How do I distinguish between normal cat bad breath, and need-to-see-a-vet bad breath?

Question

We have a cat with bad breath, but -- well, our cat's breath smells like cat food, really.

She eats good quality food and some dental/breath treats, but -- still not great. I haven't had cats for very long, so figuring out how bad is bad for a cat, if that follows, isn't easy. Would there be a sort of decaying odour if there were dental problems involved?

She is not the sort of docile thing who'll easily submit to a tooth brushing, too...

She just yawned on me. 'Garbage' is the best description I can think of for the smell. Poor kitty...

Answer 1

The only breath that you should be able to smell is the food that was just eaten. Bad breath can be from poor gums or tooth decay just like in people. It could also mean a disorder in her digestion. Do you brush your cats teeth? You should. Take the cat to the vet and have her teeth looked over and see if they find a reason for the bad breath. The cats we use to have didn't mind having their teeth brushed at all.

Answer 2

It's hard to describe what "abnormal" cat breath would smell like. If there were some problems like decaying teeth or infection, it would smell putrid, not anything like cat food.

The vet should be checking your cat's teeth at every yearly physical, just to see if there is plaque/tartar build up. Depending on the animal, some need yearly dental cleanings, some can go a bit longer. It's done under anesthesia and the teeth are cleaned and polished, decaying teeth are pulled and they are checked for cavaties. Brushing will definitely help, but eventually they will need a professional cleaning.

I guess to sum it up, if your cat's breath is enough to make you want to gag, then something is up, lol.

Answer 3

If your cat has bad breath, then it really needs to see a vet, gum disease can cause heart disease. I know it sounds funny, but the cat probably has a gum disease or tooth infection if it's breath is bad. Also sometimes a cat can have bad breath if it's constipated, but have him/her checked, then make sure you give the cat breath treats all the time. Good luck You just got them so there will be some work they'll need.

Answer 4

If possible, have a quick look at teeth. If they are yellowy and you can see tartar near the gum line, or gums inflamed. Cat needs to get teeth cleaned at vet.

Take her in anyway for a check up. Vet will let you know.

My cat said my breath is bad!

Answer 5

All cats at some point need to have their teeth professionally cleaned by a vet. They do need to be sedated to have this happen. If the breath gets to the point it's bothering you, it's probably time to have the vet check it out.

Also, feeding dry food cuts down on stinky cat food breath. There is nothing wrong in feeding only dry food as log as it is good quality and you provide plenty of water.

Answer 6

I have 3 cats and none of them have bad breath except just a couple minutes after they eat. maybe a dental problem. you should have her checked out.

Answer 7

Normal cat bad breath only makes you heave your guts up once. Cat bad breath that makes you heave your guts up for three days or more needs to be seen by a vet.

Answer 8

if every time you smell the cats breath you feel like you're gonna vomit, see a yet. if it's not anywhere near that bad, ignore it.

Answer 9

Someone else on here once said to add parsley to their food, but I would ask the vet first to make sure it won't hurt them.

Answer 10

http://youtu.be/byV--AkiGFY
Most cases (85–90%), bad breath originates in the mouth, sinus and throat. The intensity of bad breath differs during the day, due to eating certain foods (such as garlic, onions, meat, fish, and cheese), obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Since the mouth is exposed to less oxygen and is inactive during the night, the odor is usually worse upon awakening ("morning breath"). Bad breath may be transient, often disappearing following eating, brushing one's teeth, flossing, or rinsing with mouthwash.
Causes:
1, Tongue, A common location is the tongue. Tongue bacteria produce malodorous compounds and fatty acids, and account for 60 to 70% of all cases of mouth-related bad breath. Methods used against bad breath, such as mints, mouth sprays, mouthwash or gum, only temporarily mask the odors created by the bacteria on the tongue, but cannot cure bad breath because they do not remove the source of the bad breath.
Cleaning the tongue - Many companies promote tongue scrapers as a bad breath cure however the bacteria on the tongue can’t be removed with a scraper or brush as they live between the taste buds. Use a tongue scrapper to reduce the food source for bacteria but don’t expect it to cure bad breath. The method of stopping bad breath from the tongue involves rebalancing the bacteria load. Once tongue bacteria are in balance bad breath will cease. For this complex procedure you’ll need to consult Oraltech Labs program at http://www.oraltech.com.au
2. Mouth, There are over 600 types of bacteria found in the average mouth. Other parts of the mouth may also contribute to the overall odor, but are not as common as the back of the tongue. These locations are, in order of descending prevalence: inter-dental and sub-gingival niches, faulty dental work, food-impaction areas in between the teeth, abscesses, and unclean dentures. To fix you will need a dentist to examine your teeth and repair any faults found. Or use Oraltech Labs Unusual Causes Of Bad Breath.
3. Gum disease, advanced periodontal disease is a common cause. Waste products from the anaerobic bacteria growing below the gum line (sub gingival) have a foul smell and have been clinically demonstrated to produce a very intense bad breath. To fix remove the tartar or hard plaque and friable tissue with a soft bristle tooth brush angled on the gum line. This has been shown to improve mouth odor considerably.
4. Nose, in this occurrence, the air exiting the nostrils has a pungent odor that differs from the oral odor. Nasal odor may be due to sinus infections, foreign bodies & commonly Post Nasal Drip. To fix this you will need to flush your sinuses with salt water. It’s very difficult. Use Oraltech Labs program to properly clear all sinus cavities.
5. Tonsils small bits of calcified matter in tonsillar crypts called tonsilloliths that smell extremely foul when released and can cause bad breath. To fix use warm to hot salt water mix to break the stones down or use a water pic to dislodge them. This topic is covered in depth in the Oraltech Labs Program.
6. Stomach, very uncommon source of bad breath. The esophagus is a closed and collapsed tube, and continuous flow (as opposed to a simple burp) of gas or putrid substances from the stomach indicates a health problem—such as reflux serious enough to be bringing up stomach contents or a fistula between the stomach and the esophagus. To fix use Oraltech Labs program to cure bad breath caused by GERD & Acid Reflux.
Management:
1. Gently clean the tongue surface twice daily; that can be achieved using a tooth brush, tongue cleaner or tongue brush/scraper to wipe off the bacterial biofilm, debris, and mucus. Scraping or otherwise damaging the tongue should be avoided, and scraping of the V-shaped row of taste buds found at the extreme back of the tongue should also be avoided. Brushing a small amount of antibacterial mouth rinse or tongue gel onto the tongue surface will further inhibit bacterial action.
2. Eating a healthy breakfast with rough foods helps clean the very back of the tongue.
3. Chewing gum: Since dry-mouth can increase bacterial build-up and cause or worsen bad breath, chewing sugarless gum can help with the production of saliva, and thereby help to reduce bad breath. Chewing may help particularly when the mouth is dry, or when one cannot perform oral hygiene procedures after meals.
4. Gargling right before bedtime with an effective mouthwash.
5. Maintaining proper oral hygiene, including daily tongue cleaning, brushing, flossing, and periodic visits to dentists and hygienists. Flossing is particularly important in removing rotting food debris and bacterial plaque from between the teeth, especially at the gum line.
If none of the above works for you just use the Oraltech Program by visiting - http://www.oraltechlabs.ph
To Your good health, Dr Devon, M.D, D.D.S
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