my cat is almost a year old and lately he's had VERY increadibly bad breath!! what can i do to change that ??

Question

he's a very picky eater and only eats dry cat food.

Answer 1

The most common cause of kitty bad breath is bacteria build up in the mouth due to plaque and tartar. Look into your cat's mouth and check his teeth. Many cat owners don't realize that a cat can develop really bad tartar and plaque issues over a period of time if his teeth are not brushed. Plaque and Tartar in trn cause gingivitis, periodontal disease, stomatitis and other teeth and mouth problems.

If the tartar build-up is not yet present (whitish scales covering cat's molars and premolars), or if it is minimal, you can begin a regimen of brushing your kitty's teeth regularly. Their are special cat toothpastes and toothbrushes you can get at the vet or a petstore for this purpose. NEVER use human toothpaste - could be toxic to cats.

If tartar build up is bad, you need to take kitty to the vet to have his teeth professionally cleaned (much like how a dentist cleans our teeth). The vet will then instruct you on how to brush your pet's teeth.

Answer 2

Does he have teeth problems already? If it's real bad, make sure there is no infection that needs a couple weeks treatment. Brushing a cat's teeth is very easy and will save you expenses down the road if your cat is already having mouth issues. All you have to do is brush each side just so that you get any food and crusties off -- preferably for a little bit, but even just one soft swig will be helpful every night. You can also buy other stuff like mouthwash, etc., from a pet store. Dry cat food should help teeth a little also.

Answer 3

Most important do not -please do not- use mouthwash for humans on your cat as some recommended. Many mouthwashes are alcohol based and cats are very likely to die from even a tiny bit of any alcohol. Cats generally have very different biological systems and human and dog products and meds can kill them. For ex you and your dog can both benefit from asprin but asprin or tylenol will kill a cat because they cause severe internal bleeding in cats.

Cats do not generally have bad breath. I have had 2 cats with bad breath in 50 yrs. One had a tooth problem and one had an intestinal blockage. Cats who are picky eaters sometimes are that way because their teeth bother them, If your cat will let you open it's mouth and look in see if any teeth seem loose or seem to have a plaque build up tho your cat is a bit young for a serious plaque and tarter problem. Check too and be sure he does not have hair caught between his teeth and be sure there are no sores, white patches or very red places. Cats lick to groom but may also bite at snarles which then get caught between teeth and start to decay. That is more likely in dogs with underbites but can happen in kitties too. Once in a while food or something especially a small bone or something else he wasn't supposed to get but did outside or by raiding the trash will get caught between teeth. If you find hair wrap kitty in a towel and see if he'll let you remove it. If anything else is stuck and lightly pulling with your fingers doesn't remove it or if he tells you to back off if you want to keep your fingers he'll need a vet visit.

If his mouth seems clean and clear and no teeth are loose or he will not let you near it, sniff near his ears. Sometimes ear problems are mistaken for bad breath and some ear infections and mite problems truely stink. If it is an ear odor and you see black gunky stuff there try an OTC earmite med and regular ear cleaning for a week or so. Cats with ear problems generally scratch at them or shake their heads a lot but not always. Upper respitory infections have a distinctly bad smell sometimes too so watch and see if he is sneezing or has a mucus discharge or seems to be breathin g from his mouth. If so he needs help from a vet. Infections that have gotten to the stinky stage almost always need antibiotics to get better and will get a lot worse without them.

If none of this shows you any answers and kitty is not uncomfortable or loosing weight try some cat grass (no connection to pot) and see if that helps it is a natural breath sweetener. If he normally goes out try keeping him in a few days and see if it clears up his breath. We had one cat that liked to visit our neighbor and find the garbage from cleaning fish and pig out on it and another one who ate yucky stuff somewhere else.

If kitty seems uncomfortable, is loosing weight, cries if you stroke his tummy, gets more picky about eating forget the cat grass and go to the vet ASAP. Since he is almost a yr old this would probably be a good time to consider having him neutered and getting him updated on his shots. When you are calling for a vet appointment for these things ask about his breath. And if the breath is really bad - smells like something dead or rotten or like vomit please take him to the vet at the first appointment you can get. These things can be warning signs of illness or blockages that can be corrected if treated early but very harmful or fatal if not.

Answer 4

I'd get him to my vet ASAP. Cats and dogs are just as suseptible to tartar, plaque and gum disease as people (even more since they don't brush!). They should get a yearly dental cleaning.

But, more importantly, your cat may have something else going on in there. It could be something with his internal organs, or something as simple as a sore in his mouth.

Do you see any sores or open wounds in his mouth? Is he drinking excess water or no water? Has his food intake changed recently? He could have a tumor or a broken/loose tooth, or have a foreign body. Either way, a vet visit is the best way to ensure your cat a healthy, happy breath life.

Answer 5

Try some fresh food for 2 or 3 days, like boil chicken or meat and lot of water.

Answer 6

I give my kitten Whiskas denta bites and that cleans her teeth and strenghens them. they are dry and tuna flavoured but freshen breath. Cats wont have minty freshness but it will be better than what hes got now. But he may already have dental problems so if it keeps up a vet would be better

Answer 7

He could be getting sick. Cats will have bad breath when they are ill. If it continues or gets worse you might take him to the vet.

Answer 8

He has probably been eating some dead birds that you do not know about. Buy his some cat breath mints.

Answer 9

get your cat to the vet if you are sure it has nothing to do with the food. cheaper quality food has a bad smell.

Answer 10

you should take him to the vet. Having bad breath can be a sign of something more serious.