Bad Breath in Cats

A kitty with bad breath, or halitosis, is a common complaint among pet owners, according to the experts at The Cat Health Guide. It is important to pay attention to your cat's breath and dental health in order to properly diagnose the cause. While the majority of bad breath symptoms in cats is due to odorous foods or poor dental health, halitosis can be a sign of other serious illnesses.

  1. Symptoms

    • Under normal circumstances, a cat's breath should not be offensive. Pay attention to your cat's normal breath and be aware of any changes. Offensive breath, similar to bad breath in humans, could be an indicator of a dental problem or a serious illness. A cat with periodontal disease, or dental problems, will most likely also experience swollen or red gums, according to The Cat Health Guide's website.

    Sign of Illness

    • In addition to dental problems, feline halitosis can indicate some fairly severe illnesses. The Cornell Feline Health Center warns that sickly sweet smelling breath could be a sign of diabetes; urine-like smells in a cat's breath could indicate kidney disease and foul breath could be a sign of liver disease or an intestinal blockage. In any case, veterinary care is needed immediately. The Cat Health website warns that bad breath combined with nausea and excessive drooling are symptoms of kidney disease.

    Other Causes

    • In some cases, bad breath is simply a side-effect of eating odorous foods. The Cat Health Guide website suggests that a cat's carnivorous nature and tendency to eat fish-based food can lead to halitosis. Typically, when bad breath is caused by food, the breath smells worse directly after eating.

    Diagnosis

    • The Cornell Feline Health Center recommends smelling a cat's breath while it is sleeping to get a clear whiff of how the cat's breath really smells. Record your observations and take the cat to your veterinarian. Due to the many causes of halitosis, it is important to have a veterinarian properly examine the animal. A veterinarian can determine the cause of your cat's halitosis and help establish a treatment plan.

    Dental Health

    • No matter what causes your cat's halitosis, it is important to develop a routine for the animal's dental health. Brushing a cat's teeth helps prevent plaque buildup, gingivitis and periodontal disease. Cats generally resist having their teeth brushed, but the Cornell Feline Health Center offers some tips. Associate brushing with a treat by showing cats their favorite treat. Place a bit of feline tooth gel on your finger and gently apply it to her teeth. Repeat daily to help cats become used to the process by gently moving the lips to brush teeth. Do not force a cat's mouth open because they do not like it and may bite, warns the Cornell Feline Health Center. Daily brushing is the best way to prevent halitosis due to dental problems.