Feb 25,2025 | puaintapets
A cat’s breath should have a mild, neutral smell. If you’ve noticed that your cat’s breath smells unpleasant, you may be wondering what could be causing it. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common issue among cats and can be an indication of various health problems. While occasional bad breath in cats might not be a cause for concern, persistent or foul-smelling breath may be a sign that something more serious is going on.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes of bad breath in cats, the symptoms to watch out for, and how you can address the problem to ensure your cat stays healthy and happy.
Cat bad breath is mainly due to the following reasons:
Food residues are easily attached to the surface of the teeth after the cat eats. If not cleaned in time, these residues will gradually form tartar, which further mineralizes into calculus. Dental calculus provides a good environment for the growth of bacteria, which will produce an unpleasant odor during the growth and reproduction process. For example, cats that have been eating wet food for a long time are more likely to have residue on their teeth due to the softer and stickier texture of the wet food, thus increasing the risk of tartar and calculus formation.
When a cat has gingivitis, the gums will be red, swollen, bleeding and inflamed. Gum tissue in an inflamed state tends to produce an odor, leading to bad breath. In addition, severe gum disease such as periodontitis can lead to loose or even lost teeth.
For example, if a cat has poor oral hygiene during tooth replacement, it is prone to gingivitis.
Oral ulcers will break the oral mucosa, and the exudate and necrotic tissue at the ulcers will emit a foul odor. At the same time, cats may bite the inside of the mouth during play, or accidentally eat sharp objects to scratch the mouth, and the wound infection will also cause bad breath.
Like when cats bite into fish spines or hard bone fragments, they may damage the oral mucosa.
If cats consume fishy food for a long time, such as fish, its odor may remain in the mouth, leading to bad breath. In addition, some low-quality cat food, the nutrients of which are not easily digested and absorbed by cats, ferment in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, will also produce an odor. For example, certain cat food containing a large amount of grains is difficult for the cat's intestines to digest and is prone to produce an odor in the mouth.
Cats that eat too much or too quickly may suffer from indigestion. Incompletely digested food ferments in the stomach and produces odors that may emanate through the mouth. For example, cats may have bad breath after eating a large amount of food in a short period of time.
Cats with kidney disease have impaired kidney function and the metabolic wastes in the body cannot be discharged properly. These wastes may accumulate in the body and emit ammonia odor through the breath and mouth, which leads to bad breath. Older cats are more susceptible to kidney disease, so kidney problems need to be considered in older cats with bad breath.
Liver disease can affect the metabolism of toxins in your cat's body, causing toxins to build up in the body. These toxins may affect the odor of the cat's breath, producing bad breath. For example, a cat infected with a disease such as feline infectious peritonitis may affect liver function, which in turn may cause bad breath.
The body of a diabetic cat cannot metabolize glucose properly and the level of glucose in the blood is too high. When the condition is not well controlled, ketoacidosis may occur and the exhaled breath will have a sweet or fruity odor.
When cats are infected with feline herpesvirus, cupripovirus or bacteria that cause respiratory infections, the nasal and throat areas will become inflamed and produce secretions. These secretions and inflammatory reactions may lead to bad breath.
For example, young cats are susceptible to feline herpesvirus infection when their immunity is low, which may be accompanied by bad breath in addition to symptoms such as sneezing and coughing.
Choose a dental powder specially designed for cats. These products usually contain natural ingredients, such as Persimmon Powder and Giant Seaweed Powder, which are beneficial to your cat's oral health.
Avoid dental powders that contain ingredients that are harmful to cats, such as fluoride.
Direct application
Apply an appropriate amount of dental powder directly to your cat's teeth and gums. You can use your finger or a specialized pet toothbrush to apply.
Mix the dental powder with the cat's food and allow the cat to ingest the dental powder in the process of eating. This method is suitable for cats who do not like to apply the dental powder directly.
If it is the first time for your cat to use dental powder, it may require gradual adaptation. You can use a small amount at first and then gradually increase the dosage.
In order to maintain oral health, regular use of dental powder is recommended, e.g. 2-3 times per week.
Dental powder cannot completely replace brushing and other oral care measures. It is recommended to brush the cat's teeth regularly and provide appropriate oral toys and food to help maintain oral health.
Observe your cat's reaction during the application of the dental powder. If any discomfort or allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult your veterinarian.
Purchase a dental powder specially designed for cats. The antibacterial ingredients in the dental powder can inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thus reducing the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease, and removing tartar with long-term use. Dental powder can usually be added directly to the cat's food without the need for the cat's cooperation as in the case of brushing or using mouthwash, which is very convenient to use and especially suitable for those cats who do not like brushing or are resistant to brushing.
Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular oral checkups, and it is generally recommended to have a comprehensive oral checkup at least once a year. The veterinarian can detect early oral problems such as minor gum inflammation and early dental calculus.
If your cat has developed more serious dental calculus or oral disease, your veterinarian may recommend a professional oral cleaning. This usually takes place under anesthesia and includes operations such as scaling, removing calculus, and checking the health of the teeth and gums.
Sweet-smelling breath can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes. If your cat has sweet-smelling breath, along with other symptoms like excessive thirst or weight loss, contact your vet immediately.
In some cases, if the cause is a minor dietary issue or a short - term infection that resolves quickly, the bad breath may go away on its own. But if it is due to a more serious dental or internal health problem, it will not improve without treatment.
Start by getting your cat used to having its mouth touched gently. Use a finger - tip brush or a piece of gauze at first. You can also try using a flavored cat toothpaste that your cat may like. Make the experience positive by rewarding your cat with treats after each attempt.
Bad breath in cats is often more than just an unpleasant odor—it can be a sign of a serious underlying health issue. Whether the cause is dental disease, kidney disease, or something else, it’s important to monitor your cat’s oral health and seek veterinary care if the bad breath persists. Regular check-ups, dental care, and a balanced diet can help keep your cat’s breath fresh and prevent more serious health problems in the future.
