping your cat’s teeth healthy.
Q: How does chewing grass help with dental care?
A: Chewing grass can help with dental care because it helps to remove plaque and tartar from teeth. Additionally, chewing grass can help to massage gums and keep them healthy. Finally, chewing grass can also help to freshen breath.
Q: Do dental toys come in different sizes?
A: Yes, dental toys come in different sizes. It is important to choose a dental toy that is the right size for your cat. If the dental toy is too small, your cat may be able to swallow it. If the dental toy is too big, your cat may not be able to use it properly.
Q: How often should I replace my cat’s dental toys?
A: You should replace your cat’s dental toys every few months or as needed. Additionally, you should inspect your cat’s dental toys frequently and discard any that are damaged or broken.
Q: Are there any special considerations I need to take into account when choosing dental toys for my senior cat?
A: When choosing dental toys for your senior cat, you need to take into account their age and health. You want to make sure that the dental toy is comfortable for your cat to chew on, as some materials such as rubber may be too hard and softer materials might be a better choice. Finally, you want to make sure that the dental toy is the right size for your cat.
What You Need to Know About Cat Dental Care
Cats need regular dental care just like humans do. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of this and do not take the necessary steps to ensure their cat’s teeth are healthy. The good news is that there are a few easy things you can do to help keep your cat’s teeth healthy.
First, you need to brush your cat’s teeth on a regular basis. You can use a special cat toothbrush or a soft-bristled human toothbrush. You also need to use a toothpaste that is specifically designed for cats. Never use human toothpaste on your cat as it can be harmful.
In addition to brushing, you also need to provide your cat with dental toys and treats. Dental toys and treats help to keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy.
Finally, you need to take your cat to the vet for regular checkups. During these checkups, the vet will be able to clean your cat’s teeth and look for any potential problems. If you take these steps, you can help to ensure that your cat’s teeth are healthy and strong.
What Happens if I Ignore My Cat’s Dental Health?
If you ignore your cat’s dental health, it can lead to a number of problems. The most obvious problem is that your cat’s teeth will become dirty and unhealthy. Additionally, ignoring your cat’s dental health can also lead to gum disease and other dental problems.
Chewing on dirty or unhealthy teeth can cause digestive problems in cats. Finally, ignoring your cat’s dental health can also lead to behavioral problems such as aggression or anxiety.
As you can see, there are a lot of potential problems that can occur if you do not take care of your cat’s teeth. That is why it is so important to make sure you are taking the necessary steps to keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy.
Conclusion
Dental toys are a great way to keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy. We think that the best overall choice is the CatTwig Silver Vine Stick Cat Chew Toy. For the best value for the money, we like the Petstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel Cat Chew Toy. We hope this list provides you with plenty of great options and that whatever option you choose works for your cat.
Featured Image Credit: Abigail Crawford, Shutterstock
