Updated October 11, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Some dental treats and diets can modestly reduce plaque or tartar on cats’ teeth, but they can’t clean below the gumline or treat existing dental disease. The best way to pick a product that works is to look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which means the maker submitted study data showing a reduction in plaque or tartar. Daily brushing is still the most effective home care, and regular vet dental exams are essential.
What dental treats can do
- Reduce the buildup of plaque or tartar on tooth surfaces
- Help freshen breath slightly
- Offer a simple addition to a dental care routine
What they can’t do
- Clean below the gumline, where periodontal disease does its damage
- Treat tooth resorption, broken teeth, or stomatitis
- Replace professional cleaning under anesthesia
How to choose a product
- Look for the VOHC seal on treats, diets, water additives, and chews. The VOHC website lists accepted products for cats.
- Feed as directed. Studies are based on the stated daily amount.
- Count the calories: treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
- Consider a dental diet if your vet recommends it, since it can be fed as a main meal rather than extra treats.
Signs of dental problems in cats
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Drooling
- Chewing on one side or dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth
- Weight loss or poor grooming
See your vet if you notice these. A cat in dental pain may not eat hard treats, and treats won’t fix the problem. Read more about tooth extractions in cats and feline stomatitis.
Brushing: the gold standard
- Use a soft pet toothbrush or finger brush and a pet toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste.
- Start slowly: let your cat lick the toothpaste, then touch the teeth briefly, gradually building up.
- Focus on the outer surfaces of the back teeth.
- Aim for daily brushing, since plaque starts hardening into tartar within days.
What to avoid
- Human toothpaste or mouthwash, which can contain xylitol, fluoride, or detergents.
- Hard chews made for dogs, which can break cats’ teeth.
- Anesthesia-free dental cleanings, which can’t clean or assess below the gumline.
- Relying on treats if your cat has signs of dental pain.
Frequently asked questions
Do cat dental treats really work?
Those with the VOHC seal have evidence of reducing plaque or tartar, but the effect is modest.
Can dry food clean my cat’s teeth?
Regular kibble does little. Some specially designed dental diets have VOHC acceptance.
How often should my cat have a dental cleaning?
It varies. Your vet will recommend cleanings based on yearly exams.
Sources
- Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC): Accepted products for cats
- AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. 2019
- American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC): Position statement on anesthesia-free dental cleaning
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Dental disease in cats
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.