Why Does a Cat's Breath Smell So Bad?

A whiff of tuna breath now and then is to be expected when you live with cats. But halitosis in cats can also be a sign of a serious health problem. While kitty breath fresheners will make close contact more pleasant for you, it's important to discover the reason for your cat's bad breath.

  1. Causes

    • Dental disease is the most common reason for bad breath in cats. Other causes are stomatitis, a tumor in the mouth, lung disease, diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, and kidney disease. A foreign body, like a piece of grass, stuck in the cat's teeth can also cause bad breath when it begins to decompose.

    Signs of Dental Disease

    • In addition to bad breath, signs of dental disease in cats include drooling, pawing at the mouth or face, chewing on one side of the mouth, and reluctance to eat.

    Diabetic Ketoacidosis

    • Breath that smells sweet or fruity could indicate diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. The breath of cats with diabetic ketoacidosis may also smell like nail polish remover.

    Warning

    • An unusually foul smell, especially if accompanied by jaundice, can be a sign of liver disease or an intestinal blockage. Breath that smells like ammonia may indicate kidney disease.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Pet supply stores sell kitty breath mints and products to add to cats' water to freshen their breath. The chlorophyll in cat grass will also freshen a cat's breath.