You just realized that your cat has tartar on its teeth. How did this even happen? Well, there is a variety of bacteria present in your cat’s saliva, which grabs on teeth and gums. These bacteria feed off food particles present in your pet’s mouth then transform into a gummy substance a few hours after a meal.
The gummy substance is referred to as plaque and is relatively easy to clean through daily oral care. However, when left unchecked, plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar.
So, is it possible to reverse the situation and have a tartar-free cat? Sure.
There are tartar removal products for cats that effectively prevent and reduce tartar buildup. This review includes 10 of the best tartar removal products that have been researched, cross-checked, and tested. We believe that this guide will help you zero in on the tool you need.
A Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Virbac Enzymatic Cat Toothpaste
Suitable for dogs and cats
Safe when ingested
Prevents plaque formation
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Best Value
Sentry Petrodex Cat Toothpaste
Easy to use
Veterinary-developed
Reduces tartar and plaque
Check Price
Premium Choice
PetLab Co. Dental Water Additive
Supports fresh breath
Odorless and tasteless
Promotes periodontal health
Check Price
Feline Greenies Dental Treats
Vet recommended
Irresistibly tasty
Natural ingredients
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Purina DentaLife Cat Treats
Added probiotics
Yummy flavors
Includes calcium and taurine
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The 10 Best Tartar Removal Products for Cats
Veterinary professionals recommend Virbac for home dental care products. The brand has over 30 years of leadership and experience, a reason why their products are among the most trusted in the market. One dental solution for tartar removal is the Virbac C.E.T Enzymatic Toothpaste.
Lifestage: Adult
Features: Plaque removal, Tartar removal, Breath freshening
Product Form: Paste
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The toothpaste is formulated with C.E.T Dual Enzyme that prevents the formation of tartar and plaque. It is free of foaming agents, and in case your cat swallows it, there will be no harm done. You can use this enzymatic toothpaste with Virbac’s C.E.T toothbrushes.
Virbac toothpaste comes in appealing flavors like seafood, vanilla mint, malt, beef flavor to make brushing easier. If yours is a multi-pet household, you can use this paste on your dogs too.
We recommend Virbac C.E.T toothpaste as the best overall cat removal product for cats as it is effective, safe, and multifunctional.
Pros
Suitable for dogs and cats
Safe when ingested
Prevents plaque formation
Appealing flavors
Freshens breath
Cons
No safety seal
Suitable for dogs and cats
Safe when ingested
Prevents plaque formation
Appealing flavors
Freshens breath
- Suitable for dogs and cats
- Safe when ingested
- Prevents plaque formation
- Appealing flavors
- Freshens breath
No safety seal
- No safety seal
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If you are looking for the best tartar remover product for cats for the money, get the Sentry Petrodex Toothpaste. This dental care kit reduces plaque buildup, tartar and freshens breath.
Lifestage: Adult
Features: Plaque removal, Breath freshening, Tartar removal
Product Form: Toothpaste
This veterinary strength malt toothpaste contains a hydrogen peroxide enzymatic formula that removes tartar and plaque to clean teeth. It also comes with an ultra-soft bristled brush that gently removes food debris and tartar. The finger brush massages gums, which makes it perfect for kittens and adult cats.
The Sentry Petrodex Toothpaste is easy to use as it does not foam. Besides, cats love its malty flavor.
Pros
Easy to use
Veterinary-developed
Reduces tartar and plaque
Freshens breath
Massages gums
Cons
Some cats dislike the malt flavor
What if you could brush your pet’s teeth every time they drank water? Well, this is possible with the PetLab Co. Dental Formula Water Additive For Cats.
Easy to use
Veterinary-developed
Reduces tartar and plaque
Freshens breath
Massages gums
- Easy to use
- Veterinary-developed
- Reduces tartar and plaque
- Freshens breath
- Massages gums
Some cats dislike the malt flavor
- Some cats dislike the malt flavor
Lifestage: Adult
Features: Plaque and Tartar removal
Product Form: Liquid
The key ingredients are sodium benzoate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium sorbate, which are mainly used in toothpaste. Sodium benzoate prevents bacteria buildup while sodium bicarbonate prevents and scrubs plaque and tartar. Potassium sorbate supports bone mineral density and maintains healthy gums.
For best results, shake the bottle before use. Then use one teaspoonful of the water formula for an 8 oz. of drinking water. Since the additive is odorless and tasteless, felines are unaware of its presence.
This solution is free of alcohol, detergents, and harmful sugars.
Pros
Supports fresh breath
Odorless and tasteless
Promotes periodontal health
For small and large cat breeds
Made in the USA
Cons
Expensive
Get to pamper your pet with a delicious treat while cleaning their teeth with the Feline Greenies Dental Cat Treats. They are made of natural ingredients, are vet recommended, and irresistibly tasty.
Supports fresh breath
Odorless and tasteless
Promotes periodontal health
For small and large cat breeds
Made in the USA
- Supports fresh breath
- Odorless and tasteless
- Promotes periodontal health
- For small and large cat breeds
- Made in the USA
Expensive
- Expensive
Lifestage: Adult
Features: Tartar removal, Breath freshening
Product Form: Treats
These oven-roasted chicken flavor treats are formulated with natural ingredients, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Not only are they a nutritious, balanced diet for your kitty, but their crunchy texture removes tartar buildup, cleans teeth, and freshens breath. If you are concerned about the calorie serving, each treat has less than two calories.
Feline Greenies Dental Treats are available in different flavors, including salmon, tuna, and catnip.
Pros
Vet recommended
Irresistibly tasty
Natural ingredients
Offers balanced nutrition
Less than 2 calories per treat
Cons
Treats may be too hard or too big for some cats
Purina DentaLife Dental Cat Treats provides daily dental care in yummy treats. These treats are an easy and effective way to remove tartar from your pet’s teeth.
Vet recommended
Irresistibly tasty
Natural ingredients
Offers balanced nutrition
Less than 2 calories per treat
- Vet recommended
- Irresistibly tasty
- Natural ingredients
- Offers balanced nutrition
- Less than 2 calories per treat
Treats may be too hard or too big for some cats
- Treats may be too hard or too big for some cats
Lifestage: Adults
Features: Tartar removal, Added probiotics
Product Form: Treats
DentaLife treats have a crunchy and porous texture that helps clean the sides of teeth. As the tooth penetrates the crisp and airy-textured treat, the treat scrubs plaque and tartar.
Other than promoting oral hygiene, these treats have added probiotics that aid in digestive health. They are also packed with calcium and taurine and come in savory salmon flavor.
If your pet weighs 5 pounds or more, you can feed them up to 17 treats a day. However, these treats should not substitute your feline’s diet. Also, the manufacturer cautions against feeding these treats to cats less than 5 pounds.
Pros
Added probiotics
Yummy flavors
Includes calcium and taurine
Comes in a resealable pouch
Cons
Not for cats under 1 year
Pawstruck Dental Wipes for Cats are multifunctional as they are effective on cats and dogs. These textured pads are made with all-natural ingredients to promote dental health.
Added probiotics
Yummy flavors
Includes calcium and taurine
Comes in a resealable pouch
- Added probiotics
- Yummy flavors
- Includes calcium and taurine
- Comes in a resealable pouch
Not for cats under 1 year
- Not for cats under 1 year
Lifestage: Adult
Features: Tartar Removal
Product Form: Wipes
The active ingredients in Pawstruck Dental Wipes are Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.1% and Sodium Hexametaphosphate. They help reduce tartar and plaque buildup when used regularly. The wipes are also made with organic peppermint and parsley to freshen breath.
For best results, use one hand to lift your cat’s lip to reveal teeth and the other hand to wipe your cat’s teeth. Wipe the upper and lower jaw from front to back twice a day or after meals.
Pros
Textured pads
Made in the USA
Promotes dental health
Freshens breath
Reduces plaque and tartar
Cons
Too small
Tartar buildup is an eyesore to look at, but the Majestic Bombay Cat Tooth Scaler is here to help. Made with high-quality, surgical-grade stainless steel, this tool effectively removes plaque and tartar.
Textured pads
Made in the USA
Promotes dental health
Freshens breath
Reduces plaque and tartar
- Textured pads
- Made in the USA
- Promotes dental health
- Freshens breath
- Reduces plaque and tartar
Too small
- Too small
Lifestage: Adult
Features: Tartar removal, Plaque removal
Product Form: Tooth Scaler
It is designed with a double-headed scraper that scrubs off debris, plaque, and tartar. It also features an octagonal, knurled handle to help your fingers maintain a sturdy grip when cleaning your pet’s teeth.
You need to be extra cautious when scraping tartar as the sharp, angler scrapers can easily nick your cat’s gums. Also, wash and dry the tool after use to prevent tarnishing or rusting.
Pros
Solid, high-quality dental tool
Features sharp scrapers
For cats and dogs
Sturdy grip
Cons
Can easily hurt a cat’s gums
Promote your pet’s dental and breath care with Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dental Care. This non-abrasive powder is naturally formulated to fight plaque and tartar buildup, clean teeth, and freshen breath.
Solid, high-quality dental tool
Features sharp scrapers
For cats and dogs
Sturdy grip
- Solid, high-quality dental tool
- Features sharp scrapers
- For cats and dogs
- Sturdy grip
Can easily hurt a cat’s gums
- Can easily hurt a cat’s gums
Lifestage: Adult
Features: Fight plaque, Breath freshening,
Product Form: Powder
This dental care formula is mess-free since you only need to sprinkle the powder lightly on your cat’s food. The directions for use are indicated on the bottle, and the results are often seen in as little as one to two weeks after use.
Best Breed Dental Care is ideal for cats and dogs. However, it is not proven safe for pregnant cats or animals intended for breeding.
Pros
Mess and hassle-free
Veterinarian approved
Supports healthy gums
Aromatic powder
Great for cats and dogs
Cons
Requires the use of other removal products
Remove tartar easily from your cat’s teeth with the VetWell Zymadent Cat Dental Wipes. The wipes feature a textured surface that effectively grabs and removes tough debris, tartar, and plaque off your feline’s teeth. Moreover, the wipes contain Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Sodium Hexametaphosphate as active ingredients, which are effective in tartar and plaque control.
Mess and hassle-free
Veterinarian approved
Supports healthy gums
Aromatic powder
Great for cats and dogs
- Mess and hassle-free
- Veterinarian approved
- Supports healthy gums
- Aromatic powder
- Great for cats and dogs
Requires the use of other removal products
- Requires the use of other removal products
Lifestage: Adult
Features: Breath Freshening
Product Form: Wipes
These special wipes are made in the USA to guarantee safety and quality. They are gentle on your cat’s gums and pretty easy to use compared to brushing your pet’s teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
The VetWell Zymadent Dental Wipes also control odor-causing growth and freshen your pet’s breath with peppermint and spearmint.
Pros
Disposable
Safe for daily use
Freshens breath
Made in the USA
Removes debris, plaque, and tartar
Cons
No information about the size of wipes
- You may also be interested in: 9 Best Cat Toothpastes – Reviews & Top Picks
If you are not into brushing your cat’s teeth or using manual tartar removal tools, consider the Proden PlaqueOff Powder Cat Supplement.
Disposable
Safe for daily use
Freshens breath
Made in the USA
Removes debris, plaque, and tartar
- Disposable
- Safe for daily use
- Freshens breath
- Made in the USA
- Removes debris, plaque, and tartar
No information about the size of wipes
- No information about the size of wipes
Lifestage: Adult, Senior, Kitten
Features: Breath freshening, Tartar Removal, Plaque removal
Product Form: Powder
Made with 100% natural North Atlantic Seaweed, this powder is clinically proven beneficial for a cat’s oral hygiene. The seaweed is harvested from a pure but extreme environmental habitat then processed in a unique method to achieve maximum potency and purity.
The Proden PlaqueOff softens existing tartar and prevents the formation of additional plaque. Sprinkle a little supplement in your cat’s wet or dry food once a day.
Its active natural formulas prevent the buildup of plaque, clean your pet’s teeth, and maintain fresh breath. You can use the powder with cats of all ages.
The supplement contains natural ingredients and is free from gluten, added sugar, additives, and artificial preservatives. However, it is not recommended for pets with hyperthyroidism.
Pros
100% natural ingredients
Recommended by vets
Easy to use
Suitable for all cat ages
Ideal for daily use
Cons
May clump when added to cat food
Does not always work
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Tartar Removal Product for Cats
Types of Tartar Remover Products for Cats
Even though tartar remover products come in different shapes, they all work to reduce tartar in your cat’s teeth. Here are the different types of tartar remover products.
100% natural ingredients
Recommended by vets
Easy to use
Suitable for all cat ages
Ideal for daily use
- 100% natural ingredients
- Recommended by vets
- Easy to use
- Suitable for all cat ages
- Ideal for daily use
May clump when added to cat food
Does not always work
- May clump when added to cat food
- Does not always work
Pet Toothpaste
Cat toothpaste contains enzymes, not fluoride, to naturally break down bacteria. In addition, the toothpaste is palatable and safe if ingested. It comes in pleasant flavors such as tuna, beef, poultry, malt, and mint.
Dental Treats
Dental treats promote cat dental health as they slow down and prevent tartar. Not only do they taste great, but they also scrape off tartar without bothering your pet.
Dental Wipes
These work by cleaning the biofilm and plaque that sticks onto the cat’s teeth. Dental wipes contain ingredients that break down the minerals that form tartar. However, dental wipes are not as effective as brushing, and they are an ideal option for calm felines.
Water Additives
Liquid water additives also help prevent tartar when added to a cat’s bowl of water. However, these additives are more effective in freshening a pet’s breath. Moreover, water additives should never replace regular brushing and good oral hygiene.
Related Questions
How Do I Prevent Tartar Accumulation in My Cats?
Since plaque and tartar begin to form hours after a meal, a dental care routine is a must. You should brush, rinse, or wipe your cat’s teeth and gum line daily. Dental treats, dental chews, and water additives are other ways to prevent tartar accumulation.
Is It Okay to Use Human Toothpaste on Cats?
No. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that should not be swallowed. Some ingredients like baking soda can cause stomach problems when your cat swallows it.
Conclusion
To remove plaque and tartar, you need to practice good oral dental hygiene. We recommend the Virbac C.T.E Enzymatic Toothpaste as it is safe and effective in inhibiting the formation of plaque.
If you are looking for a cheaper but quality tartar removal product, consider the Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Toothpaste. It cleans teeth, freshens breath, and reduces plaque and tartar buildup. And if you are looking for dental cat treats that reduce tartar buildup, consider the Feline Greenies.
Featured Image Credit: image credit: Pixel-Shot, Pixabay
