Is Cat Bad Breath Normal During Teething? How to Deal w

Section 1: Causes of Bad Breath in Cats During Teething

During the teething period, typically around five to six months of age, cats usually experience fewer issues that lead to bad breath. At this stage, kidney disease and dental calculus are less common. However, if your cat's breath is particularly unpleasant during this time, it might be due to one of the following three reasons:

1. Food Residue

As cats are shedding their milk teeth and growing new ones, there can be instances of retained milk teeth or a slow growth of new teeth. This can lead to food particles getting trapped in the gums and between teeth, fostering bacterial growth and causing bad breath.

2. Gingivitis

Oral ulcers, stomatitis, and gingivitis can also lead to bad breath in cats. During the teething phase, gingivitis is quite common. The shedding of milk teeth can cause bleeding and swelling of the gums. If proper dental hygiene is not maintained, this can lead to infections and further inflammation, resulting in bad breath, along with symptoms like excessive drooling and loss of appetite.

3. Gastrointestinal Issues

Indigestion and intestinal dysfunction can also cause bad breath in cats. Since cats' bodies are still developing during this period, their intestines are more delicate. Eating too quickly or too varied a diet can lead to indigestion and other gastrointestinal problems. Besides bad breath, these issues can cause symptoms like soft stools, diarrhea, smelly feces, bloating, and vomiting.

Section 2: Solutions to Cat Bad Breath

1. Brushing Your Cat's Teeth

It's never too early to start a dental hygiene routine for your cat. This can help reduce food residue and bacterial growth, preventing issues like tartar, oral ulcers, and gingivitis later in life. During the teething phase, you can start by gently rubbing your cat's teeth with a finger dipped in water. Once the teething process is complete, you can use a catspecific toothbrush and toothpaste.

2. Monitor Oral Health

Keep an eye on your cat's teeth as they grow. If you notice milk teeth that are not falling out as they should, it's best to consult a veterinarian for extraction. For symptoms like red and swollen gums, bad breath, or other issues, consider using a disinfectant oral spray, such as a Lekotin oral spray, to help alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, it's advisable to take your cat to a veterinary clinic for treatment.

3. Feeding and Diet

Cats in the teething phase should be fed smaller, more frequent meals. You can start by giving them probiotics to promote intestinal motility and aid digestion. During this period, feeding your cat soft food can help with digestion while also reducing the discomfort of gum swelling and sensitivity.

We hope this information on the causes and solutions to bad breath in cats during the teething phase is helpful to all cat owners. If your cat exhibits any other unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to consult an online veterinary expert or bring your pet to a veterinary hospital for a checkup and treatment.