What can I do about my kitten's stinky breath?

Question

I let her eat the houseplants which seems to help a little. But nowhere near enough. Do they make Listerine for cats yet?????

Answer 1

Hi there...generally when cats exhibit bad breath it is indicative of a periodontal (tooth/gum) disorders or perhaps your kitten may be cutting teeth.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for Feline Health on bad breath in cats:
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/news/badBreath.htm
Instructional video on how to brush cats teeth: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/brushing_teeth/full_movie.shtml

Answer 2

If your cat has very stinky breath there may actually be a problem with the cat's teeth. I would take the cat to the vet to have this looked at. Cats actually very often do have teeth problems. I had a cat that passed on about 5 years ago that really had the most awful breath and didn't know what the problem was. First we found out he had gum problems, then it progressed to the point where both his huge front fangs rotted away and had to be pulled. Now I have 2 pure bred Himaliyans and I'm finding that they come with a whole set of problems. Both have rotten teeth. Not only did they cost me a fortune up front, but they have both had unbelievable dental bills. Both have started to have weird breath and both had problems eating,one of them wouldn't let me near her face, and we realized it was time to get to the vet. We do infact get their teeth cleaned regularly, but that didn't help, they both have had to have a number of teeth pulled. However with my older cat, who is now 16, once the teeth were pulled it was like I had a kitten again. I had it done this summer and she is still running around like a crazy nut case, eating more than ever before and friendlier than since we got her. At first she wouldn't leave our side as a thank you for getting rid of the pain. And the breath is only bad after a meal when she comes over for a "kiss". The rest of the time it is fine.
You can get kits where you can brush your own cat's teeth, but I would get a check up first. If you are anything like us, your cat is a member of the family and you really want to look out for it's health.

Answer 3

stinky breath isn't uncommon in cats, although no remember if that's a stinky smell or makes your eyes flutter, it must be a demonstration of something extreme. Cats like people get plaque and stains. i might recommend you sweep kitty's tooth at times.

Answer 4

All these people who advised you to start brushing your kitten's teeth regularly are giving VERY GOOD advice. Start him young... he'll come to expect it and you'll get the hang of it. Buy an enzyme based toothpaste either from your vet's or from the pet store. These toothpaste packs usually come with a kitty toothbrush and finger brush and with instructions. Mints and breath freshners are just that - breath freshners. They will not clean kitty's teeth the way brushing would. And even with regular brushing (which will take care of kitty's bad breath), you'll need to get kitty's teeth checked by the vet once a year - he will suggest when a professional cleaning is necessary. Taking good care of kitty's teeth now will prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease which leads to tooth abcesses (painful for kitty) and tooth loss. I learnt the hard way - my 9 yr old had to have 4 extractions. He is much happier now, eats like a glutton and I brush his teeth everyday.

Answer 5

there are treats you can give her to help with the bad breath. Also, try feeding her a different food for a couple of days to see if that is the problem.

my kitten had bad breath too at first but when I changed her food it went away.

Answer 6

Get her the Chia cat plant, use catnip, and check the feline aisle at your local pet store. I know they have breathe mints, and strips for dogs, but I'm not sure about cats.
I hope you find a remedy soon.

Answer 7

Actually they do have breath mints for cats...but the thing I use for my cats and dogs are Greenies. For dogs they come in all different sizes for small and larger dogs. They look like green bones in the shape of a toothbrush. For cats they come in packages and just look like small green treats...but they work great!

Answer 8

go to the pet store and buy a kitty tooth brush and tooth paste and start brushing her teeth. Get her use to it now and it will easier when she is older. It just another routine you do with your pets. They do make special tooth paste for animals. Never use human tooth paste. A vet can help you with this problem too, just ask.

Answer 9

Does she brush her teeth every morning? Cats have bad breath

Answer 10

They have those compact mouth sprays for Leisure Suit Larry's that seem to work well but remember you only get one chance!



And watch out for Kitties eyes!