Cats sometimes have stinky breath. However, this doesn't mean it's normal or healthy. In this post, our Babcock Ranch vets explore some reasons why your cat's breath might smell bad, including underlying dental issues and diseases.
Reasons Why Your Cat's Breath Smells Bad
Bad breath in cat's can be an indicator of a more serious underlying issue.
This makes it even more important to bring your feline friend in for a dental health checkup with their veterinarian to find out why this smelly condition is happening.
Oral Hygiene & Dental Disease in Cats
We always try to take care of our feline friends, but sometimes we forget to take care of their oral hygiene. Most cats get some type of dental disease by the time they are 3 years old.
Some common symptoms of these conditions might include:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Redness of the mouth and gums
- Behavioral changes
- Inability to eat or lack of appetite
Only by bringing your cat to your veterinarian for an oral examination, can you accurately diagnose and treat these conditions? The treatment your cat requires will depend 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 bad breath in cats may most frequently be caused by dental conditions, these will not be the cause every time. There is a chance that this condition can be caused by other more serious conditions within your cat's body.
These other conditions will cause symptoms that are very similar to those experienced by oral concerns, which makes it important to ensure that you bring your feline friend in for an examination as soon as possible.
Other conditions that could lead to bad breath in your cat include:
- Teething
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Diet
- Infections
- Ulcers and sores
- Kidney disease
- Abscess or infection
- Poor oral hygiene
- Cancer
Cat bad breath treatment at Home
Your goal to remedy your cat's bad breath is to treat the cause of the bad breath itself.
Brushing your teeth regularly is the best way to prevent tooth decay. You could try using a special toothbrush to make brushing cats' teeth easier. If that doesn't work initially, you could try using your finger to brush the teeth until your cat is accustomed to the process. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day should become easier the more often you do it.
It is also recommended that your cat get a dental checkup and routine cleaning at least once a year to get rid of all the hard-to-reach plaque and tartar and help spot 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.