A cat's breath smells: causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention

A conscientious owner of a mustachioed-striped pet should understand well that a healthy animal’s mouth cannot smell unpleasant. This is a clear indication that there is something wrong with the cat’s body, so it needs to be taken to the veterinarian as quickly as possible.

It does not matter whether the animal is young or old - the smell can occur at any age, even in small kittens. Self-medication in this case will not help, but rather will only worsen the situation.

Causes

There are many different reasons for mouth odor:

Dental problems. Tartar deposits, caries, broken and rotten teeth, gingivitis, periodontitis, problems with the salivary glands and many other dental problems are often the causes of unpleasant odor.
Bacterial infection of the mouth, such as rhinotracheitis or calcivirus. Rapid proliferation of microorganisms provokes the development of a strong odor.
Disturbances in the replacement of primary teeth by permanent ones.
Malocclusion. This is why short-faced breeds of exotic cats have bad breath much more often than other cats.
Injuries to the oral cavity, for example, from particles of solid food, dry food.
Diseases of the digestive and endocrine system: gastritis, duodenitis, ulcers, diabetes mellitus, kidney dysfunction also cause odor.
When malignant tumors form, the body suffers greatly from intoxication, which can also lead to the development of a strong odor.
Sometimes bad breath indicates a helminth infection.

Bad breath that does not go away for a long time is an alarming symptom, and without an in-person examination and, if necessary, additional research, it is impossible to determine the specific cause. Therefore, in such cases it is necessary to visit a veterinarian.

How to deal with halitosis

It is clear that the above-described cases of bad breath in cats should be dealt with by a veterinarian who can choose the right treatment and help balance the diet.

But most often the cause of the smell is problems with the teeth and oral mucosa, some of which the owner himself can solve.

You can remove tartar or plaque using special brushes and gels that are sold at a veterinary pharmacy. The procedure can hardly be called pleasant for the cat; it is unlikely that it will be able to withstand it with dignity, but for the sake of the pet’s health, the owner will have to be patient. If you teach your cat to brush her teeth from childhood, she will be able to get used to it, and will no longer react so sharply and aggressively to the owner approaching her with tools.

Of course, in advanced cases, when neither a brush nor a paste helps, and more serious dental problems (caries, tumors, periodontitis, etc.) are mixed with plaque, you will have to take your pet to a dentist, or simply to doctor. A specialist under anesthesia will be able to remove severely overgrown tartar, cure caries and carry out other procedures that can alleviate the pet’s condition.

During periodic brushing of your teeth, you should pay attention to the condition of the oral cavity: whether there is plaque on the tongue, whether there are ulcers or injuries. Indeed, in most cases, it is in them that harmful microflora develops, which leads to unpleasant consequences. Damaged areas of the oral mucosa, if any, can and should be treated with any antiseptic that is in the medicine cabinet and that can be used in the mouth. For example, ordinary medical chlorhexidine (Miramistin) will perfectly solve the problem of oral ulceration, and at the same time will not allow anaerobic microflora to multiply.

Accompanying symptoms

If a smell occurs from the mouth, the owner should pay attention to the accompanying signs:

lethargy of the animal, apathy;
refusal of food, water;
fever, increased temperature;
the cat wants to eat, but it clearly hurts when eating, he holds his head sideways or tries to take food with the side, where it hurts less;
inflammation, redness and bleeding of the gums, ulcers on the tongue, mucous membranes;
nausea, vomiting;
diarrhea, constipation;
increased thirst;
the smell of acetone, urea, sweetish apple often accompanies serious diseases of the internal organs - kidneys and liver.

Strange behavior of the animal, sudden weight gain or loss of weight along with the smell should alarm the cat owner and force him to immediately visit the veterinary clinic.

How to get rid of unpleasant odors in your apartment and home

Having dealt with the problem of an unpleasant odor from a cat, many owners discover that upholstered furniture, floor coverings or other things in the house have acquired an unpleasant odor. Let's figure out how to get rid of unpleasant odors in your apartment and home.

Methods directly depend on goals. If the smell comes from upholstered furniture, you can use a steam cleaner or professional products to eliminate it. Practice shows that the best results are achieved by products designed for cleaning in medical institutions. However, many cleaning products can affect the color and condition of the fabric.

Note! The so-called smell of cat marks is almost impossible to remove, even using professional products. The smell can remain persistent for years, especially with high humidity.

If the area emitting an unpleasant odor is small in area, it can be covered with activated carbon. To prevent black marks from being left at the processing site, the coal can be wrapped in gauze.

Smooth floor coverings can be cleaned with vinegar and soda or special products. Carpets need to be washed, treated with a steam cleaner or sprayed with special products that absorb odors.

Diagnostics in a veterinary clinic

Diagnosis begins with a thorough examination of the cat's oral cavity. If necessary, the veterinarian will give the animal a sedative injection because a sick animal may react aggressively, especially if it is in severe pain.

Many cats scratch and bite in unfamiliar surroundings and when they see strangers. This is a kind of defensive reaction.

After the examination, the veterinarian may send the animal for an x-ray if it suspects the presence of various defects of the teeth or jaw. If the cause of the odor turns out to be a malfunction of the internal organs, an ultrasound may be necessary, as well as the necessary blood and/or urine tests.

Treatment method and prognosis

Getting rid of bad breath is directly related to the treatment of the underlying disease that caused it. When the disease can be cured, the smell will go away on its own.

But in the event that the cause of the unpleasant odor from the mouth is diseased teeth, treatment should consist of removing hopelessly damaged teeth and treating damaged ones, but those that can be saved.

Sometimes in kittens the cause of the smell is a violation of the replacement of baby teeth by permanent ones. You can wait until your baby teeth fall out and the smell will disappear on its own. But in the case when some of the teeth do not fall out within the allotted time and interfere with the correct eruption of permanent ones, they can be removed in the clinic without harm to the animal.

When the cause of halitosis (a pungent odor from the mouth) is periodontal disease, pulpitis, the formation of gumboils and other purulent processes, treatment will consist of a combination of conservative drug treatment and surgical cleaning of purulent cavities.

In most cases, the prognosis is favorable unless the disease is in advanced stages.

Why do cats have bad breath?

Bad breath is a delicate problem that affects not only humans, but also cats. In some situations, bad breath can be caused by food products (smelly fish, low-quality food, etc.), but most often the causes of bad breath in purrs lie in a serious illness.

1 Why do cats have bad breath?
2 How to deal with bad breath in cats.
3 Cleaning cat teeth.

Why do cats have bad breath?

Bad breath, otherwise called halitosis, is more common in cats in old age, since old animals are susceptible to various chronic diseases, and the condition of their teeth is often deplorable. However, a kitten has bad breath - this is also a common occurrence. In young pets, as a rule, the cause of bad breath is a problem with changing teeth, when the molars are breaking through with might and main, and the baby teeth have not yet had time to fall out. Additionally, in cats of any age, halitosis can be caused by malocclusion.

Halitosis in itself is not a disease, it is only a symptom of some serious illness:

Stomatitis. Drooling and bad breath are the causes of inflammation of the oral mucosa. Most often, stomatitis in cats is provoked by the presence of stone on the teeth, trauma to the palate, tongue or gums, allergies, and infections. Such a disease can be recognized not only by the disgusting smell from the mouth. The mucous membrane of the palate and gums of the animal will look red, whitish ulcers will form in the mouth, blood may flow with saliva, and pus may be released from the wounds. The pet will become sad, his appetite will probably be reduced. A rise in temperature and inflammation of the lymph nodes are possible. How to get rid of bad breath from a cat with stomatitis? Irrigation of the mucous membrane with antiseptics (Miramistin, Furacilin, etc.) and lubrication of wounds with anti-inflammatory regenerating agents (Dentavedin, Levomekol, Eplan) help; sometimes antibiotics may be required;
Gingivitis. The smell of rotten breath in pets is one of the signs of gum inflammation. Most often, this problem occurs due to lack of oral hygiene, malocclusion or infections. When the disease occurs, the gums look red and swollen, they bleed and even fester, drooling a lot, appetite is reduced or absent, loosening and loss of teeth are possible, the animal’s mouth is slightly open most of the time. As a treatment, doctors usually recommend removing tartar and lubricating the wounds with anti-inflammatory wound-healing agents (Dentavedin, Zubastik); it may be necessary to take glucocorticoids and sometimes remove teeth;

Add to cart

Quick view

Compare

8in1 corn litter NM Premium Natural Care for cat litter clumping

1 350,00 ₽
Add to cart

Quick view

Compare

BEAPHAR Dog-A-Dent toothpaste for dogs and cats with liver flavor

800,00 ₽

Tartar. Strong bad breath in cats is caused by hardened deposits of plaque, which appear mainly due to the fact that due attention is not paid to oral hygiene. Bad breath is not the only symptom of tartar; with this disease, the animal constantly shakes its head, the pet’s gums turn red, and a hard coating ranging from yellow to brown is noticeable at the base of the teeth. Tartar is removed in the clinic and only under anesthesia;
Tumors in the mouth. The causes of bad breath in a cat can be caused by malignant or benign neoplasms (fibromas, epulis, carcinomas, squamous cell carcinoma, venereal sarcoma, etc.). Signs of the presence of a tumor include not only the smell of rot from the mouth and the presence of the tumor structure itself, but also the release of blood with saliva, sneezing, deterioration of the teeth (looseness and loss), weight loss and lack of appetite. When there is a tumor in the mouth, the cat keeps sticking out its tongue, licking itself, and it seems as if something is bothering it in its mouth. Depending on the stage of the disease and the type of tumor, the doctor may suggest both drug treatment and surgical excision of the tumor;
Helminths. Many cats have bad breath if parasitic worms live in their digestive organs. An animal with worms suffers from intestinal dysfunction; blood and mucus may be present in the feces, as well as eggs, parasite larvae and even adult worms. With helminthiasis, cats lose weight, but their stomach growls and looks bloated, the appearance of the pets worsens (the fur becomes dull, falls out), and vomiting occurs. Because of anal itching, cats love to ride on the floor on their butts. You can almost always cope with the situation at home by giving the animal a deworming agent (Kaniquantel plus, Milbemax, Profender, etc.), but if the animal is severely weakened, it is better to carry out treatment under the supervision of a veterinarian;
Diseases of the stomach or intestines. An animal may have a putrid odor from the mouth due to the following ailments: enteritis, colitis, gastritis. Such diseases are characterized by the following symptoms: foul-smelling diarrhea (with blood or mucus), pain during bowel movements, loss of appetite, vomiting, rumbling stomach and frequent release of gas, pain in the peritoneum, weight loss. Treatment of gastrointestinal diseases will directly depend on the type of disease and the cause of its development;
Diabetes. A pungent acetone odor comes from the mouth of pets suffering from a lack of production of the hormone insulin. Other signs of the disease include changes in appetite (some cats eat little, others eat too much), weight loss or gain, deterioration of the coat, thinning of the skin, thirst, frequent urination, weakness, unsteadiness of gait on the pelvic limbs, and often a specific symptom - plantigrade walking. . It is possible to eliminate bad breath from a diabetic cat only if you do not neglect taking insulin (naturally, as prescribed by your veterinarian);

Add to cart

Quick view

Compare

Biogance Xtra'Liss Detangler for removing mats and facilitating combing of fur for cats with rice proteins and oat extract – 250 ml

1 300,00 ₽

Kidney diseases. A cat has a strong ammonia odor from the mouth due to kidney failure. Abnormalities in the functioning of the kidneys can be recognized by the following signs: darkening of urine (often the urine smells unpleasant and contains blood) or its excessive transparency, lethargy, possible nausea, vomiting and subsequent release of large amounts of saliva. Treating such a problem is difficult and almost impossible without the help of a specialist;
Liver failure. A cat's sweetish bad breath occurs when the liver is acting up. This disease can be identified by the following symptoms: yellowing of the mucous membranes, changes in the shade of urine and feces (urine becomes dark orange, feces become discolored), weight loss, thirst, vomiting, alternating diarrhea and constipation, refusal to eat. In such a situation, it is possible to remove the smell from a cat’s mouth only if you cure the diseased liver, and this may require taking hepatoprotectors, heart medications, vitamins and antibacterial agents.

How to protect ponytail coats from UV rays?

How to deal with bad breath in cats.

Considering that in most cases, halitosis is caused by some disease, treatment of bad breath in a cat should first of all include measures to combat the underlying disease (for example, if the animal’s breath stinks due to tartar, you will have to contact dentist to sanitize the oral cavity or remove affected teeth, only then the bad smell will disappear). If the owner discovers that, in addition to an unpleasant smell from the mouth, the cat has other alarming symptoms, you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Add to cart

Quick view

Compare

Natural bio-product for oral health Biogance Dentiplaque Oral Care with seaweed extract and sodium bicarbonate – 100 g

1 900,00 ₽
Add to cart

Quick view

Compare

TROPICLINE “Fresh breath” drops

650,00 ₽
But what if the animal feels great, but its breath still doesn’t smell very good? What to do if the veterinarian confirms that the purr's health is normal? The owner should take the following measures:

Cleaning cat teeth.

Typically, cats on a natural diet undergo this procedure 1-2 times daily. Pets who eat dry food can brush their teeth a little less often, but at least 3-4 times a week. For cleaning, you should purchase a special brush, which looks like a fingertip with small bristles. You will also need cat toothpaste (for example, Globalvet or Beaphar brands). Human mint paste should not be used on cats;

The use of special anti-halitosis products for animals (chewable Beaphar Fresh Breath Tablets or Beaphar Dental Powder, Cliny oral spray, etc.);
Using treats to clean teeth from plaque (MNYAMS Healthy Teeth, SANAL DENTAS, Gimpet Denta Kiss, Sanabelle Cat-Sticks, etc.);
Irrigation of the oral cavity with medicinal decoctions (oak bark, chamomile, St. John's wort, etc.);
Introducing raw vegetables into the menu, which clean off bacteria that form on the surface of the cat’s teeth (the animal can be given raw carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, cucumbers, and asparagus)

Add to cart

Quick view

Compare

BEAPHAR Algolith vitamin and mineral mixture based on seaweed to enhance pigmentation

850,00 ₽
Add to cart

Quick view

Compare

SHOW TECH Trio-Pet Toothbrush 3-sided toothbrush

450,00 ₽

Why cats top the list of pets

You can find out everything about products and promotions on our telegram channel My good magazine store

Materials for this article were provided by our friends DogCatFan.com – Magazine about dogs and cats

If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter.

Use of materials on other resources is possible only with the written consent of the editors and co-authors of the articles

Olga Nezhnaya

I love soft, fluffy friends and am ready to play with them for hours. I know everything about how to take care of pets. Website

What to do at home

It is extremely difficult to treat a cat’s teeth at home, and other diseases can only be cured in a hospital setting. All that cat owners can do on their own is to provide their pet with ideal conditions for recovery.

In some cases, owners will have to inject themselves and give tablets prescribed by a veterinarian.

Cat nutrition plays an important role during the period of treatment and recovery. It is selected according to the state of health and type of disease. Basically, it should be light, high-calorie food, soft, not traumatic to the tissues of the mouth, and easily digestible.

The animal must have unlimited access to water.

Possible complications

If any disease is neglected, it can lead to serious consequences. This is especially true for such complex systemic diseases as endocrine and hormonal disorders (diabetes, thyrotoxicosis, and so on), diseases of the digestive system, liver and kidneys. A number of diseases threaten the cat with death.

But even damage to the gums and teeth can cause irreversible consequences. The cat may lose teeth, which will cause disturbances in its nutrition and lead to complications with the digestive system in the future.