Reasons Why Your Cat Has Bad Breath
While we typically associate bad breath with dogs, it can also affect cats. A cat's bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, including from eating, dental issues, and other more serious conditions.
This makes it all the more important to bring your feline friend in for a dental health checkup with their veterinarian to get to the bottom of this smelly condition.
Oral Hygiene & Dental Disease in Cats
While we always strive to provide the best care for our feline companions, we occasionally forget to consider their oral hygiene. Unfortunately, the majority of cats then develop some form of dental disease by the age of three.
Every time a cat eats, its teeth are exposed to food particles and bacteria, which can lead to a variety of dental issues. This bacteria must be removed on a daily basis or it will harden into tartar as a result of the minerals found in cat saliva.
Tartar can cause gum recession in cats, resulting in teeth falling out. All of these things can cause your cat to be in pain and have very bad breath.
Some common symptoms of these conditions might be:
- 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 bad breath in cats is by you 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 May Cause Bad Breath in Cats
While dental problems are the most common cause of bad breath in cats, it’s not always the case. Bad breath can be caused by more serious conditions in your cat's body.
These other conditions will produce symptoms that are very similar to those seen with oral concerns, so bring your feline friend in for an examination as soon as possible.
Other conditions that may cause your cat's bad breath include:
- Ulcers and sores
- Kidney disease
- Abscess or infection
- Poor oral hygiene
- Teething
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Diet
- Infections
- Cancer
If your cat has bad breath, especially if it is persistent, it is always advised to bring them in for a checkup due to the variety of possible conditions that can cause it.
Treatment for Bad Breath in Cats
Brush your cat's teeth at a young age to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. This can be accomplished by purchasing a special toothbrush designed to make brushing cats' teeth easier, and if that doesn't work right away, brush the teeth with your finger until your cat becomes accustomed to the procedure. Brushing should be done at least twice a week, and it will get easier with practice.
It is also recommended that your cat receive a dental checkup and routine cleaning at least once a year to remove any hard-to-reach plaque and tartar and to detect potential dental problems 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.
