March 28, 2024

Bad breath, commonly known as halitosis, in cats is more common than you might think. Of course, it is an unpleasant situation that needs to be dealt with. However, if you take into account the keys that we are going to recommend throughout this article, you will be able to solve this problem that affects not only the people around the animal, but also itself. So interested in learning more? Read on!

The Most Common Causes

Chronic Kidney Disease | International Cat Care

The fact that a cat suffers from halitosis is nothing more than a warning that there is a problem behind it. There are many different causes of bad breath in cats. It is therefore advisable to go to the veterinarian to analyze what is happening to your pet. This way, the solution will be very easy to find. If this problem usually affects your cat, we explain in this section some of the most common causes of bad breath in cats.

  • Gingivitis

Sometimes bacteria build up in your cat’s mouth. Because of this, the gums become inflamed, causing discomfort and bad breath. To prevent the problem from getting worse, it is necessary to treat it as soon as possible.

  • Periodontal Disease

When gingivitis is left untreated, it is possible for tartar to build up under the pet’s gums, creating small pockets of space that can fill with bacteria and lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is usually the cause of bad breath in cats.

  • Kidney Disease

You may be surprised that kidney disease can cause halitosis in cats. However, it is not only a cause of bad breath in these cats, but it also causes vomiting and weight loss.

  • Diabetes

Sometimes, a cat’s foul-smelling breath can mean that it has diabetes. Definitely a problem that needs to be treated urgently at the vet’s office.

  • Stomatitis

Feline stomatitis occurs when a cat’s oral cavity becomes alarmingly inflamed. A symptom of this disease is bad breath.

  • Diet

When a cat has a bad odor in the mouth, it may be due to the diet you are feeding. Sometimes wet food is the cause of this problem. Therefore, if you leave out the wet food and offer only dry food, the problem may be solved.

  • Coprophagia and Pica

    The first concept is used to define the situation in which cats eat their own feces and even those of other animals. On the other hand, pica is a medical condition that refers to the case where a cat constantly ingests non-food items, including textiles and plastics. Both are common causes of bad breath in cats.

Tips and Tricks to Get Rid of Halitosis in Cats

If your cat has halitosis, the most advisable thing to do, as mentioned above, is to take your cat to the vet to rule out any serious problems, such as teeth or gums. However, if this is not the case, we describe in this section some tips and keys to stop bad breath in cats.

Cleaning Your Cat’s Teeth at Home

People aren’t the only ones who need to brush their teeth. Pets can also go through this cleaning process without any negative consequences. In cats, it not only gets rid of tartar and plaque, but also eliminates bad breath. If you decide to do this, keep in mind that the kitty needs to stay in a comfortable place and that you need to use a toothbrush specifically for him. Of course, human toothpastes are totally prohibited, as there are specialized toothpastes for pets.

Cleaning Your Cat’s Teeth at the Vet

How to Keep Your Cat's Teeth Clean | Bartlett Vet

In case you think the situation is too complicated, a vet can always perform this task. This will be a much more thorough and effective cleaning, as he will use specialized tools. You will ensure that your cat’s mouth is free of plaque and tartar. This will help reduce bad breath.

Dental Treats for Cats

It is very common to buy dental treats when it comes to eliminating bad breath in cats. These are designed to reduce your cat’s tartar. In addition, some are able to provide a deep cleaning and thus combat halitosis.

In summary, the first step to take if your cat’s mouth smells bad is to consult a specialist. He or she will know exactly what to do after caring for your pet. However, there are many things you can do yourself, such as changing your cat’s diet or giving your cat special treats for bad breath, to put an end to the problem.

What cat breed do you have? And since when the bad breath started? Let us know everything in the comments below.

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