Although a cat's breath under normal circumstances is not the sweetest smell in the world you will certainly notice when it becomes foul smelling. Bad breath is usually an indictor that something is not right with your cat's health.

Possible Reasons for Bad Breath in Cats

Abscessed tooth. Tooth Decay or broken teeth Read more on Toothache and Tooth Decay in Cats

Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)

Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth)

Resorptive Dental Disease

Bone or foreign body stuck between the teeth

Kidney Disease

Feline Leukemia Virus

Feline Stomatitis

Mouth tumors

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Firstly, ask yourself if there are any other symptoms associated with the bad breath.

Does your cat seem to be in pain around the mouth area?

Is there a reluctance to eat?

Does your cat try to eat but drops the food once it gets into the mouth?
Is your cat pawing at the mouth?

Is your cat drooling?

Is your cat suffering weight loss?

These could be signs of a bad, broken or abscessed tooth or gum disease. If possible, check your cat's mouth for foreign bodies such as splinters of bones lodged between the teeth. Check to see if the gums look normal and that there are no signs of swelling or bleeding. An abscessed or damaged tooth may not be noticeable to you so if in doubt get your vet to check your cat's mouth.

Weight loss can occur because of an inability to eat sufficiently.

Picture above shows a typical sign of tooth decay. A red blood line at the gum line of the tooth. Read more on Toothache and Tooth Decay in Cats

There are also several other underlying conditions that cause feline bad breath that can only be successfully diagnosed by your veterinarian.

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems seen by veterinarians. Tartar build up caused by plaque should be avoided by either cleaning your cat's teeth yourself or having an annual scaling by your vet. There are specially formulated toothpastes and specially designed toothbrushes for cats. Never use a human toothbrush or toothpaste. You can purchase a finger brush for cats

Special diets are available for cats which are designed to reduce plaque & tartar formation. Hills Prescription Diet Feline T/D can be purchased from your veterinarian or online.

Resorptive Dental Disease

Resorptive dental lesion is another condition that is known to cause feline bad breath. These lesions can be extremely painful. The lesions usually occur on or just below the gum line but they may affect only the root of the tooth. Usually cats with resorptive dental disease need to have the teeth involved extracted.
More Reading on Toothache and Tooth Decay in Cats

Feline Stomatitis

Cats can be affected by Stomatitis also known as lymphocytic plasmacytic syndrome (LPGS) which is an inflammation of the entire mouth. Symptoms may include bad breath, weight loss, inability to eat and excess salivation.

Mouth tumors

Oral tumors can occur in cats. Any swelling of the mouth associated with bad breath should be checked by your vet.

This article is for information purposes only and is in no way intended to replace veterinary advice.