Bad Odor From a Cat's Mouth

While your cat's breath may not always smell fresh and clean, if you notice a persistent, pungent odor coming from your cat's mouth, it could signal a health problem. Over time, your cat develops plaque and tartar on its teeth that can lead to gum disease, cavities and tooth loss. Avoid any problems by bringing your cat to a veterinarian for an exam to treat its bad breath, also called halitosis.

  1. Dental Disease

    • Over time, plaque, a thin film made up of food and bacteria, builds up on your cat's teeth, turning into a hard substance called tartar. Plaque and tartar lead to the inflammation and infection of the gums around the teeth, causing periodontal disease and bad breath. Plaque can also cause erosions on the surface of the teeth called osteoclastic resorptive lesions, similar to cavities in humans, according to Arnold Plotnick, DVM. These lesions can lead to tooth pain, loss of appetite and the eventual loss of the tooth. Chronic gum inflammation causes bone loss and infection.

    Medical Causes

    • Cats whose breath has a strong smell of ammonia, similar to urine, may suffer from kidney disease. Check the cat's mouth for ulcers along the gums; these ulcers, along with the ammonia scent, indicate an advanced stage of renal failure, says Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Renal Failure. A sweeter, fruity scent, similar to nail polish remover, coming from the cat's mouth may indicate that it suffers from diabetes. A foul odor coming from the mouth can also indicate liver disease or an intestinal blockage, states the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

    Treatment

    • If your cat's bad breath persists for longer than a day or two, bring the cat to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. The doctor will examine the cat's mouth for signs of infection, periodontal disease and the presence of foreign objects. If the veterinarian does not diagnose another underlying medical condition, he will clean the cat's teeth under anesthesia to remove the plaque and tarter from the teeth and under the gums. During the cleaning, he should also remove any foreign matter lodged between the teeth. After the cleaning, your cat may require an antibiotic to treat any infections present in its mouth, as directed by the doctor.

    Dental Care

    • Dental disease can lead to more serious infections of the mouth that can cause liver disease, kidney infections and heart damage, according to Arnold Plotnick, DVM. Keep your cat's teeth and gums healthy by brushing its teeth daily using a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste found in pet supply stores. Feed your cat a diet specific for dental care that includes a hard kibble to scratch away plaque and keep teeth cleaner. The Vetinfo website recommends having your cat's teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian once per year; the procedure includes cleaning, polishing and a fluoride treatment. Regular dental care at home and with your cat's veterinarian helps prevent halitosis.