Ever leaned in for a cuddle with your feline friend and been met with a wave of truly awful breath? It’s more than just unpleasant – cat breath that stinks can be a red flag for underlying health issues. Just like humans, a cat’s breath can tell you a lot about their well-being.
“A healthy cat’s breath should not be offensive,” states Dr. Eric Davis, a veterinarian and expert in feline dentistry. If you’re noticing a persistent foul odor, it’s time to pay attention.
Decoding Cat Breath: More Than Just “Cat Breath”
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, in cats isn’t just a normal part of cat ownership you have to put up with. It can be a sign of various health problems, ranging from dental issues to more serious systemic diseases like kidney disease, respiratory infections, liver problems, and even diabetes. Oral trauma or skin disease around the mouth can also contribute to bad breath.
However, Dr. Davis emphasizes, “By far, the most common problem associated with bad breath is periodontal disease.” Think about it: if you didn’t brush your teeth for weeks, months, or even years, your breath wouldn’t be pleasant. The same applies to our feline companions.
Neglecting your cat’s dental health can lead to periodontal disease, a preventable condition that causes pain, tooth loss, and infections that can spread to other organs in severe cases. It begins with plaque, a sticky film that forms on teeth. Without regular cleaning, plaque hardens into tartar, attracting even more plaque. This leads to gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, and eventually progresses to periodontal disease, causing tissue and bone loss. While a professional dental cleaning can offer a fresh start, the plaque will return within days without consistent home care, primarily tooth brushing.
Beyond periodontal disease, trapped food particles or foreign objects can also cause your cat’s breath to stink. “Another common cause of bad breath is something caught in your cat’s teeth or under her gums,” explains Dr. Davis. “Food particles, hair, or string can become lodged in the spaces between teeth, decompose, and infect the surrounding tissue.”
Interestingly, the type of bad breath can also offer clues. Sweet-smelling breath might indicate diabetes, while breath that smells like urine could point to kidney disease. A particularly foul odor could be linked to liver disease or an intestinal blockage. Mouth ulcers, sores, or even cancer can also manifest as bad breath.
Fresh Breath Starts with Dental Hygiene: Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth
The good news is that many cases of stinky cat breath are preventable with good dental hygiene. The gold standard? Brushing your cat’s teeth daily, if possible, using a toothpaste specifically formulated for cats.
“Link the brushing to a treat,” Dr. Davis advises. “Like offering water from a dripping faucet or a favorite wet food.” Start by placing a small amount of cat-friendly toothpaste on your finger and gently applying it to your cat’s teeth, just before giving them their treat. Most cats will tolerate this quick process in anticipation of their reward.
Repeat this finger-brushing routine daily for a week to establish it as part of your cat’s routine. Gradually, you can move further back in their mouth, still keeping the experience stress-free for your cat. Once your cat is comfortable with the toothpaste on your finger, introduce a cat toothbrush, applying the same gentle and rewarding approach.
Remember, forcing your cat’s mouth open will likely backfire. Instead, gently lift their lips to expose their teeth. Focus on disrupting plaque buildup at the gumline, the area where the teeth meet the gums. Don’t worry too much about the tongue side of the teeth or vigorous scrubbing.
Starting dental care when your cat is young makes the process much easier. Always use toothpaste designed for cats; human toothpaste can upset their stomach. And never force tooth brushing if your cat becomes distressed – it’s not worth risking injury to yourself or your cat. Some vets also suggest dry food may be better than wet food in reducing plaque buildup.
When is Stinky Breath Normal (and When It’s Not)
It’s important to note that not all instances of less-than-fresh breath are cause for alarm. Just like us, a cat’s breath can temporarily smell after eating certain pungent foods. Smoked oysters or tuna, for example, might leave their breath smelling a bit strong to our sensitive human noses.
“Nevertheless, consistent bad breath should be checked by a veterinarian,” Dr. Davis emphasizes. “Halitosis is a common concern for cat owners, and a veterinary examination is usually necessary to determine the cause.”
Your vet can determine if the stinky breath is due to a simple fix like a professional dental cleaning or if it’s a symptom of a more serious health issue requiring antibiotics or other medication. Addressing the underlying cause is crucial for your cat’s overall health and well-being. Don’t just reach for the cat treats – if your cat’s breath stinks, take it seriously and consult your veterinarian.
