You used to love cuddling with your feline friend, but now their bad breath is causing you to keep your distance. Today, we discuss the causes of bad breath in cats and solutions to help restore your kitty's fresh breath.
Why does my cat's breath smell?
We all know that stinky breath is common in dogs but it might surprise you to learn that it is also common in our feline family members. In fact, 'Why does my cat's breath smell?" is a question our vets often hear from concerned pet parents.
Of course, as with dogs and people, cats can have bad breath for several reasons ranging from eating smelly food to dental concerns and other more serious conditions. This is why dental health checkups are important for pets too. Dental exams allow your veterinarian to help prevent oral health problems that can cause bad breath in cats.
Of course, if stinky breath is already a problem for your cat, booking a full exam is essential. Your veterinarian can give your cat a thorough physical checkup, and let you know whether dental treatment is called for.
Oral Hygiene & Dental Disease in Cats
While most pet parents do all they can to provide their feline family members with the very best care, some aspects of feline care are sometimes forgotten such as the need for regular dental care. Neglected oral healthcare means that many cats experience some form of dental disease by the time they are 3 years old.
When your kitty eats, they expose their teeth to food particles and bacteria that can cause various dental conditions. This bacteria needs to be cleaned away daily otherwise it will harden into tartar due to the minerals present in the cat's saliva. While this tartar is a big enough issue on its own, the bacteria that are present on the teeth and in the mouth can also travel throughout the body causing heart and kidney disease. This tartar is also the most common cause of gum recession and can result in your cat's teeth falling out. All of these things can result in your cat being in pain and developing very bad breath.
Some common symptoms of these conditions might include:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Redness of the mouth and gums
- Behavioral changes
- Inability to eat or lack of appetite
The only way to accurately diagnose and treat these conditions is by bringing your cat to your veterinarian for an oral examination. The treatment that your cat requires will be dependent on the condition that they are experiencing but some of the possible treatment options may include dental cleanings, tooth extractions, antibiotics, and potential dietary changes.
Other Conditions That Can Lead to Bad Breath in Cats
Bad breath in cats may most often be caused by dental conditions, but these will not be the cause every time. There is a chance that this condition can be caused by other more serious conditions within your cat's body.
These other conditions will cause symptoms that are very similar to those experienced by oral concerns, which makes it important to ensure that you bring your feline friend in for an examination as soon as possible.
Some of the other conditions that can lead to bad breath in cats include:
- Ulcers and sores
- Kidney disease
- Abscess or infection
- Poor oral hygiene
- Teething
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Diet
- Infections
- Cancer
Due to the wide range of potential conditions that can cause bad breath, it will always be recommended to bring your cat in for a checkup if they are experiencing bad breath, especially if it is ongoing.
Cat Bad Breath Treatment
Before you can treat your cat's bad breath the underlying cause first needs to be determined. Once your vet has pinpointed the cause of your kitty's bad breath they will be able to explain how to get rid of your cat's bad breath and provide treatment if necessary.
Caring For Your Cat's Oral Health At Home
We understand that for many people this may sound silly, but you can help to preserve your cat's oral health and fresh breath by establishing some effective oral healthcare habits while they are young. This includes brushing your cat's teeth regularly, providing high-quality dental treats and taking your cat to the vet for annual dental exams and cleanings.
How To Brush Your Cat's Teeth
You should begin with a regular brushing routine from an early age if possible in order to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.
This can be done by purchasing a special toothbrush that makes brushing cats' teeth easier and if that doesn't work at first you could try using your finger to brush the teeth until your cat becomes accustomed to the process. At the very least brushing should happen multiple times a week and should become easier the more often you do it.
Dental Checkups For Cats
It is also recommended that your cat get a dental checkup and routine cleaning at least once a year to get all of the hard-to-reach plaque and tartar and to help spot potential dental concerns early.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.