Feline Bad Breath

Does you kitten suffer from feline bad breath? While most kitten and cat breath will not smell minty fresh, it should smell tolerable. Cat breath should not make you wince or shy away from your kitten. Most cats will naturally have a more pungent odor to their breath compared to humans.

Cats tend to eat primarily high protein diets and they have relatively poor digestive systems. Poor protein digestion makes bad breath in cats is a common problem. However, severe cat bad breath can be a sign of more serious problems in felines. So, take your furry friend to the vet to get checked for any medical causes of bad breath. Let’s look that the most common causes of kitten and cat bad breath.

Causes of Bad Breath in Cats

Any number of issues can cause feline bad breath. In kittens, the most prevalent reason is teething. As old teeth are lost new teeth push through the gums causing bleeding. Dried blood in the mouth can cause a foul, fetid mouth odor. So, be sure to keep in mind teething as a cause of bad breath if you have a young kitten. Tell tale signs and symptoms of teething in kittens are sore, red, swollen gums, missing teeth, loose teeth, and pain when eating.

Food allergies are a less common cause of cat bad breath. Allergies are caused by a reaction in the immune system brought about by an allergen. These dietary allergens can cause dermatitis in the mouth and bad breath. In cats, frequent allergens are fish, dairy, and chicken.

Dental problems are a major concern in cats and kittens. Gingivitis, feline oral resorptive lesions (FORL), dental abscesses, periodontal disease, broken teeth, and objects caught between the teeth can cause major feline bad breath. Bleeding gums, infections associated with dental cavities, and abscesses create the perfect environment for bad breath to flourish.

Diabetes is not so common in kittens. But, in adult cats, untreated diabetes can add a distinctive sweet aroma to cat breath.

Kidney and liver problems are devastating in cats. With kidney problems, cat breath has an ammonia-like, urine-like smell. In felines with liver problems, cats may vomit, have a yellow hue to their skin, and emit a foul odor from the mouth.

Mouth cancer is a rare cause of feline bad breath. Other symptoms of oral cancer include weight loss, tooth loss, and poor appetite in addition to bad cat breath.

Feline Bad Breath Treatments

There are a number of natural and commercial remedies available to treat bad breath in cats:

• Home Remedies – Peppermint oil in 1 cup of water can be used as a mouth spray; or try lemon juice or baking soda instead of peppermint

• Dietary Change – Add more feline safe green veggies to your cat’s diet; Eliminate food allergens in the diet

• Digestive Enzymes – Add feline enzymes to the diet to help the body break down protein. Click here to get more information on PetAlive Digestive Support to treat digestive system problems in pets.

• Mouth Sprays and Drops – Commercial products that contain chlorhexidine can be added to your cat’s drinking water to kill odor causing bacteria.

• Solve the Medical Problems – Underlying problems like diabetes and liver/kidney problems will need to be treated to resolve severe bad breath.

Cat Bad Breath Prevention

Brushing your kitten or cat's teeth is the best defense against foul breath. Brushing removes tartar and plaque which can lead to dental problems. Brushing also removes food particles that get stuck on and between teeth that create a bad odor. I know brushing can be a hassle and it takes time to develop a routine with your cat. But, brushing is well worth it.

Regular vet visits also reduce the chance of developing bad cat breath. A vet can do regular professional dental cleanings and spot any medical problems early.

Learn to examine your cat’s mouth. Check for any broken or missing teeth and swollen gums. Watch your cat when it eats. Is it hesitant when it chews? Has its appetite decreased? Monitoring your cat can go a long way in heading off feline bad breath.

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