Cat Has Really Bad Breath

What to do if your cat has really bad breath? Feline halitosis is the term used for stinky cat breath, and it is an indication that your pet is suffering from dental and digestive problems.

You could buy pet mints or freshener (such as Pit’r Pat mints), but this may only mask the problem temporarily. If the reason behind feline bad breath is digestive problems, you would need to check whether any changes you made recently to the cat’s diet led to the rotten odor. Sometimes this is the first sign of a food allergy. If so, you can change the diet back to the original regimen your kitty was following, and it would solve the smelly cat breath immediately.

If diet is not the problem, check the teeth and inside the mouth to determine whether your cat is suffering from a loose or broken tooth, periodontal disease, gingivitis or any sort of oral infection. Look for swollen (inflamed), dark pink or red gums. If proper pet dental hygiene is not followed, it could lead to buildup of plaque and tartar. This creates ideal conditions for the bacteria inside the cat’s mouth to grow and breed.

You can get your cat’s teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian before starting to brush the teeth every day. There are special feline toothbrushes and toothpastes available at pet stores that will help you get rid of the cat mouth odor. The toothpaste is available in several flavors, and you can choose the one your kitten prefers.

But if the feline bad breath still persists and does not go away after dietary changes and regular brushing, look at the problem from a different perspective.

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Really bad cat breath could be due to a tumor or abscess, and you will need to check with your vet regarding the treatment procedure. Feline halitosis can be an indication of a deeper problem with the general health of your cat. Cats that are diabetic sometimes have been found to be suffering from bad breath. Foul mouth odor in cats can also be seen as a symptom of liver, kidney or lung disease. In rare cases it could even be an early sign of feline cancer. Consult your vet for proper diagnosis if the problem won’t go away.

Are there any special cat foods that will cure bad breath? Perhaps. There are many pet foods that are specifically designed to prevent buildup of plaque and tartar. This kitty kibble contains “plaque attack” enzymes that dissolve existing plaque and prevent more from forming.

All these tips may prevent awful cat breath and help keep your pet healthy.