Cat's Horrible Breath Almost Sent Me Packing!

Understanding the Causes of Cat Halitosis

There are numerous reasons why cats might exhibit bad breath.

Digestive Issues

When cats have poor digestion, they may suffer from diarrhea or vomiting. While these symptoms are often more noticeable, bad breath can also be a sign, albeit one that might not be as apparent and could easily be overlooked by pet owners.

Cat Kidney Failure

Renal diseases can lead to cat halitosis, primarily due to the accumulation of toxins in the body. These toxins can allow infectious organisms to enter the mouth, resulting in unpleasant odors. While we won't delve into kidney failure in detail here, it's a condition that requires specific prescription diets and should be managed under veterinary guidance.

Feline Leukemia Virus

If your cat's bad breath persists without an apparent cause, it might be wise to have them tested for feline leukemia virus. Infection with this virus can also lead to halitosis.

Cat Diabetes

Cat diabetes often produces a distinctive, foul odor reminiscent of rotting fruit, like overripe pears. Cats with diabetes tend to be excessively thirsty and urinate frequently. It's crucial for pet parents to follow medical advice and care for their cats accordingly.

Additionally, oral health issues are often the culprits behind cat halitosis:

Oral Hygiene Neglect

Many cat owners are not as vigilant about their cat's oral hygiene. This includes not being concerned about what their cat eats or whether food particles might get stuck between their teeth. It's these overlooked bits of food that can linger in the cat's mouth, decompose, and eventually release a strong, unpleasant smell.

What Happens to These Odors?

Without proper cleaning, these odors can lead to tartar buildup. If left unchecked, tartar can cause further issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even more serious health problems like heart, lung, liver, and kidney damage.

Oral Diseases

Many pet owners only take notice of their cat's bad breath when oral diseases have already developed. There are many types of oral diseases, and almost all are common in pets.

Commonly, Gingivitis is the Main Culprit

Gingivitis is primarily caused by bacterial growth in the mouth and is characterized by pain when chewing, swollen gums, and difficulty eating.

How to Quickly Diagnose Oral Issues

Check for foreign objects, such as bone fragments stuck between teeth.

Inspect for broken or loose teeth.

Look for swollen or bleeding gums.

Check for tartar buildup.

Identify any sores.

Treatment for Cat Halitosis

Oral Cleaning

Basic dental care can be provided during grooming sessions, with the help of a professional. For more extensive cleaning, ultrasonic tooth scaling may be necessary. If your pet shows signs of chewing abnormalities, swollen gums, halitosis, or tartar, it's important to address these issues promptly to avoid complications like difficulty eating, gingivitis, or tooth loss.

Dietary Changes

If diseases like diabetes or kidney issues are the source of the halitosis, a specific treatment plan should be implemented to manage these conditions.