If your cat’s breath seems to be a little on the ripe side, it could be due to an underlying health problem. Understanding why your cat’s breath stinks can help you provide the care they need to stay healthy, safe, and happy. We explain the three most common reasons why your cat’s breath stinks, and when you should visit the veterinarian.
Three Reasons Why Your Cat Has Bad Breath
1: Dental Problems
The number one reason for smelly breath in cats is tooth decay. According to studies, more than half of cats over four years old have some form of dental disease. When plaque and tartar build up on your cat’s teeth and gums, they cause enamel erosion, tooth decay, and gum disease. Dental problems can be extremely painful, and will eventually lead to tooth loss. However, they can be prevented as long as you brush your cat’s teeth and schedule them for a dental cleaning once a year.
2: Something Is Stuck
Another common problem for cats is something stuck between their teeth or under their gum line. There are little pockets of space between the teeth and the gums, leaving room for small things to get lodged. Little things like crumbs of food can sometimes get stuck in a cat’s teeth and start to decompose. This can lead to bad smells as well as oral infections. If your cat’s gums look inflamed, if they seem to be in pain, or you cannot find another cause for the smell, contact your veterinarian for a dental checkup.
3: Systemic Issues
Sometimes an underlying illness can change the way your cat’s breath smells. Diabetes, for example, might give your cat’s breath a bit of a fruity smell. Other systemic issues, like kidney or liver disease, can cause a bad smell similar to tooth decay. Dehydration can also lead to bad breath, as it makes most systemic issues worse.
When to Visit the Vet
If your cat has bad breath, we recommend starting your cat on a daily tooth-brushing regimen. With a pet-safe toothpaste in a flavor like salmon or beef, your cat’s dental health and breath smell should improve. But if that does not help, or you have other concerns about your pet’s bad breath, please bring them to our veterinary clinic for a full examination.
During the exam, we can check for dental problems as well as systemic issues, and advise you on the best course of treatment. A veterinary dental cleaning can help stop the spread of tooth decay and keep gum disease at bay. And if your cat is suffering from a chronic disease like diabetes, we will help you build a care plan that relieves their symptoms and gives them a better quality of life.
Dental Care for Cats in Gilbert, Arizona
If you are looking for a veterinary clinic that can handle both dental and physical care, we can help. Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we offer expert dental care and incredible health care to keep your cat fit and frisky, from nose to tail. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a wellness exam.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/25/25). Photo by Lina Angelov on Unsplash