Bad breath in cats
You walk over to your furry friend who has just woken up from his beauty sleep. The kitty stretches out and lets out a big yawn. But instead of admiring the little animal you have in your living room, you wrinkle your nose and think, “Why does my cat have such bad breath?”
Cats' breath doesn't usually smell like fresh peppermint – and it shouldn't, as they have a completely different diet than us humans. But bad breath from your cat's mouth, or halitosis as it's called in the medical jargon, can be caused by illness or dental problems that need treatment. In this article, we'll look at the possible causes of your cat's bad breath, how to prevent it, and when it's time to see a vet.
Table of contents
Possible reasons why your cat has bad breath
Food
What the cat eats is perhaps one of the most common contributors to a cat's bad breath. Food stuck between the teeth, or larger pieces of fish bones, provide a perfect breeding ground for malodorous bacteria. If you only feed your cat wet food, this can also be a cause – as the soft food is not as good at cleaning the cat's teeth as dry food is. If the cat has ingested something that smells extra bad – such as rotten food – this can also worsen the smell even further.
Dental diseases and injuries in the mouth
Gingivitis is a common cause of bad breath in both young and old cats. This is because inflammation of the gums or foreign bodies can lead to infection and bacterial growth. If your cat has mild gum inflammation, your vet may recommend treating this with a toothbrush – possibly in combination with an antibacterial agent. If the infection is more severe, this is called periodontitis and requires more veterinary treatment as it can cause loose teeth. Keep a close eye on your cat and note any changes in their behaviour. Examples include pulling away when you pet them on the head, drooling, only wanting to eat soft food or a poor appetite.
When food particles and bacteria from the cat's oral cavity react with the cat's saliva, this will eventually be converted into tartar which can smell. This is removed with the help of professional teeth cleaning at the vet.
If your cat has trouble swallowing their food, a rare – but possibly foul-smelling – cause could be nerve damage in their mouth.
Do you suspect that your cat's bad breath is caused by dental disease or oral problems? Then you should contact a veterinarian for a consultation. You can easily book an appointment at our veterinary clinic in Larvik here.
Tooth decay
Just like humans, kittens can lose their baby teeth. This process happens when they are around four months old, and you may notice that your cat's breath becomes worse around this time. If your cat has bad breath due to teething, this will go away on its own once they have shed all their baby teeth.
Other illnesses
Cats with symptoms such as vomiting, reduced general condition and increased thirst in combination with bad breath may be due to other diseases in the body. Kidney problems such as kidney failure, diabetes, gastritis or intestinal problems can also be a cause of bad breath in cats.
Should I see a vet when my cat has bad breath?
If the cat allows you to examine its oral cavity, you can try to see if there are loose/broken teeth, a lot of tartar or foreign bodies in the mouth. Pay attention if your cat's breath worsens. If it does, you should get a vet to help you find out what the underlying causes might be. In this way, you address potential serious problems early.
If you are unsure whether to see a vet because of bad breath or another strong odor in the mouth, it is definitely a good idea to take the trip one too many times rather than letting your pet suffer in discomfort. At the vet, they will examine your cat's entire oral cavity and check if it can swallow and chew normally. In most cases, an x-ray of the teeth will be taken, and sometimes the cat will also need to be put under anesthesia for a more thorough check.
How to prevent bad breath in cats by brushing their teeth
If the strong smell of food is due, daily brushing helps against bad breath in cats. The bad bacteria are not allowed to stick in the mouth and brushing your teeth will also reduce the risk of bad-smelling inflammation of the gums.
Brushing the cat's teeth - this is how you proceed step by step:
- Let the cat get used to being examined in the mouth from an early age. Touch the cat's mouth and reward it as soon as it is calm and cooperative. When it is used to being examined in the mouth, it will be easier to introduce the toothbrush to the cat later.
- Once the cat has become familiar with being touched on and around the mouth, you can slowly start to introduce your finger along the teeth and on the gums. Have short touch sessions that start and end positively for the cat.
- Use a soft and wet toothbrush or soak a finger toothbrush! You don't need to brush with toothpaste, but if you do, make sure you use one that's specially made for animals. If you use toothpaste for humans, this can lead to stomach problems.
- Now you can start brushing your teeth gently with circular movements. Make it easy on yourself and don't expect the cat to yawn when you brush. Gently lift your lip and focus on the outer side of the teeth where there is most food residue and plaque.
- Remember that teaching the cat to accept tooth brushing can take a long time. Positive reinforcement and patience apply here. If you only get a couple of teeth brushed at the start, this is also something to celebrate!
Summary
A common cause of bad breath in cats is the food they eat and various dental problems. Bad breath due to food or mild gingivitis can often be treated with regular brushing, but sometimes there are other underlying reasons why the cat has bad breath. If you have a kitten, their mouth may smell during the teething period when they are around four months old. Diseases such as diabetes, kidney problems or intestinal problems can also be behind the stench in the cat's mouth. It is recommended to see a vet if the cat's breath worsens, or if you notice a change in the cat's behaviour. To prevent bad breath in cats, brushing is a good alternative.
