Your cat’s breath stinks, and you’re not sure what to do about it. Well, it could be a sign of a dental problem or a symptom of kidney disease or diabetes. In any case, you should take action as soon as possible.
Here are some practical solutions to the problem.
How to Eliminate Bad Cat Breath
The condition of foul smell coming from the moth is called halitosis. So, if your cat is coming down with it, follow these steps:
1. Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
Start by using a toothbrush to remove the excess bacteria. The cat’s gums and teeth are often home to various types of bacteria. If you don’t brush the cat’s teeth regularly, this bacteria builds up, resulting in bad breath. Fortunately, you can address this using a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Look for those at a nearby pet store.
Read also: Toothpaste for Cats with Gingivitis: 5 Editor Picks and Buying Guide
2. Feed Dental Care Products
You can also start feeding your pet dental care cat food to prevent such problems. However, you will need a vet’s prescription to purchase it.
3. Take Care of Your Cat’s Diet
Don’t let your cat eat smelly foods from the garbage can. Furthermore, refrain from giving it too many dry kibbles.
Plus, if you give your cat tuna and small pieces get stuck in the teeth, it will give off a bad smell. So, it is best if you brush a cat’s teeth after such treats. Vets also advise avoiding giving your cat processed foods as much as possible.
4, Chew Toys
Cat chews have sharp edges, leading your cat to use force when playing with them. However, this may result in bits and pieces ending up between the cat’s gums. So, consult a vet before purchasing any chew toys and consider their form.
Read also: Top 5 Best Dental Chews for Cats for Better Oral Health
5. Use Water Additives
Add additives or gel to the water and let the cat drink it to refresh its breath. Don’t just give any random additive solution to a cat, and also, don’t give additives made for humans. Instead, have your vet point you in the right direction after looking at the cat’s medical history.
Read also: 5 Dental Water Additives for Cats to Keep its Breath Fresh
6. Use Gel
You can also rub the gel (recommended by the vet) directly on the cat’s teeth. Doing this will reduce the plaque or tartar in the teeth and remove any foul odors.
7. Wipe the Cat’s Teeth
You can use a washcloth or dry gauze to wipe the cat’s teeth. It will reduce the plaque build-up considerably, leading to a neutral breath smell.
8. Annual Vet Appointments
Make an appointment with your veterinarian for tooth cleaning at least once a year. The vet will apply anesthesia to your cat before thoroughly cleaning the gums and teeth. This is the most effective measure for your pet’s dental care. Of course, the anesthesia is necessary as cats otherwise won’t let the vet do their job.
9. Prevent Dry Mouth
Make sure your cat is properly hydrated. To do so, simply leave a cup of fresh water next to it. Wet foods are another excellent way of hydration.
Read also: Can Cats Drink Tap Water?
10. Treat Diseases
More often than not, some type of disease is to blame for your cat’s foul breath. In other words, dental diseases are fairly common among cats. According to International Cat Care, around 85% of cats have some sort of dental problem.
Aside from dental diseases, bad breath may also be caused by other causes. If the cat’s breath smells like urine, it means that its kidneys are affected. Similarly, if the cat’s breath smells like feces, it is a gastric problem. If the cat’s smell is like a fruity odor, then the reason is diabetes.
Visit the vet immediately when you realize the cat’s breath is not normal. It should be neutral without giving any foul or pleasant odor. The vet may also recommend X-rays and other tests to locate broken teeth or other hidden problems.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, you should be concerned if a cat has bad breath, as it could result from periodontal disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and other factors. We listed the 10 different ways to get rid of unpleasant cat breath.
Each of these approaches successfully combats the foul smell from your cat’s mouth. However, we strongly advise visiting a veterinarian to determine the exact nature of the problem. It’s best to follow the expert’s advice to the letter if you have a tooth problem, diabetes, or renal disease.
