Your Cat Has Bad Breath, But You Can Do Something To Prevent It

Did you say your cat has bad breath? If your furry feline has halitosis, you may be looking for a remedy. Stinky cat breath is nothing to laugh about, and that is especially true because it may be a sign that something is going wrong with their health. Dental and digestive diseases are the most common causes of cat bad breath, but you may be wondering if there is anything that can be done about it.

Well, if your cat has bad breath, you could purchase some freshener pet mints, but think about it, you could be just covering up what could be a health condition that is causing the stinky breath. Sometimes it’s simple to fix a problem when your cat’s breath smells badly. For instance, if you have recently changed your pets diet, and the odor just showed up too, changing back to the original for awhile may give you a positive answer and you will know that they are all right after all. Sometimes food allergies are the cause.

On the other hand, if there have been no changes, check your kitty’s teeth and the inside of the mouth to see if your pet has any loose or decayed teeth. While you’re at it take a close look at the condition of the gums. Dark red or pink gums could indicate gum disease which could be the source of your cat’s bad breath. Buildup of tartar and plaque could lead to this condition by creating a favorable climate for bacteria to grow.

Having your cat’s teeth cleaned by a tech at your veterinarian’s office periodically is a good way to prevent this buildup, but you should also teach your pampered pet to allow you to brush their teeth every day. Of course, you should always use toothpaste specifically made for your cat, otherwise you may be causing undue harm.

Taking care of your cat’s teeth may be the answer when your cat has bad breath, but if that doesn’t do the trick there is probably something else causing the problem. When your cat has horribly bad breath it could be because of an abscess or tumor, and you should have it checked out by your vet. There could also be other problems underlying your cat’s breath, so a visit to the vet is always in order.

Cats are not immune to diabetes, lung disease, liver disease, or kidney disease, and all of these conditions can lead to bad breath. Taking your cat to the vet is the least you can do for your friend who has given you many reasons to smile, and your vet is the only one that has the tools to diagnose her properly and provide the treatment needed when your cat has bad breath.

Here are some signals that your cat requires a visit to the veterinarian’s office.

* Too much brown tartar on your cats teeth, particularly if it is also accompanied by red, inflamed gums, drooling, and has difficulting eating.
* A sweet, fruity odor to the breath, which could be an indication that your cat has diabetes. This is particularly true is she has been urinating more often than usual, and drinking more water also.
* If your cat’s breath has the odor of urine it may indicate that she is developing kidney disease.
* She is pawing at her mouth.
* Loss of appetite, vomiting, foul breath odor, gums and corneas that are yellow may be a sigh that your cat’s liver is not well.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent or correct your cat’s bad breath.

  • Be sure to take your cat in for regular checkups at your vet’s to help maintain their good health.
  • Be sure that each time you visit the vet that they check the condition of your pet’s teeth.
  • Talk with your cat’s vet about steps you can take at home to take care of their oral health.
  • Using toothpaste designed for cats, brush your kitty’s teeth every day.
  • Speak with your vet about a diet for your cat that will help in the prevention of dental disease. Many vets feel that the abrasive action of hard kibble can help to remove and slow down plaque formation.

Taking care of your cat’s health is important and the best thing you can do for your loving pal.