Is bad breath getting in the way of your cute kitty kisses and snuggles? Halitosis might make getting close to your feline friend challenging, but bad breath in cats can also signal more serious health issues.
Making Sense of Your Cat’s Bad Breath
Does your cat’s breath knock you over every time you get close? We’re not talking about a slight whiff of tuna after chow time; we mean a constant stink. Perpetual bad breath is not normal, and it’s important to address it with your vet.
What Causes Bad Breath in Cats?
The most common cause of halitosis is bacterial buildup from plaque and tartar. The more plaque and tartar accumulate, the more bad bacteria form, leading to decay, which leads to foul smells. If this buildup goes unchecked, it eventually develops into periodontal disease, which in turn exacerbates the smell.
Other potential reasons for your cat’s bad breath are decaying food or other items that get stuck in or between teeth, infections, abscesses, or underlying health problems. Your cat could have a broken tooth, a mouth injury, or an abscess beneath their gumline that needs professional care. Certain health conditions, like kidney and liver problems, also contribute to bad breath.
However, don’t just pay attention to yucky, unpleasant odors. Some health problems, like diabetes, could cause your cat’s breath to smell sweet due to a buildup of ketones. As nice as this might seem when you’re nuzzling noses with your feline fur baby, pay attention. Any time your cat’s breath has any type of smell you can’t link to something they just ate, it’s worth a trip to the vet.
A Closer Look at Periodontal Disease
Since periodontal disease is the primary reason for bad breath in cats, it's important to make sure you understand exactly what it is. The bacteria that cause the disease end up under your pet’s gums, causing inflammation, pain, and decay.
The most critical thing to recognize is that bad breath isn’t the only consequence of gum disease. So don’t think you can just go ahead and grin and bear those smelly cat kisses.
If left untreated, the bacteria that cause periodontal disease could enter your cat’s bloodstream. This could cause your cat to have serious problems, including possible complications to major organs.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease and Other Oral Issues
Bad breath isn’t the only sign that something is amiss with your pet’s mouth. Be on the lookout for these other symptoms:
- Excessive drooling
- Red gums
- Difficulty eating (or eating less because it hurts too much)
- Dropping food
- Showing a preference for soft food
- Weight loss
- Not chewing, trying to swallow food whole (which could lead to vomiting)
- Only chewing on one side of the mouth
- Pawing or rubbing at their mouth
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Discoloration of teeth
- Loose teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Swelling of the face or jaw
- Behavioral changes (grumpy, hiding because of pain, discomfort, not eating enough, etc.)
- Nasal discharge (dental issues could cause various infections that cause discharge and sneezing)
How to Help Your Cat’s Halitosis
The first step to tackling your cat’s bad breath is to discover the root of the problem. You need to eliminate the cause to conquer the stink. Therefore, the best course of action is to schedule an appointment with your cat’s vet as soon as possible.
The vet needs to examine your cat’s mouth and teeth, and they may also run bloodwork to look for any underlying issues. Your cat will need a full dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, as well as dental X-rays.
During the exam, each tooth will get a thorough inspection, and the vet will review the X-rays to look for any other complications. Depending on your pet’s situation, the vet may also need to extract teeth that appear to be cracked or broken or causing your cat discomfort. At this time, your vet will also address any oral infections or abscesses that may be present.
If your vet discovers something amiss during your cat’s physical exam or with the bloodwork, they will likely order further testing. Since underlying health conditions can trigger bad breath, your vet must explore every avenue and rule out potential issues to come to a correct diagnosis.
If a medical condition is to blame for your cat’s bad breath, your vet will discuss treatment options with you. It could mean giving your pet medication, behavioral changes, surgery, or dietary adjustments.
Prevention is the Best Medicine for Your Cat’s Bad Breath
Once you learn why your cat’s breath reeks and take care of the problem, your mission isn’t over. Maintaining your cat’s dental health is an ongoing responsibility that comes with the whole pet-parenting gig.
If your cat doesn’t have issues with their breath, it’s still crucial to learn how to prevent halitosis. It keeps your cat in tip-top shape, and you and your kitty can continue to enjoy odor-free snuggles.
Three Critical Tips to Prevent Stinky Cat Breath
1. Brush Your Cat’s Teeth: Okay, it might not be the easiest thing to do, but it’s possible. Use a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste, and aim for daily brushing or at least a few times a week. Start simple, letting your cat sniff and investigate the toothbrush or get a lick of the toothpaste, rewarding them with yummy treats. Work your way up to longer, more frequent brush sessions.
2. Use Dental Treats, Toys and Other Products: Ask your vet for recommendations for toys, foods, and treats that specifically help with oral care. You can also find effective products via the Veterinary Oral Health Council. The council only accepts products with a proven, scientifically-based track record of reducing plaque and tartar accumulation safely.
There are dental chews, special foods, treats, additives you can pour into your cat’s water bowl, and other products that help reduce plaque and contribute to a healthier mouth. However, these items aren’t meant to replace brushing your cat’s teeth or getting professional teeth cleanings.
3. Schedule Annual Dental Exams and Cleanings: Make your cat’s oral health a priority. In addition to routine vet visits, regular pet dental care is vital. Schedule annual teeth cleanings and dental X-rays. If your cat tends to have more problems with their teeth or is prone to things like periodontal disease, you may want to consider getting a cleaning twice a year.
4. Oral Care Products With Zinc: Zinc can reduce halitosis by inhibiting microbial growth and reducing bacteria. Zinc also combines with hydrogen sulfide, which contributes to bad breath, and works to neutralize the odor. Always check with your vet before giving your cat any type of supplement, oral drops, or similar products.
Goodbye, Bad Breath; Hello, Kitty Kisses
You love your cat to the moon and back, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept a stinky mouth. Plus, trying to get past your cat’s fishy kisses isn’t doing them any favors. That bad breath could be trying to tell you something, mainly, your cat needs help.
If your cat has stinky breath, schedule a vet visit to find out what’s causing it. Once you determine the reason for your kitty’s halitosis, you can work to treat it and prevent bad breath in the future. Your cat will be healthier and happier, and you’ll no longer have to endure tuna-infused nuzzles.
For more helpful cat-care tips, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.