Bad Breath In Cats

If your feline friend is suffering from bad breath, often called halitosis, we recommend that you first take them for a check up from your vet. They will be able to examine your cat’s teeth and mouth to check there isn’t a serious issue causing your cat’s bad breath.

Keep reading to find out about the possible causes of feline halitosis.

Causes of bad breath in cats

There are several possible causes of bad breath in cats. These are some of the most common:

1. Diet

The food your cat consumes can often be a cause of bad breath. If you’re asking yourself why your cat’s breath smells, it might be a good idea to look at what they’re eating. If you have taken your cat to the vet and ruled out any oral health issues, then their diet may well be the cause. Occasionally wet and soft cat food can cause bad cat breath as it can stick to a cat’s teeth, which is far less likely with dry food.

2. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It occurs when an accumulation of plaque and bacteria builds up in your cat’s mouth over time. Gingivitis can be uncomfortable for your cat, may result in loss of appitite, and is likely to cause bad breath in cats.

3. Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease can also develop when a cat is suffering gingivitis for a prolonged period of time. If the gingivitis is left untreated it can cause tartar (hardened plaque) to build up underneath a cat’s gums which creates little pockets of space. These pockets are the perfect breeding ground for bacterial growth and this can lead to periodontal disease, another common cause of bad breath in cats.

4. Coprophagia and pica

Coprophagia is the term for a cat who is eating their own or other animals’ faeces. Pica is a medical issue in cats where they regularly eat non-food items. Both of these issues can cause bad cat breath. If you suspect your cat has been eating something they shouldn’t, it’s best to take them to the vets.

5. Stomatitis

Feline stomatitis occurs when the whole of a cat’s oral cavity becomes severely inflamed. One common symptom of stomatitis is very bad breath. It’s always important to book a consultation with your vet if you notice your cat’s breath has a strong, foul smell to it as often it requires veterinary treatment. Read our guide to stomatitis in cats for more symptoms and advice.

6. Kidney disease

On very rare occasions, kidney disease can cause bad breath. There are two different types of kidney diseases that your cat could suffer from. The first is acute kidney failure and the second is chronic kidney failure. There are a few different symptoms that could be a sign of kidney failure, such as vomiting, weight loss and bad breath. Read our guide to kidney disease in cats for more information.

7. Diabetes

Diabetes could also be behind a cat’s bad breath. If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes you may notice their breath have a fruity smell to it. This rare smell could be the sign of a metabolic problem with the diabetes and you should take your cat to a vet straight away. Other signs that your cat may have diabetes are a significant increase in urinating and drinking along with an increase in appetite – if you notice this and your cat hasn’t been diagnosed you should book them in to see the vet as soon as possible. Read our guide to cat diabetes for more information.

Try out some of the steps below to reduce the bad smell coming from your cat’s mouth. If your cat is suffering from gum disease, check with your vet before carrying out any home treatments as the inflamed gums can be sensitive.

1. Cleaning your cat’s teeth at home

Brushing a cat’s teeth regularly not only helps reduce plaque and tartar build up, but it can also reduce bad cat breath. When cleaning a cat’s teeth, it’s important you do it somewhere comfortable and whilst using a cat toothbrush – one specially designed for their small, sharp teeth. Never give a cat human toothpaste, instead, you should use specialist pet toothpaste designed for cats. If you do want to try this at home, read our step-by-guide to cleaning your cat’s teeth.

2. Cleaning your cat’s teeth at the vets

Your cat might however need a more effective and rigorous clean, and so your vet may suggest that they are admitted so their teeth can be thoroughly cleaned with specialist tools. The equipment your vet has will be more effective than you have at home.

If bad breath is a regular issue, it might be worth discussing with your vet if it is beneficial to give your cat’s teeth a professional clean every so often to remove plaque and tartar that could be present in your cat’s mouth. Doing this will help to reduce the smell from a cat with bad breath and also give the vet a chance to extract any teeth that are rotten or causing pain. This is a decision to be made in conjunction with your vet however– as they will most likely need to anaesthetise your cat in order to properly clean their teeth. 

3. Dental cat treats

Feeding your cat dental treats such as Dentalife Cat treats can make a real difference to your cat’s bad breath and their overall dental hygiene. Feeding your cat 17 Dentalife Cat treats a day is scientifically proven to help reduce tartar. This is because each treat your cat chews surrounds the teeth and helps to provide a deep clean, and removing this tartar and plaque can help a cat with bad breath.

Dentalife Cat treats have no added artificial colours and preservatives and come in a resealable pack to keep the treats fresh. Learn more about Dentalife Cat treats and how they can improve your cat’s dental health today.