Mary Allen
When cats have bad breath, how easy it is to treat depends on the cause. In many cases a change of feed or regular dental care is sufficient. If there are serious illnesses behind it, the veterinarian can best help.
It is normal for cats to smell from their mouths after eating. But a strikingly unpleasant, intense, or unusual bad breath can indicate a wide variety of diseases such as tartar, gingivitis, or organ diseases such as kidney failure. If the veterinarian is able to treat the underlying disease, the bad breath usually disappears as well.
Identify the Cause of the Bad Breath
The first question that arises is: Where does bad breath come from? If you recognize the food in your kitty’s bad breath, you can counteract the unpleasant smell by changing the food brand or possibly BARF. But here too, if you have any doubts or are unsure which diet is right for your cat, be sure to ask your veterinarian for advice before starting any experiments.
However, it can also be the case that bad breath in cats is extremely bad, in which case tooth or gum problems can be behind it, which the veterinarian should definitely look at as soon as possible in order to treat them. A foul-smelling mouth odor can indicate renal insufficiency. If a sweet note mixes with your kitty’s stinky breath, she may be suffering from diabetes.
How to Treat Bad Breath
In the case of dental problems – as with people – it may be necessary to extract the affected tooth. In particularly severe cases, comprehensive tooth rehabilitation is also possible, which is carried out under anesthesia. Kidney problems in cats can usually be treated with IV fluids. A diabetic kitty may need regular insulin shots and, if lucky, may benefit from a change in diet. Your veterinarian can give you tips on dosing and feeding.
Prevent Bad Breath in Cats
You can do a little yourself to ensure that your cats do not get bad breath so easily. High-quality cat food can help, for example, but also enough fresh water for the house tiger, for example from a cat drinking fountain. The chlorophyll in cat grass can also prevent and relieve bad cat breath. Your kitty also needs help with dental care. In addition, make sure that your fur nose does not become too fat – being overweight promotes the development of diabetes and other diseases.