What can I do about my cat's bad breath?

Question

My cat is about 8 months old... His breath is really gross. He tries to lick me out of affection and I have to devert him from it, because the smell is so bad. Even my room mate says it smells. I don't know what to do about it. Are there any safe and effective solutions?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi Stefanie.. wet food sometimes can contribute to bad breath, however when a cat exhibits bad breath it could be a result of either periodontal, kidney, respiratory or liver disease to diabetes, skin disease (involving tissue around the lips) or oral trauma, such as electric cord injury. However, by far, the most common problem associated with bad breath is periodontal disease. All which will require a veterinarian's evaluation to treat respectively. Consider an alternative opinion to be certain there isn't an underlying health problems.

More about feline bad breath causes by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for Feline Health:
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/news/badBreath.htm

Cornell University video on how to brush cats teeth:
http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/brushing_teeth/index.shtml

Answer 2

Does he eat dry or wet food? If wet then give him both, the dry will help clean his teeth. At 8mos he's too young to have some serious tooth decay so I would talk to your vet. When I brought my cat home from the shelter he had bad breath too that turned out to be a symptom of an upper respiratory infection. Giving a cat antibiotics turned out to be no fun at all but we both survived and he is a happy, healthy, non-stinky kitty now.

Answer 3

It really sounds to me as if your cat may have an abscessed tooth. Please take kitty to the doc and find out if there is a tooth that is absecced or broken off and infected.
For general breath control in a HEALTHY cat, I'd say get Greenies for Felines at PetCo or PetSmart, but this sounds like there is a sudden change in your cats breath. Unless there's some major change like you have started letting him/her out and you're smelling what she has killed the night before, or you have changed his/her diet, I'd suspect an abcessed tooth and go to the vet.

Answer 4

Kitty's bad breath may be due to plaque and bacteria build-up. You need to brush his teeth every couple of days at least. Do not use human toothpaste. There is cat toothpaste available at the pet store or your local vet - cost is from $6.00 - $8.00. Usually, the packed tube comes with kitty toothbrush and instructions for use.

Answer 5

The cause of bad breath in cats, as well as in humans, may be because of food particles stuck in the cats' teeth. Some cats will let you brush their teeth; yours is young so you may be able to. You'll also want to talk to your cat's vet about cleanings to avoid gum disease.

Soft foods may be culprits, will your cat eat crunchies? (I also get my cat treats with tartar control.)

There are mouthwashes and tartar control chewy toys made for pets, if you want to try that.

Enjoy your kitten; they're awesome at that age!

EDIT: If you're in New England, Stop & Shop has fingertip cat tooth"brush"es that are being discontinued, so they're half off. I saw them last night.

Answer 6

give your cat raw chicken necks or chicken wing tips at least once a week. The bone in these easily chewable and digestible pieces of meat act as a natural tooth brush for all animals.

Answer 7

Could be what he is eating that makes it smell... Wet food tends to do that.... maybe start brushing his teeth. OR at least try too... it's easier said then done. Otherwise... he may have issues the vet can deal with.

.... maybe try some cat treats that deal with tater control

Answer 8

Brush his teeth and get some cat treats for bad breath.

Answer 9

There are actual breath mints you can get for cats. Most cats don't have the best breath in the world though.

Answer 10

Have you taken him to the vet to make sure there isn't a medical reason for this problem? What kind of food do you give him? Also I would brush his teeth. They make little rubber type toothbrushes that you slip onto your finger .... they have various flavors of pet "toothpaste".