The 5 Best Water Additives for Your Cat's Teeth

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According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dental disease is the most common health problem cats face.

And for those of us living with felines, I think we'd all agree that it's also the most challenging to treat because cats and toothbrushes just don't mix. Maybe that's why the AVMA report that a whopping 50-90 percent of cats over the age of four show, signs of trouble.

The good news, is that brushing your cats teeth isn't the only way to improve oral care. Today's dental water additives may provide an easy, effective solution for providing daily care.

If you've never used dental water additives, they're a flavorless solution you simply mix in with your cat's regular drinking water.

As your cat drinks, the active ingredients coat the teeth and gums to create an environment that discourages bacterial growth, freshens breath, and, depending on the formula, can help manage plaque or tartar.

Now, these additives don't replace regular veterinary exams or professional cleaning, but they do provide a layer of oral care your pet might not otherwise receive if they're resistant to brushing. Which, in my book, means almost every cat.

So let's take a look at some of the top water additives with an eye toward finding something that's both palatable and effective.

Best Overall - TropiClean Fresh Breath

This one earns the top spot because it is formulated specifically for cats rather than built for multiple species. Its also easy to use: simply add one capful, or 15 milliliters, to three cups of fresh water once daily. Ingredients include cetylpyridinium chloride, a common oral-care compound, along with green tea extract and zinc gluconate and TropiClean describes it as odorless and tasteless, which suits felines sensitive to changes in their water. The trade-off is that even a tasteless formula can be noticeable to an especially fussy drinker, so watch water intake after you introduce it.

Best for Picky Cats - Oxyfresh Premium Pet

If your feline is super fussy and you know they'll be quick to notice (translation: reject) any change ino their daily water bowl, this is the additive you want. Made with stabilized chlorine dioxide and zinc acetate, controls oral odors without a strong mint or noticeable flavor. Marketed as tasteless and odorless, it's perfect for finicky drinkers and can be used with cats or dogs. That shared design is also its drawback: if a feline-specific formula matters to you,

Best Flavorless Option - VETRADENT

Using something called Biotrate Technology, this flavorless option supports oral hygiene and controls tartar by changing the environment in your pet's mouth. Now, maybe we're being too picky but the Veterinary Oral Health Council's VOHC Accepted Seal, references dogs, not cats. While the product is labeled as being acceptable for cats, Seal isn't necessarily proof of a VOHC-accepted feline claim. This may or may not be an issue, but it's useful to understand which species its been manufactured for.

Best Enzymatic Formula - Oratene Enzymatic

Oratene takes an enzyme-based approach instead of leaning on zinc compounds or chlorine dioxide. Its formula includes glucose oxidase to break down plaque-causing bacteria on contact, along with glycerin and potassium sorbate. I love that its also unflavored and can be used for both cats and dogs. A good option for those who want to take an enzymatic approach to their pet's oral care.

Best Probiotic Option - ProDen PlaqueOff

ProDen PlaqueOff uses a proprietary seaweed extract, Ascophyllum nodosum, that reduces plaque mineralization. Studies in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry show seaweed-based formulas can cut plaque buildup by roughly a third in cats when used consistently and for over 60 days. Easy to use, this unique option comes as both a water additive and a sprinkle powder.

Lots of info and if you're not sure where to start, why not begin with a feline-specific formula that uses ingredients known to be safe to cats. Not all products for dogs can make that claim. If your cat is picky, look for one of the tasteless options and introduce it at half strength.

And taking a two-pronged approach to your cat's oral care can help further ensure optimal effectiveness. Consider adding oral wipes or brushing to your water additive regimen.