Bad Breath in Cats

Bad Breath in Cats

Anyone who has ever owned a cat knows what it's like to smell your cat's bad breath. Whether the cause is due to their cat food or a dental issue the smell can sometimes be very off putting.

Depending on how bad the smell is, you might eventually need to bring your cat to the veterinarian.

Symptoms of Dental Problems

• Drooling
• Bad Breath
• Inflamed Gums
• Reduction in Grooming
• Eating less

Things That Can Cause Smelly Breath in Cats

Plaque
Just like humans, cats can also have issues with tartar in their teeth. If there teeth are not cleaned regularly then this can lead to a build up of plaque. Plaque is a build up of tartar that overtime hardened on the gums near the base of the teeth. Since cats can't clean their teeth, you would expect this. So make sure you get their teeth checked every year at their annual checkup. 

Food
Also if you feed your cat a high diet of wet cat food, then the chances of your cat having issues with their teeth will increase. That is why giving them dry as well as wet cat food is advised by your veterinarian.

Gingivitis
This is a dental disease that leads to red, swollen gums that can also sometimes start bleeding. If this is caught early on, then it can be treated. If it is not caught on time, then your cat could get periodontitis disease.

Periodontitis Disease 
This condition is an infection in the tissue of the gums and around  the teeth. The area becomes badly inflamed and teeth can fall out.


How to Treat Bad Breath

Cat Toothbrush
While it would be great to be able to use a cat toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your cat's teeth, for many cat owners, this just isn't possible. 

Cats can be very cranky and unless you have done this from when they were a kitten, then chances are they will rebel if you try to stick a toothbrush in their mouth. 

Dental Treats
There are a few versions of cat treats on the market and they all vary in flavour, so you should be able to find one that they like.

Annual Checkup

When you bring your cat to the veterinarian each year for their annual checkup, you should ask your veterinarian to also check their teeth and gums to see if there are any underlying issues.