When your cat is accustomed to the taste and feel of the toothbrush, and you are both comfortable with facial handling, you are ready to start brushing. In order to brush your cat’s teeth, you may need to hold your cat to study the head. Experiment and practice so that you can find the method that works best for your particular situation. For example, you can use one hand cradle your cat’s head tilted back slightly so the mouth will open a little. Or, cup your hand behind the cat’s head and use your thumb to lift the lip just enough to slip the brush into the mouth. Remember your cat’s whiskers are sensitive, so avoid pulling on them when you handle his or her head. With the bristles pointed up, slip to brush under the lip, and brush the upper front tooth. Turn the brush so the bristles point down and brush the lower front tooth. Brush the front teeth on the other side in the same way. Reward immediately with a treat. When brushing, use gentle short back-and-forth strokes. Cats have sensitive, relatively fragile gums compared to dogs and people. To clean under the gums, point bristles upwards while brushing the upper teeth in point bristles downwards while brushing the lower teeth. Angling the bristles in this way allows them to clean a very small space that surrounds each tooth where the gum meets the tooth. It is in the space that plaque quickly accumulates and infection can begin. Brushing the outer surfaces of the teeth is normally sufficient. Cats can usually keep the inner tooth surfaces clean with their tongue. Sometimes, problem areas will need special attention. Your veterinarian can show you these areas.