Quote Originally Posted by Catty1
I hope the vet will let you try some good dental treats/food for the kitties - that might make the 'stage' of their care less expensive.

I have also heard stories - one from my friend Donna (in Cochrane!) - that she had a vet who used his thumbnail to pry tartar off kitties' teeth. I guess it actually worked quite well, as the tartar forms on the outside of the teeth.

Maybe if you promise hubby a nice manicure....
The dental treats/food pretty much only help tartar from forming. Once it's already formed all the teeth brushing and treats in the world won't eliminate it without cleaning. Although it might keep it from advancing further though. They are really helpful once a dentistry has been done to keep teeth healthy longer.

Using a thumbnail to pry tartar off is only cosmetic and doesn't really help dental health any. *see my long post above*