Reasons Your Cat Has Bad Breath
Though we often associate bad breath with dogs, it can also affect cats. A variety of factors can contribute to a cat's bad breath, from eating to dental issues to other, more serious conditions like dental abscesses, infection, diabetes or other diseases.
This makes it all the more critical to book your kitty's dental health checkup with their veterinarian to find the underlying cause of this smelly condition.
Oral Hygiene & Dental Disease in Cats
While we always aim to get our feline friends the best care, we usually forget to think about their oral hygiene. Unfortunately, most cats then develop some type of dental disease by the time they turn three years old.
Every time a cat eats, its teeth are exposed to food particles and bacteria, which can cause numerous dental problems. This bacteria must be removed on a daily basis or it will harden into tartar due to the minerals contained in a cat's saliva.
Tartar can cause gum recession in cats, resulting tooth loss. All of these things can cause your cat pain and lead to very bad breath.
In addition to bad breath, other common symptoms of these conditions may include:
- Redness of the mouth and gums
- Bleeding gums
- Behavioral changes
- Inability to eat or lack of appetite
The only way to have a cat's bad breath accurately diagnosed and treated is to bring them to a veterinarian for an oral examination. Though the treatment your cat needs will depend on the specific condition they are experiencing, some potential treatment options may include a dental cleaning, tooth extractions, dietary changes and antibiotics.
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.
How to Get Rid of Your Cat's Bad Breath
If possible, begin brushing your cat’s teeth at a young age to avoid 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, you can try brushing the teeth with your finger until your cat gets used to the procedure. Brushing should be done at least twice a week, and it should become easier with practice.
Your cat should also 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.