Symptoms of Bad Breath and Red Gums in Cats

As you might imagine, bad breath and inflamed gums can be a sign of a dental problem in your cat. But what you might not know is these can also be symptoms of much more serious illnesses. Chronic bad breath and gum inflammation are never normal and should be addressed by your veterinarian.

  1. Dental Problems

    • The most likely cause of bad breath and red gums in cats is the need for teeth cleaning. In this case, the bad breath is like that in humans. Your vet will clean your cat's teeth and will likely instruct you on how to follow up with regular tooth brushing.

    Cancer of the Mouth

    • Bad breath is also a symptom of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma. This is a rapidly-spreading cancer of the mouth. Other symptoms include excessive drooling or salivating, bleeding from the mouth, loose teeth, lack of appetite, difficulty swallowing and swelling of the face or in the mouth. The most likely causes are chemicals or toxins in your cat's environment. These can include cigarette smoke, the cans in which cat food is sold and even the active ingredients on flea collars. Remember that cats groom themselves constantly with their tongues, thus coming in contact orally with toxins.

    Signs of Serious Illnesses

    • Bad breath in cats can also be a sign of other life-threatening conditions. If it has a sweet, fruity smell and accompanies weight loss and excessive thirst, it could indicate diabetes. If it smells like ammonia and accompanies poor appetite, weight loss and increased thirst and urination, it could indicate kidney disease. If it is foul and accompanied by vomiting, jaundice and abdominal swelling, it could indicate liver disease. Obviously, all of these conditions require immediate veterinary care.