As most cat parents know, our feline friends enjoy getting up close and personal. This is especially true first thing in the morning, and there's nothing quite like waking up to stinky cat breath. This condition can usually be linked to dental concerns, but that is not always true. Our Grayson vets discuss why your cat may have bad breath and what you can do to help treat this smelly condition.
Reasons Why Your Cat Has Bad Breath
While we may commonly associate bad breath in pets with dogs, it can also affect cats. There are many reasons why a cat's breath may smell bad, ranging from plain old bad breath from eating to dental concerns and other more serious conditions.
This makes it all the more important to bring your feline friend in for a dental health checkup with their veterinarian to determine the cause of this smelly condition.
Oral Hygiene & Dental Disease in Cats
While we always try to provide the best care possible for our feline friends. Unfortunately, dental care for cats is often neglected, and most cats experience some form of dental disease by the time they are three years old.
When a cat eats, it exposes its teeth to food particles and bacteria that can cause dental problems. This bacteria must be removed regularly, or it will harden into tartar due to the minerals found in the cat's saliva. While tartar is a significant problem, bacteria found on teeth and in the mouth can travel throughout the body, causing heart and kidney disease.
This tartar is also the leading cause of gum recession, which can result in tooth loss.
All these things can cause your cat to be in pain and have bad breath. Some common symptoms of these conditions might include:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Redness of the mouth and gums
- Behavioral changes
- Inability to eat or lack of appetite
The only way to diagnose and treat these conditions properly is to have your feline friend examined by a veterinarian. The best treatment for your cat's bad breath will depend on the condition causing the problem. Possible treatment options include dental cleanings, tooth extractions, antibiotics, and dietary changes.
Other Conditions That May Cause Your Cat's Bad Breath
While dental conditions frequently cause bad breath in cats, this is not always the case. Other more serious conditions within your cat's body may also cause this.
These other conditions cause symptoms similar to those caused by oral health problems, so it is important to bring your kitty in for an examination as soon as possible.
Other conditions that may cause your cat to have bad breath include:
- Ulcers and sores
- Kidney disease
- Abscess or infection
- Poor oral hygiene
- Teething
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Diet
- Infections
- Cancer
Due to the wide range of potential conditions that can cause bad breath, you should always bring your cat in for a checkup if their bad breath is ongoing.
Cat Bad Breath Treatment - How To Get Rid of Cat's Bad Breath
When a cat experiences bad breath, the main goal is to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
Brushing your cat's teeth several times a week can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup and may improve your cat's breath. This can be accomplished by purchasing a special toothbrush and cat-friendly toothpaste that will help to make brushing your cats' teeth easier.
If your kitty will not allow you to brush their teeth with a toothbrush, you could try brushing the teeth using a small amount of toothpaste on a finger until your cat becomes accustomed to the process. Even if they resist your attempts at first, persistence is bound to pay off. Brushing will get easier. Then you can increase the frequency of your cat's teeth cleaning.
It is also recommended that your cat get a dental checkup and routine cleaning at least once a year. This professional care removes hard-to-reach plaque and tartar and allows your veterinarian to diagnose and treat dental problems before complications develop.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.