Have you ever wondered if your cat's bad breath is cause for concern or just a normal part of having a feline friend? Most of the time, smelly breath can be linked to dental concerns, but this is not always the case. Our Franklin vets explain why your cat's breath might smell and what you can do about it in this post.
Reasons Your Cat Has Bad Breath
Though we typically think of dogs when we consider which pets may have bad breath, you might also notice a stinky odor coming from your cat's mouth. Bad breath in cats can occur due to the food they've eaten, dental issues, and more serious health conditions.
This makes it all the more important to bring your kitty into your vet for a dental checkup to uncover the reason for your cat's smelly breath.
Oral Hygiene & Dental Disease in Cats
Every kitty owner wants to provide the best care possible for their four-legged friends. However, you may occasionally forget to consider the importance of oral hygiene. Unfortunately, most cats develop some kind of dental disease by the age of three.
Every time a cat eats, it exposes its teeth to bacteria and food particles that can easily cause a variety of dental problems. This bacteria must be removed on a daily basis or it will harden into tartar due to the minerals in your cat's saliva.
Tartar can lead to gum recession in cats, which can cause their teeth to fall out. All of these things can also cause your cat to suffer in pain and have very bad breath,
Common symptoms of dental disease in cats include:
- Redness in the mouth and gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Inability to eat or lack of appetite
- Behavioral changes like irritability or lack of motivation to play
The only way to have the underlying cause of your cat's bad breath accurately diagnosed and treated is to bring your kitty to a veterinarian. The vet can examine your cat's mouth and tell you how to get rid of their bad breath. The treatment your cat needs will depend on the condition they are experiencing. However, potential treatment options may include dental cleanings and tooth extractions. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection or recommend changes in your kitty's diet to support dental health and curb unsavory odors.
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 a dental 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 potential conditions that can cause it.
Treatment for Bad Breath in Cats
If possible, begin brushing your cat’s teeth at a young age to avoid plaque and tartar build up. 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.
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.