Some cats love to get up close and personal with their favorite people, but it can be off-putting if your cat gets in your face with bad breath. Today, our Weldon Spring vets share some reasons your cat's breath smells and what you can do to help.
Why Your Cat Has Bad Breath
While cats are not the pets we associate with bad breath, it can still be a problem for them. If your cat's breath is unbearable, it can result from various issues, from eating smelly food to dental problems and other serious conditions.
This makes it all the more important to bring your feline friend in for a dental health checkup with their veterinarian to determine the cause of this smelly condition.
Oral Hygiene & Dental Disease in Cats
While we always try to provide the best care possible for our feline friends, we sometimes forget that this includes taking care of their oral hygiene. Unfortunately, this isn't always something we do well enough, and most cats experience some form of dental disease by the time they are three years old.
Every time your cat eats, food particles and bacteria build up, leading to dental issues. This bacteria needs to be removed daily, or it will harden into tartar. Tartar can cause gum recession and tooth loss and lead to heart and kidney disease, as the bacteria can travel throughout the body and effect these organs.
Some common symptoms of oral hygiene problems in cats might include:
- Inability to eat or lack of appetite
- Behavioral changes
- Redness of the mouth and gums
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
The only way to accurately diagnose dental conditions in cats is to have a veterinarian perform an oral exam. The treatment your cat needs will depend on the specific condition it is experiencing, but possible treatment options may include dental cleanings, tooth extractions, antibiotics, and potential dietary changes.
Other Conditions That Can Cause Bad Breath in Cats
Dental conditions mainly contribute to bad breath in cats, but it can also be caused by other, more severe, conditions within your cat's body. These other conditions cause symptoms that are very similar to those experienced by oral concerns, which is why it is important to ensure that you bring your feline friend in for an examination regularly.
These other conditions that may cause bad breath in your cat include:
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Ulcers and sores
- Infections
- Abscess
Due to the wide range of conditions that can cause bad breath, it is always recommended that you bring your cat in for a regular checkups so that these issues can be caught and dealt with early.
How to Get Rid of a Cat's Bad Breath
Your main objective in addressing your cat's bad breath is establishing a treatment plan to diagnose and address any underlying concerns.
Start by regularly brushing your cat's teeth, ideally from a young age, to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. You can find special toothbrushes and toothpaste designed for cats to make this task easier.
If your cat doesn't initially cooperate, you can use your fingers to brush their teeth until they become accustomed to it. Aim to brush your cat's teeth several times a week; as you do it more frequently, it should become easier. Additionally, it's recommended to take your cat for a dental checkup at least once a year to remove hard-to-reach plaque and tartar and to identify potential dental issues early on.
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.