Dental hygiene is paramount to the health of your cat, and the smell of your cat’s breath can indicate whether they have dental problems. If you find yourself pulling your shirt up over your nose, a trip to the vet for a dental examination is needed.
To better understand the process, plaque forms from bacteria in your cat’s saliva. The plaque will calcify and turn into tartar over time. Once this happens, the only proper way to remove it is by your vet. After that, it’s up to you to keep it at bay. Below are the top product reviews that can help you determine which brand is suitable for your feline.
In this article
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2026
| Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall
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Virbac Enzymatic Cat Toothpaste |
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Best Value
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Vetoquinol Enzymatic Toothbrush Kit |
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CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice
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Royal Canin Vet Diet Dental Cat Food |
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CHECK PRICE |
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MAXI/GUARD Oral Cleansing Wipes |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Greenies Feline Salmon Dental Cat Treats |
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CHECK PRICE |
The 9 Best Tartar Removal Products For Cats
1. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Cat Poultry Flavor Toothpaste – Best Overall
| Features | Plaque removal, breath freshener, tartar control |
| Product Form | Paste |
| Package | 5-ounce tube |
Virbac C.E.T. has over 25 years of experience producing effective dental products, and Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog & Cat Poultry Flavor Toothpaste is no exception. It is the number one recommended dental product by veterinarians and is formulated to be effective, safe, and pleasing to your pet. It’s safe for cats and dogs, so it works great if you have a multi-pet household.
Virbac uses a dual-enzyme system that prevents plaque formation, and it’s safe for pets to swallow because the formula contains no foaming agents. It freshens breath, too. The 2.5-ounce tube contains no seal, which is a drawback. It also does not come with a toothbrush or finger brush.
You’ll also want to monitor your pet after the first use; some consumers state it made their pets sick with GI problems. It contains sorbitol, which some cats and dogs may be sensitive to. It comes in either a one- or two-count tube and is cost-effective. We feel it’s the best overall tartar and plaque control product for your feline pal.
- Top recommendation by veterinarians for tartar
- Pets can swallow the paste
- Freshens breath
- Prevents plaque from forming
- Comes with no seal
- Contains sorbitol, which may cause GI issues
- Does not come with a toothbrush or finger brush
2. Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Poultry-Flavored Toothbrush Kit – Best Value
| Features | Plaque removal, tartar control |
| Product Form | Paste |
| Package | 2-ounce tube |
Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Poultry-Flavored Toothbrush Kit for Dogs & Cats comes with everything you need to fight plaque and tartar on your kitty’s teeth. It includes a duel-ended, soft bristle toothbrush, a finger brush, and a 3.2-ounce tube of poultry-flavored paste. It’s safe for cats and dogs, requires no rinsing, can be safely swallowed, and combats bad breath.
If used daily, the triple enzyme, non-foaming formula breaks down plaque for healthy teeth and gums. By breaking down plaque, it keeps tartar at bay. It contains sorbitol, so avoid it if your pet is sensitive to it. The paste may become hardened and unusable. If this happens, contact the manufacturer for a refund or a new tube.
TVetoquinol Enzadent is cost-effective, works for cats and dogs, and comes with everything you need to provide oral hygiene for your pet, making it the best tartar control product for the money.
- Comes complete with paste and brushes
- Breaks down plaque, keeping tartar at bay
- Can be safely swallowed
- Paste may arrive hardened in tube
- Contain sorbitol
3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Cat Food – Premium Choice
| Features | Reduce plague |
| Product Form | Dry kibble |
| Package | Bag |
Not all dental products need to be in paste form. This Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Cat Food formula is designed to optimize your cat’s oral health. It reduces plaque buildup and is accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
The advantage of the Veterinary Diet is that it comes with additional benefits and nutrition, such as a blend of dietary fibers for controlling the formation of hairballs and an S/O index formula that prevents crystals from forming in the bladder.
The kibble’s shape promotes chewing and acts as a toothbrush to reduce tartar buildup. It’s also pea-free for those who suffer from pea allergies. A drawback is you can’t get the product without authorization from your vet. It comes in only a 7.7-pound bag and is expensive.
- Accepted by the VOHC
- Reduces plaque while your cat chews
- Controls hairballs and keeps bladder healthy
- Pea-free
- Requires vet approval
- More expensive than other methods of oral hygiene
- Comes in only a 7.7-pound bag
4. MAXI/GUARD Oral Cleansing Wipes – Best for Kittens
| Features | Plaque, tartar reducer |
| Product Form | Wipes |
| Package | Container |
These wipes are best for kittens because of their ease of use. It will likely take time for your kitten to become comfortable with you inspecting their mouth, and MAXI/GUARD Oral Cleansing Wipes are a great way to slowly introduce a regimen of oral hygiene without brushing.
The wipes contain safe ingredients and can be used for both cats and dogs. They’re vet-approved to reduce the formation of plaque and tartar, and they freshen your cat’s breath, too! This formula contains zinc, which supports the immune system if given in small doses, and it comes in a 100-count at a great value.
The wipes are unscented, so it may prove challenging at first to gain your kitten’s interest. Some consumers claim that brushing is more effective for their pets, so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons for your kitty. If anything, it’s still a great way to introduce your kitten to a daily dental routine.
- No brushing required
- Contains 100 wipes
- Great value
- Contains a small amount of zinc for immune health
- Some claim wipes are not 100% effective
- Unflavored wipes may not entice your kitten
5. Greenies Feline Savory Salmon Flavor Adult Dental Cat Treats
| Features | Reduces tartar buildup, freshens breath |
| Product Form | Treats |
| Package | Bag |
If you’re a cat owner, odds are you’ve heard of Greenies. Most pets love them, and with Greenies Feline Savory Salmon Flavor Adult Dental Cat Treats, you can provide a treat and dental aid. Greenies are made with all-natural ingredients and contain no artificial preservatives, flavors, or fillers.
They are crunchy, which aids in reducing plaque and tartar buildup. They have a salmon flavor that cats love and are balanced with vitamins and minerals for a healthy snack. Corn-gluten meal is among the ingredients, so avoid this treat if your cat has a corn allergy.
Also, the package design may not keep the greenies fresh for long periods. These are also not recommended for kittens. However, Greenies come in several sizes, are vet-recommended, and are proven to reduce tartar buildup.
- Vet recommended
- Reduces tartar and plaque buildup
- Contains vitamins and minerals
- Contains corn-gluten
- For adult cats only
- Package design may not keep treats fresh for long durations
6. Oratene Brushless Enzymatic Oral Care Therapy Dental Gel for Cats
| Features | Plaque removal |
| Product Form | Gel |
| Package | 5-ounce tube |
Oratene Brushless Enzymatic Oral Care Therapy Dental Gel for Dogs & Cats is a clear gel in a 2.5-ounce tube. It has an enzyme that dissolves plaque and minimizes odor-causing bacteria. It’s gentle on the gums and helps prevent periodontal disease.
Oratene has no harmful or harsh ingredients, and you can apply it with your finger or a toothbrush. In addition to cleaning your cat’s teeth, it also keeps the gums healthy and freshens breath with no rinsing required. It also protects your cat’s mouth from dryness if they don’t drink much water.
It does not smell, which causes some owners issues when using it on their felines.
- Can apply with your finger
- No rinsing required
- Can use on cats and dogs
- Dissolves plaque
- The lack of scent or flavor may discourage your pet from allowing you to use it
7. Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Malt Toothpaste Dental Care Kit for Cats
| Features | Reduces plaque and tartar, breath freshener |
| Product Form | Paste |
| Package | 5-ounce tube |
Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Strength Malt Toothpaste Dental Care Kit for Cats is a veterinary strength paste designed to reduce plaque and tartar, as well as freshen breath. The package includes the paste, a finger brush, and a soft-bristle toothbrush. The non-foaming formula is malt-flavored, and no rinsing is required.
The smaller toothbrush fits into your cat’s mouth more easily than other pet toothbrushes. The paste contains sorbitol, so use it only in small amounts to avoid causing an upset stomach in your cat.
Some consumers state that the finger brush is too large for a cat’s mouth, and some cats don’t care for the malt flavor, but for the most part, most cats seem to love the paste, which will make teeth cleaning easier.
- Reduces plaque and tartar from forming
- Freshens breath
- Smaller toothbrush for easier access to teeth
- Finger brush may be too large for a cat’s mouth
- Some cats don’t care for the malt flavor
8. ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Dog & Cat Supplement
| Features | Reduces tartar and plaque, freshens breath |
| Product Form | Powder |
| Package | Bottle |
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Dog & Cat Supplement is VOHC-accepted and easy to use. It is another terrific alternative to brushing if you have a feline that’s not a fan. It’s made from 100% North Atlantic seaweed specially picked for this formula.
All that’s needed is to sprinkle this powder in your pet’s food once daily, but be sure to follow the recommended amount. It’s safe for cats and dogs and is gluten-free. The formula fights plaque and tartar, as well as foul breath. You can expect results in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.
ProDen is not recommended for cats with hypothyroidism, and the small scope may be hard to retrieve from the bottle.
- Provides alternative to brushing
- Easy to use
- Gluten-free
- Made from North Atlantic seaweed
- Scope is small, making it hard to retrieve from bottle
- Not for cats with hypothyroidism
9. Petsmile Professional London Broil Flavor Pet Toothpaste
| Features | Plaque removal |
| Product Form | Paste |
| Package | 5-ounce tube |
Petsmile Professional London Broil Flavor Pet Toothpaste is free from parabens, gluten, BPA, and silica. The formula includes Calprox, which dissolves the protein that causes plaque to form in the first place. It’s VOHC-accepted, helps fight cavities, and can help prevent gingivitis.
Your pet can safely swallow the non-foaming formula, and it’s safe for cats and dogs. The 2.5-ounce tube should last 4 months, but the paste can be messy, so beware when you put it on a toothbrush. The London broil flavoring is unusual, and some pets may not like it. However, Petsmile Professional has other flavors if your pet doesn’t care for it.
- Keeps plaque from forming
- Contains Calprox
- Fights gingivitis
- Can be messy to work with
- May need to experiment with different flavors
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Tartar Control Product for Cats
We want to point out that none of the products mentioned above should take the place of regular check-ups by your veterinarian. The best way to remove tartar is to have your cat’s teeth professionally cleaned. After the tartar is removed, these products will help keep it from forming again, which could save you money in the long run. It will also help your cat maintain good oral hygiene, which will make them happier, too!
Oral hygiene is vital to your cat’s overall health, so we hope we were able to assist you in making the right decisions for your needs. But before you go, we’ll discuss which characteristics to consider when shopping for dental products.
What To Look For In a Dental Product
When looking for a dental product for your cat, ensure the ingredients contain no artificial flavors or fillers. If your cat has food allergies, make sure the product doesn’t contain anything that may irritate them.
Which Are Better: Paste, Wipes, Treats, Or Food Supplements?
We all know that trying to keep up with your cat’s oral hygiene isn’t easy, but you to several products to choose from. Using toothpaste is the most effective method as long as your cat tolerates it and doesn’t move around too much.
Some cats will not tolerate any part of a toothbrush in their mouth, but they can try dental treats or a food supplement. Most cat owners have success with these products, and they help keep plaque from forming, which is the main culprit. When in doubt, always consult your vet to help you find the perfect dental product for your cat.
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How We Selected Our List of Tartar Control Products for Cats
Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the tartar control products for cats. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with tartar control products for cats. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!
Conclusion
For the best overall tartar control, Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog & Cat Poultry Flavor Toothpaste combines expertise in the market and a specially formulated duel-enzyme system that prevents plaque. Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Poultry-Flavored Toothbrush Kit for Dogs & Cats comes with all the tools you need to fight tartar and freshen your cat’s breath for the best value.
We hope these 10 reviews help you in your search. Remember, when in doubt, always consult your veterinarian.
See also:
- Best Cat Foods for Older Cats with Bad Teeth – Reviews & Top Picks
- Is Cat Water Additive a Good Idea?
Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
