No luck brushing kitty's teeth

I did what the book told me and let him taste the toothpaste, but I could not get his mouth open to brush his teeth. He forced his mouth shut.

I need a strategy so that I could get it right the second time so he won't think of brushing as a chore. Strategies?

Maybe rather than starting out with toothpaste you could try slipping a finger under his lip while scratching his face? Then when he is comfortable letting you run a finger over his gums you could try adding something that tastes really good?

Try getting out some treats and just start out touching his mouth. Touch, give him a treat, touch give him a treat, repeat. This will teach him that you touching his mouth is a good thing and means he gets a treat. Once he's fine with that, move up to holding one lip up. Hold the lip up, give a treat, hold the lip up, give a treat, repeat. Then you can move up to rubbing a finger along his teeth, and then the tooth brush (Giving treats so it's a good experience still)

It's great you're brushing kitty's teeth! Most people don't know that it is very important and can save lots on expensive vet visits for teeth cleanings and issues. Another way to help keep teeth clean is to feed a RMB (Raw meaty bone) once a week or more. Something like a chicken wing (Not cooked of course) works really well and cleans teeth naturally.

I was debating getting him dental chews, but I think he's too young for that in case he breaks a piece off and gets it stuck in his throat. But it would be good for him to chew on something that isn't me (not to be mean, he's like a 2 year old who has to put everything in his mouth)

My parents and I think once a week would be best because at least if he hates it he won't be forced into doing it all the time. We never brushed my last cat's teeth--or my dog's--and they were fine.

Hes so tiny Im not sure Id leave off actual brushing til hes another month or so. Definitely get him used to having his teeth touched as this will be good for the future. I dont know what you are feeding him but I cant recc enough a raw diet. No gunk build up on teeth, at all, no teeth brushing! plus all the other health benefits. Not suggesting bone in types til hes a bit older..not a good idea...

Theres a rubber thimble type thing too that fits on your finger. I couldnt find one to show you.

I would go with just petting around the mouth and chin areas for a few days to get him used to being touched then try again. What are you feeding him? If he is getting milk or soft foods you might try getting him used to opening his mouth by putting a little on your finger.