Is my cat’s breath supposed to smell like that?

Being woken first thing by the stench of feline bad breath doesn’t make for a pleasant start to the day!

Bad-smelling breath is also known as ‘halitosis’. Other than making you turn your head away whenever your cat wants a cuddle, bad breath could signal that something’s wrong.

So, let’s explore the causes of bad breath in cats, along with additional symptoms you might notice, treatments, and ways to prevent your feline friend from suffering smelly breath…

Symptoms that might accompany bad breath in cats

If your cat’s bad breath is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s time to speak to your vet. In some cases, bad breath can combine with a range of signs that signal a potential underlying health concern. 

Examples of your cat’s additional symptoms to look out for include:

• Pawing at their face.
• Swelling on one or both sides of their face.
• Changes to their appetite.
• Difficulty eating.
• Drooling.
• Dropping food as they eat.
• Drinking more or less than normal.
• Peeing more than usual.
• Weight loss.
• Lack of energy.
• Being quieter or less playful than usual.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.

Please note: Older cats and flat-faced breeds (e.g. Persians) are at greater risk of developing bad breath due to decaying or overcrowded teeth, respectively. 

Causes of bad breath in cats

There are many possible causes for your cat’s smelly breath:

Dental disease

‘Gingivostomatitis’ causes major inflammation to a cat’s gums and can make it painful for them to open their mouth to eat properly. 

Something stuck in their teeth

Their scavenging instincts may cause some cats to end up with pieces of bone, or other items, stuck in their teeth or throat; creating a stench that worsens over time!

Diet

Fish-based foods are associated with bad breath in cats. 

Teething

Kittens of around four months old will lose their adult teeth, and this process has been known to cause bad breath. 

Diabetes

Cats who have diabetes and develop a specific complication, called ‘ketoacidosis’, might end up having sickly-sweet breath that mimics the scent of pear drop sweets.

Gut infections

Problems with a cat’s digestive system, like infections, are associated with smelly breath due to vomiting and/or regurgitation. 

Airway infections

Cats suffering from airway infections, like cat flu, might end up with mouth ulcers and could develop bad breath. 

Kidney disease

Super smelly breath – mimicking an ammonia, bleach-like scent – can be accompanied by sore gums, in cats suffering from kidney disease.

Liver disease

Liver disease has been linked to foul-smelling breath in cats.

Tumours in their mouth

Growths and cancers in a cat’s mouth are linked to bad breath, in some instances.

Treatment of bad breath in cats

Depending on the cause of your cat’s stinky breath, a vet could opt for any combination of the following tests, to help them find the right treatment:

• Physical examination – a vet’s first port of call tends to be an assessment of your cat, during which they’ll check vital signs and ask you about any symptoms.
• Tests – following a general check of your cat’s health, your vet may perform urine and/or blood tests to determine whether an illness is causing their bad breath.
• Biopsy – should a lump in your cat’s mouth be the suspected cause of their smelly breath, your vet might send a sample of the growth to a laboratory for testing.
• Dental x-rays – your vet might want to perform an x-ray of your cat’s teeth, to check for anything abnormal (like a tooth abscess).
• Scans – if there’s no obvious sign for your cat’s foul breath, or they’re concerned about the results of previous tests, a vet may perform a CT scan or MRI.

Once your vet has determined the exact cause of your cat’s smelly breath, here are a few of the treatment options available: 

• Nutrition advice – dental-friendly food could be on the vet-recommended menu for your cat.
• Antibiotics – if infection is the cause of your cat’s bad breath, your vet might prescribe antibiotics to treat the issue.
• Dental surgery – there may be a need to remove damaged teeth that are causing your cat discomfort and smelly breath.
• Referral to a specialist – should your vet feel unable to treat the underlying cause of your cat’s foul breath, they could refer you to a specialist who can help. 

Preventing your cat from getting bad breath

While monitoring your cat’s health, and acting quickly if you notice any of the above symptoms, is important when tackling bad breath, taking preventative measures is vital, too.

Take your cat to their regular vet health checks

Taking your cat for a health check every six months or so can help your vet spot any issues or illnesses, before your cat ends up with bad-smelling breath!

Brush your cat’s teeth

Cleaning your cat’s teeth frequently, using feline-friendly toothpaste, can help to remove the build-up of bacteria and plaque – while also keeping their breath smelling fresh. Check out our article about brushing your cat’s teeth for our top, tooth-brushing tips!

Remember: You’ll need to reward your cat for letting you brush their teeth; visit our positive reinforcement article for more cat training inspiration. 

In case your cat dislikes having their teeth brushed, alternatives include cat-safe mouthwash or dental gel.

Adjust your cat’s diet

A vet might recommend gradually adjusting your cat’s diet to include dental-friendly food. You could also offer your cat vet-approved dental treats, designed to keep their teeth cleaner – in conjunction with an appropriate dental care routine.

To access expert advice from a vet, at any time, download the Joii Pet Care app! The vets at Joii can provide guidance on many aspects of feline dental care, from cleaning your cat’s teeth safely to finding suitable dental-friendly cat food.