Why Your Cat Has Bad Breath
While dogs may often come to mind when you think of dealing with bad breath in pets, this symptom can also affect cats. A variety of potential causes may to blame for a cat's bad breath, from eating to dental issues to other, more serious conditions like tooth abscesses, dental disease or infection, diabetes or other diseases.
This makes it all the more important to bring your kitty in for a dental health checkup with their veterinarian so the underlying cause of this smelly condition can be diagnosed and treated.
Oral Hygiene & Dental Disease in Cats
Although we always aim to ensure our four-legged friends receive the best care, we might sometimes forget to think about their oral hygiene. Unfortunately, most cats end up developing some type of dental disease by the time they turn three years old.
A cat's teeth are exposed to food particles and bacteria every time they eat, which can lead to numerous dental problems. The 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 buildup can cause gum recession in cats and lead to tooth loss. All of these things can cause your cat to experience pain – and their breath to smell bad.
Along with bad breath, other common symptoms of the conditions mentioned above may include:
- Bleeding gums
- Behavioral changes
- Inability to eat or lack of appetite
- Redness of the mouth and gums
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. The treatment your cat needs will depend on the specific condition they are experiencing. However, some potential treatment options may include a dental cleaning, tooth extractions, antibiotics, and 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.
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. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition.