Effective Solutions for Cat Bad Breath: Tips & Remedies

How to Properly Clean Your Cat's Teeth?

Under normal circumstances, the smell from your cat's mouth should be subtle, reminiscent of a faint fishy or food scent. Even if your cat blows air directly into your face, it's hard to detect any strong odors.

However, if your cat's mouth emits a distinct foul smell, and their teeth appear yellow with visible tartar and calculus, it's a sign that your beloved pet is suffering from serious dental issues. If left untreated, these problems can escalate to gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis, and pulpitis, among other oral diseases. Therefore, it's crucial for cat owners to be vigilant and help their feline friends develop good dental hygiene habits.

There are three common methods for cleaning your cat's teeth:

Brushing Your Cat's Teeth

The market now offers specialized cat toothbrushes, such as finger brushes. These can be quite uncomfortable for cats, leading to resistance and making it challenging for owners to use them effectively.

An alternative method is to use a piece of gauze instead of a toothbrush. After applying a small amount of catspecific toothpaste, gently open your cat's mouth while they are sleeping and use the gauze to gently wipe their teeth. This approach may work for wellbehaved cats and is worth a try.

Oral Rinses and Dental Powders

When visiting a veterinary clinic for dental care, your veterinarian might recommend using oral rinses or dental powders. However, cats that are particularly sensitive to odors may refuse to eat or drink if they detect these chemical additives in their food and water, making this method less than ideal.

Dental Treats

Currently, the most straightforward, convenient, and effective way to clean your cat's teeth is through dental treats specifically designed for this purpose. These treats are hard enough to help remove tartar and calculus from your cat's teeth as they chew, effectively cleaning their teeth in the process.