Causes of Cat Bad Breath: Understanding the Issues

Part 1: Understanding the Causes of Cat Halitosis

It's quite understandable that cats can have bad breath, even though they are quite meticulous about cleanliness. Unlike humans, however, cats don't brush their teeth daily. If their owners neglect to brush their pets' teeth or fail to maintain proper hygiene, food particles can linger in the mouth, fostering bacteria over time and leading to tartar or other dental issues. This, in turn, can cause halitosis. Here are some potential reasons for a cat's bad breath:

Feeding cats raw meat, liver, canned meat, and other meat products frequently. Without proper teeth cleaning after meals, food particles can decay and cause bad breath.

Not regularly cleaning a cat's teeth can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, making the teeth dirty and causing halitosis.

Infections in the mouth, such as ulcers or cavities, can lead to bad breath in cats.

A deficiency in Vitamin B can affect a cat's oral health and lead to halitosis.

Stomach issues in cats, which can cause vomiting and indigestion, may lead to halitosis if the mouth isn't cleaned after vomiting.

Bacterial infections in the mouth, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, can cause halitosis and swollen gums.

Unfortunately, cats may also suffer from viral infections that result in excessive drooling, pain, loss of appetite, difficulty eating, and severe halitosis.

Part 2: Treating Cat Halitosis

1. If you notice your cat has a particularly strong case of halitosis, gently hold your breath and open the cat's mouth to check for signs of redness, swelling, or ulcers. If these symptoms are present, it's essential to take your cat to the vet. If there are no such issues, it's time to adjust your cat's diet and ensure you're providing highquality food. Avoid overly smelly brands and balance wet and dry food. Regularly assist your cat in cleaning its teeth with petspecific toothpaste and a toothbrush, as this will prevent bad breath and make it more enjoyable for you to snuggle with your furry friend.

2. Halitosis during the teething stage is also a common occurrence in kittens. Once they have finished teething, the bad breath should disappear. In the meantime, use petspecific mouthwash or oral sprays to help maintain their oral health. This will keep your cat's breath fresh and prevent you from being put off.

3. If the halitosis is due to indigestion, adjust your cat's diet to include small, frequent meals with highquality cat food. You can also give them probiotics to help regulate their digestive system and alleviate the halitosis.

4. Cats lacking vitamins or suffering from liver or kidney diseases may also experience halitosis. Vitamin deficiencies can be easily addressed with a supplement, but if the issue is liver or kidney disease, symptoms like excessive drooling and decreased appetite may also occur, and veterinary care is necessary.

5. Neglecting to clean your cat's teeth and mouth can lead to tartar buildup, which can then lead to calculus and, ultimately, gingivitis or periodontal disease. This will definitely cause halitosis. If tartar is the issue, professional teeth cleaning with specialized powders and gels is required. For gingivitis or periodontal disease, further treatment is necessary.

Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: If your cat only has a slight fishy odor, it's usually not a big concern. Often, bad breath in cats is due to inadequate oral hygiene. It's crucial for owners to prioritize their cat's dental health, as brushing and rinsing are essential. Otherwise, mild halitosis can escalate to stomatitis, which could lead to the need for fullmouth extraction or even pose a risk to your cat's life.