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Parker has all of his claws, and he’s not afraid to use them. Brushing his teeth was never going to happen.
Vetality sent me their Twist + Lick cat dental gel to try, and my sister Shelley took it to her friend’s cat, Parker. It went better than any of us expected.
Quick Verdict
- Buy it if: your cat treats anything near its mouth as a fight
- Skip it if: your cat already sits still for a toothbrush
- My favorite feature: a tie between the twist-up design, how fast he took to it, and the mild scent
- Would I buy again? Yes
How does a no-brush cat dental gel work?
Pull the cap off and twist the bottom like you would a deodorant. A little gel comes up on top, and the cat licks it right off.
The gel is made to cling to the gums, so it keeps working after the cat walks away. It’s meant to keep cleaning for 24 hours.
Vetality Twist + Lick Brush Free Dental Gel for Cats
A twist-up stick of dental gel that your cat licks off the top.
Twist + Lick cat dental gel specs
- Brand: Vetality
- Form: gel in a twist-up stick
- Flavor: catnip
- Net weight: 1.05 oz (30 g)
- For: adult cats
- Made to: clean, whiten and brighten teeth and help control plaque and tartar
Which cats is Twist + Lick for?
Adult cats who won’t sit still for a toothbrush, and the people who’ve given up trying.
If you’ve got dogs too, the VFcare BIO postbiotic paste is another lick-it-off product, and it had my three dogs lining up.
Did a cat who fights tooth care actually lick it?
Shelley twisted up one click and held it out. Parker was a little skittish at first, or maybe just curious, and gave it a sniff. Then he licked it right off and kept going.
Two months later, Shelley’s friend is still giving it to him.
Two details Shelley noticed
- Barely any smell: only a very faint one, nothing foul.
- One click at a time: the stick clicks as you twist, so it’s easy to give one click and stop.
What else there is to like
- Nobody gets scratched, since there’s no holding the cat down.
- It goes over like a treat. If you need somewhere to keep the actual treats, here’s the EQI pet treat container with a one-touch lid I tried.
What to know before you order
- It’s made for adult cats.
- Plan on every day at first. Once the buildup clears, 2 or 3 times a week keeps it that way.
Twist + Lick questions
What flavor is Twist + Lick for cats?
Catnip flavor.
Does Twist + Lick help with a cat’s bad breath?
That’s one of its jobs. Vetality says bad breath starts with unhealthy gums, and the gel clings right at the gum line.
What if my cat ignores Twist + Lick at first?
Start with a dab on your fingertip so your cat gets used to the taste. After that, they can lick it straight off the top.
Can Twist + Lick take the place of a vet dental cleaning?
No. It’s the in-between care. Your cat should still get vet checkups and professional cleanings on top of it.
Other no-brush dental care for cats to compare
- Greenies Feline Dental Treats, Catnip Flavor: A crunchy treat instead of a gel, made to clean down to the gumline as the cat chews.
- ProDen PlaqueOff Powder for Cats: A seaweed powder you sprinkle on food, so the cat never has to lick anything. It isn’t recommended for cats with thyroid conditions because of the iodine in seaweed.
- C.E.T. Aquadent Fr3sh Dental Solution: A water additive for dogs and cats that goes in the water bowl, with pomegranate extract and inulin.
My take on Twist + Lick
For a cat who won’t let anyone near his mouth, this is the gentlest place to start. Twist a little gel up, hold it out, and let the cat do the rest. Parker took it on the first try, and two months later he’s still getting it. I’d start here before trying anything that needs a brush.
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