Cat Bad Breath: What You Can Do to Eliminate Feline Halitosis

Does your cat suffer from bad breath (also known as 'feline halitosis')? If so, you know how uncomfortable it can be when friends who visit are repelled by your cat's breath. Even more important than the social implications, however, is the fact that feline halitosis can be an indication that your cat may be suffering from some dental or digestive disorders.

Any changes in your cat's diet can create digestive problems for your cat, so this should be the first consideration. If you've modified your cat's diet, a change back to its original dietary regimen may resolve the problem. If your cat's diet has not changed, the next step would be to check inside your cat's mouth. Bad breath is most often caused by the uncontrolled growth of bacteria in the mouth. This is true for humans as well as for our canine and feline companions. When we chew our food, bacteria in the mouth break down the proteins in our food, and this in turn causes sulfur and other chemicals to be released into the air through our breath. Ordinarily, it's the smell of the sulfur that is so offensive.

So where does this excessive bacteria come from? It is generally the direct result of poor oral hygiene, resulting in the growth of plaque and tartar on the teeth. This can be a problem for cats as much as it is for humans. When your cat's bad breath is rooted in its dental hygiene, look for those cat foods and special treats that contain enzymes whose purpose is to prevent the buildup of tartar on your cat's teeth. You can also have your cat's teeth cleaned professionally by your veterinarian, but this strategy provides only a short-term solution. To prevent the problem from recurring, you will need to make some modifications to its diet. Your vet may suggest other approaches as well, such as prescribing an antibacterial mouth spray to prevent the onset of gingivitis (gum disease).

A more proactive approach would be to periodically brush your cat's teeth. There are special toothpastes and brushes made for this purpose, including electric tooth brushes, which are the most effective in preventing the buildup of tartar. If possible, this would be a good habit to develop while your cat is still young. The best time to clean your cat's teeth is shortly, but not immediately, after a meal. Wait for about half an hour or so after the meal so that your cat does not associate mealtime with having its teeth brushed. Such an association would create some anxiety around eating, and possibly cause it to not eat properly or to develop digestive problems.

If your cat's halitosis does not stem from either a change in diet or from a buildup of tartar and/or plaque on the teeth, then the problem may in fact be much more deeply rooted. There may be a more serious dental issue such as a tumor, an abscess, or other types of dental disease. Feline halitosis can also be a symptom of other non-dental diseases, such as kidney or liver disease, lung cancer, or feline leukemia. Your vet can help you make these determinations and provide you with the best course of action. Exhibiting bad breath is no more normal for a cat than it is for a human, so it's imperative to take appropriate action if your cat suffers from this problem.