When is bad breath in cats normal?
Just like in humans, a little bit of bad breath is sometimes simply normal. For example, after we’ve just enjoyed a delightful nap or eaten something tasty. So if you want to find out whether bad breath in your cat is normal, observe (or sniff) when it smells from the mouth. Right after sleeping or eating is usually normal.
Bad breath from food
"You are what you eat" - this also applies to our cats. With a →healthy food with high-quality ingredients, you can ensure that your beloved pet smells less. Not only bad breath, but also a strong-smelling coat can be a sign of low-quality food. Therefore, pay attention to a healthy cat food and take a critical look at the ingredient list of the current food. Grains, sugar, and terms like "animal by-products" should not be listed there.
We at Pets Deli know how important a high-quality composition and quality in food is. That’s why only selected items end up in our bowls!
Extra viel Fleisch, frei von Getreide & Zucker sowie für Allergiker geeignet
Viruses and bacteria as culprits
Viruses like the herpes virus as well as bacteria are often responsible for bad breath in cats. Viruses can be caught by your cats everywhere. They weaken the immune system and thus give bacteria the opportunity to multiply excessively. Especially when many bacteria accumulate in the oral cavity, it leads to an unpleasant smell.
Bad breath in cats due to dental problems
Diseases in the oral area, such as tartar, often lead to foul-smelling bad breath in cats. Food residues combined with saliva form a film on the teeth, known as plaque. If this is not removed, for example, through harder chew snacks or a →regular dental cleaning, the film can harden and tartar forms.
If tartar remains untreated for a long time, it promotes further accumulations of bacteria in the oral cavity and can - you probably guessed it - lead to strong bad breath and worse, to a →gum inflammation. If you can see yellow deposits on your cat's teeth and/or [→it refuses its dry food](/magazin/katzen/katze-gesundheit/katze-frisst-nicht-mehr), these are signs of dental problems.** In this case, you should have your beloved pet examined by veterinarians.
Eine mangelnde Zahnpflege kann zu starkem Mundgeruch und Entzündungen im Maul führen. Das Gute: Durch die richtige Zahnpflege kannst du gut vorbeugen.
Injuries in the oral cavity
Even the smallest injuries, such as cuts, can lead to bad breath in your cat. Especially outdoor cats like to hunt birds or mice and often pick up something in their mouths that can lead to injuries. Smaller, sore spots usually heal well on their own. Also, swallowed objects like bones or other items can promote bad breath. If you are unsure and suspect a larger wound in your cat's oral cavity, it’s better to go to the veterinarian.
Bad breath due to diabetes in cats
Does your cat belong to the chubbier models? Then perhaps diabetes is behind your cat's bad breath. Especially →overweight cats suffer from diabetes. Often, it smells sweeter, similar to fruit vinegar. Other signs include increased drinking and urination.
Diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, or kidneys
With a rather fishy bad breath, a liver disease or a gastrointestinal tract disease may be behind it. In the case of a parasite infestation such as →giardia or →roundworms, for example, a foul-smelling bad breath can also occur.
In the case of kidney failure or →urinary tract disease, your cat may smell more like urine. This unpleasant smell arises from the increased amount of urea and other toxins in the blood. In cases of organ diseases, appropriate treatment by veterinarians is usually necessary. If your cat already suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD), you can relieve the damaged kidneys and support your cat's well-being by switching to a special kidney diet, such as by feeding our wet food →"Vet" Liver & Kidney Fit. Furthermore, you should ensure adequate hydration and have regular check-ups by veterinarians.
By your side throughout treatment: Pets Deli VET
In general, persistent, foul-smelling bad breath should not be ignored. It’s better to have your cat checked by veterinarians one more time and get to the bottom of the issue.
