What to Do When A Cat Has Bad Breath
"Malodor or halitosis (when a Cat has bad
breath) is commonly due to
bacteria accumulation in the mouth. It is frequently caused by a dental
problem or an issue with the gums. Bad breath can also be caused by a
dietary issue or skin condition. If the bad breath is persistant
(doesn't ever go away) and in many cases accompanied by other symptoms,
then it could indicate a problem such as problems with the kidneys
(breath smells like urine), liver (accompanied by appetite loss,
vomiting, yellow corneas or gums), gastrointestinal tract or chronic
dental disease. If the breath smells fruity it could indicate diabetes.
In most cases treatment involves a professional
teeth cleaning and daily dental care."
Overview
The most common cause when your cat has bad breath is poor dental hygiene or periodontal disease. When bacteria accumulates around the base of the teeth it causes the bad breath. This is an early warning sign that your cat's teeth need attention. Symptoms of dental disease include brown tartar on the teeth and related problems such as drooling and problems when chewing or biting on food. Check the gums to see if they are red and inflamed.
Your cat's teeth need to be brushed everyday in order to remove the bacteria. If the bacteria isn't removed then it starts to erode bone that supports the teeth which in turn leads to the loss of teeth and bleeding.
You may also notice that your cat's gums are becoming swollen, a yellowish or brown substance on the teeth (tartar) and some loose teeth. Another sign of severe dental gum disease, a tumor in the mouth or an abscess is drooling and a reduced appetite.
What to do for Cat Breath Problems
Following these steps for cat breath problems should help eliminate or control the condition:- Professional Dental Cleaning and Treatment - Take
your cat to a
veterinarian for a professional cleaning or for treatment. If
periodontal disease, a cat is often hospitalized for the day and
anesthesia is used.
- Brush Your Cats Teeth Everyday - Special toothpastes
and toothbrushes are made for cats (human toothpaste can irritate
your cat's stomach. If you've never brushed your cat's teeth, start
with a cloth wrapped around your finger. Run your finger along your
cat's teeth. Once your cat is used to this,switch to a brush.
- Use a Natural Breath Spray - Natural breath sprays contain colloidal silver, an ingredient that helps control the level of bacteria in the mouth. PetAlive OralHealth Mouth Spray is worth researching as it helps to promote oral health and address cat breath.
Feline Kidney Disease and Cat Bad Breath
If the feline bad breath is accompanied by other symptoms such as weak lethargic behavior, weight loss, excessive drinking, more urination than normal, loss of appetite and in some cases vomiting, then your cat may be suffering from kidney disease. See your veterinarian for tests. Bring a urine sample for testing if you can.References
Bad Breath in CatsWhat Causes Bad Breath in Cats
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