Say Goodbye to Cat Bad Breath: Effective Solutions
Dec 11,2024 | puaintapets
Bad breath in cats is more than just unpleasant—it could indicate an underlying health issue. Fortunately, there are effective ways to freshen your cat’s breath while ensuring their overall health. This guide explores the causes of bad breath in cats and practical tips to improve it.
What Causes Bad Breath in Cats?
1. Poor oral hygiene
If cats do not brush their teeth for a long time, plaque and calculus will form on their teeth, which is a common cause of bad breath. Plaque and calculus will breed bacteria and cause oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, thus producing bad breath.
2. Oral diseases
Oral diseases such as canker sores, stomatitis, and dental caries can cause odor in your cat's mouth. These diseases may be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, allergies or immune problems.
3. Food residues
If the cat does not clean the mouth in time after eating food, the food residue will ferment in the mouth and produce a foul odor. Especially when feeding softer food, the residue is more likely to stay on the teeth.
4. Teeth changing period
During the period of tooth replacement, cats may suffer from bad breath and bleeding gums due to the shedding of old teeth and the growth of new teeth.
5. Gastrointestinal problems
If the cat has gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea and vomiting, it may also cause bad breath. For example, when a cat vomits, the smell of gastric juices and acid will emanate through the mouth.
Related: Constipation in Cats
6. Vitamin deficiency
Cats that have unbalanced nutrition, picky eaters or only eat a single meat for a long time may be deficient in vitamins, especially vitamin B, which can easily cause bad breath.
7. Other health problems
Certain diseases, such as kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes or respiratory infections, may also cause bad breath in cats. For example, when the kidneys fail, the accumulation of toxins in the body may lead to bad breath.
8. Foreign bodies in the mouth
If there is food, hair or other foreign objects stuck in the cat's teeth or under the gums, it can also lead to bad breath.
If you find that your cat has bad breath, it is recommended that you take it to the veterinarian in time to determine the specific cause and treat it accordingly. At the same time, daily oral care is also very important, you can brush your cat's teeth, use teeth cleaning powder or oral spray to maintain oral hygiene.
How to Make Your Cat’s Breath Smell Better?
I. Oral Care
1. Toothbrushing
Choose a toothbrush and dental powder specifically designed for cats. The structure of a cat's mouth is different from that of a human, and human toothpaste may contain ingredients that are harmful to cats, such as fluoride. Brush the cat's teeth at least 2 - 3 times a week.
To begin, allow the cat to gradually get used to the feel of the toothbrush close to the mouth by gently rubbing it on the cat's lips and then gradually trying to brush the surface of the teeth.
2. Use oral cleaning products
- Oral spray
There are some pet-specific oral sprays on the market that can be sprayed 1 - 2 times inside the cat's mouth and used 1 - 2 times a day. These sprays usually contain ingredients that can inhibit bacterial growth and improve breath.
- Oral Gel
Apply an appropriate amount of oral gel to your cat's gums or teeth and use it regularly according to the product's instructions. This gel can form a protective film on the surface of the teeth and reduce the formation of plaque.
II. Dietary adjustments
1. Choose high quality cat food
High-quality cat food is nutritionally balanced and contributes to your cat's overall health, including oral health. Avoid choosing cat food that contains a lot of grains and poor quality fillers, as these may lead to oral problems and thus poor breath.
You can choose cat food that contains moderate amounts of protein, fiber and beneficial fats, such as chicken and fish as the main protein source.
2. Increase the proportion of wet food
Wet food is more helpful than dry food in keeping your cat's mouth moist and reducing bad breath. You can feed your cat a moderate amount of canned food or homemade wet food, such as mashed chicken and fish, every day.
When making homemade wet food, make sure the ingredients are fresh, the cooking process is hygienic, and attention should be paid to balanced nutrition.
Probiotics can help regulate your cat's digestive system and improve bad breath. A moderate amount of probiotic supplements can be added to the food.
III. Maintain water intake
1. Provide fresh and clean water
Ensure that the cat has fresh and clean water to drink at all times. Cats may be sensitive to the freshness of the water and the cleanliness of the container, so it is important to replace the water in the water bowl every day and clean the bowl.
You can use multiple water bowls placed in different locations to make it easier for your cat to drink at any time.
2. Use a water dispenser
Some cats prefer running water, and using a water dispenser can entice your cat to drink more. Drinking fountains also help keep the water clean and reduce bacterial growth.
IV. Regular visits to the veterinarian
1. Oral examination
Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular oral examinations, usually at least once a year. The veterinarian can detect problems in the cat's mouth in a timely manner, such as dental caries and gum disease.
If problems are found, the veterinarian can carry out professional treatment, such as dental cleaning and treatment of gum inflammation, etc., so as to improve the cat's breath.
2. Health Check
Overall health can also affect a cat's breath. A thorough health checkup by your veterinarian can identify and treat other conditions that may be contributing to poor breath, such as kidney disease and digestive disorders.
How to Adjust Diet for Cats with Bad Breath?
I. Choose high-quality cat food
- High protein content
High-quality cat food should have animal protein as the main source, such as chicken, fish and beef. Foods high in protein help maintain your cat's muscle mass and overall health. For example, chicken is rich in high-quality protein and is easily digested and absorbed by cats.
Protein plays a key role in your cat's body metabolism and can help reduce bad breath by providing your cat with enough energy to reduce oral and physical problems caused by nutritional deficiencies.
- Low or No Grain
Many cats are allergic or intolerant to grains, which are not easily digested in a cat's intestinal tract and may cause intestinal flora imbalance. When gut health is in question, it may be reflected in bad breath. Grain-free cat food is usually made with meat and vegetables as the main ingredients, which is more suitable for the cat's digestive system and helps to maintain oral health and reduce bad breath.
II. Increase the proportion of wet food
- Keeping the mouth moist
Wet food contains a higher level of moisture, which can better keep your cat's mouth moist compared to dry food. A dry oral environment is prone to harboring bacteria that can lead to bad breath. For example, the moisture in canned food or homemade wet food (e.g. chicken puree, fish puree) can rinse the cat's mouth and reduce the residue of food residue in the mouth, thus reducing the possibility of bad breath.
- Easy to chew and digest
The soft texture of wet food makes it easier for cats to chew and digest. Food that is not easily digested stays in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time and is prone to odor and is reflected in the breath.
III. Provide fresh ingredients
- Avoid spoiled food
It is very important to provide your cat with fresh food. Spoiled food can harbor a large number of bacteria, and when consumed by your cat, these bacteria may multiply in the mouth and cause bad breath. Whether it is cat food or homemade food, it is important to pay attention to the shelf life and storage conditions. For example, cat food should be stored in a dry, cool place, and opened cans should be refrigerated promptly if not eaten.
- Variety of ingredients
In addition to cat food, occasionally provide some fresh meat, vegetables or fruits (e.g. a small amount of pumpkin, apple puree and other cat-friendly ingredients) as supplements. A variety of ingredients can provide more complete nutrition and help maintain oral and overall health. For example, the fiber in pumpkin can promote intestinal peristalsis in cats, which helps digestion and indirectly improves breath.
IV. Control the amount and frequency of food
- Avoid over-eating
Over-eating can lead to indigestion in cats, and food fermenting in the stomach produces odors that may emanate through the breath. According to the cat's age, weight and activity level, reasonably control the amount of food per meal. For example, an adult indoor cat's daily food intake should be rationalized according to its weight, and it is usually fed in 2 - 3 meals per day.
- Regular Eating
Maintaining a regular eating schedule helps your cat's digestive system function properly. A steady digestive process can reduce bad breath caused by digestive problems. For example, feed your cat at regular times in the morning, at noon and in the evening every day to allow your cat's body to adapt to this eating rhythm.
Home Remedies to Freshen Cat Breath
- Fresh Herbs
- Offer small amounts of cat-safe herbs like parsley to neutralize bad breath.
- Add a small amount of coconut oil to your cat’s food for its antibacterial properties (check with your vet first).
- Dental Wipes
- Use pet-safe dental wipes to clean your cat’s teeth and gums.
When to See a Vet?
If your cat’s bad breath persists despite your efforts or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s time to see a vet. Watch for:
- Drooling or difficulty eating.
- Swollen or bleeding gums.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss.
- Changes in behavior or energy levels.
These could indicate more serious health problems requiring professional care.
FAQs
How do you freshen up a stinky cat?
Conclusion
Freshening your cat’s breath involves regular dental care, a proper diet, and attention to overall health. While home remedies and good hygiene can help, persistent bad breath should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues. Share this article with other cat owners to help them keep their furry friends’ breath fresh and their health in check!
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