Why Does My Cat Have Smelly Breath?

A little fishy breath after dinner is one thing. Breath that regularly makes you turn your head away is another.

Persistent bad breath in cats is not usually something to dismiss as normal. In many cases, it is linked to dental disease, although it can occasionally point to another health problem.

The good news is that once the cause is identified, there is often plenty your vet can do to make your cat more comfortable and, ideally, make close-up cuddles more pleasant too.

Your cat’s breath does not need to smell like toothpaste, but it should not be strongly unpleasant either.

A temporary smell after eating wet food, tuna or another strong-smelling meal may be harmless. However, breath that remains smelly, becomes worse or suddenly changes should be investigated.

Bad breath, also called halitosis, is a symptom rather than a condition by itself. It is often one of the first signs that bacteria, inflammation or infection may be developing inside your cat’s mouth.

Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria, saliva and food particles that forms on the teeth. If it is not removed, it hardens into tartar. Over time, bacteria can collect around and below the gumline, causing inflammation, infection and periodontal disease.

This can lead to:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding around the gumline
• Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
• Painful or loose teeth
• Infection below the gums
• Persistent bad breath

Dental disease can be painful, but cats are very good at hiding discomfort. Some will continue eating even when their mouth is sore, so a normal appetite does not necessarily mean everything is fine.

Cats are tough animals and are naturally very good at hiding pain or illness. Even when something is wrong, they may not look obviously sick or behave as though they are in pain.

This means dental problems can become quite advanced before owners realise there is an issue. Some cats will continue eating, grooming and interacting normally, despite having sore gums or painful teeth.

Bad breath may be the first thing you notice, but there can be other clues.

Watch for changes such as:

• Eating more slowly
• Dropping food while eating
• Chewing on one side of the mouth
• Preferring softer foods
• Pawing or rubbing at the face
• Drooling
• Blood in the saliva
• Becoming hesitant near the food bowl
• Grooming less often
• Losing weight
• Becoming quieter or more withdrawn

These changes can be subtle. Rather than crying or refusing food completely, a cat with dental pain may simply seem less enthusiastic, less social or slightly fussier than usual.

Sudden bad breath can occasionally be caused by something becoming trapped between the teeth, under the tongue or around the gums.

Common examples include food, hair, small pieces of bone, grass or string.

As the material begins to break down, it can create a strong smell and irritate the surrounding tissue. You may also notice drooling, pawing at the mouth, bleeding or difficulty eating.

Never pull on string or thread hanging from your cat’s mouth. It may extend further into the throat or digestive tract. Contact Monier Vet Clinic for advice instead.

Although dental disease is the most common explanation, bad breath can sometimes be associated with another health condition.

Cats with kidney disease may develop breath that smells like urine or ammonia. Other signs can include increased thirst, increased urination, vomiting, reduced appetite and weight loss.

A sweet, fruity or unusual chemical smell may occasionally be associated with diabetes. Cats with diabetes may also drink and urinate more, lose weight or appear unusually hungry.

Some cats develop a painful condition called feline gingivostomatitis. This causes significant inflammation throughout the mouth and can lead to severe bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating and weight loss.

Mouth ulcers, damaged teeth, infections and tumours can also cause unpleasant breath. Facial swelling, blood-stained saliva, difficulty swallowing or a sudden change in eating habits should always be checked.

The smell alone cannot confirm what is wrong, but it can provide a useful clue. Tell your vet whether the smell is rotten, sweet, chemical or ammonia-like, and mention any other changes you have noticed.

Arrange a veterinary appointment if your cat’s bad breath:

• Lasts for more than a short period
• Is getting stronger
• Appears suddenly
• Smells sweet, fruity or like ammonia
• Occurs with drooling or bleeding
• Is accompanied by difficulty eating
• Comes with vomiting, weight loss or increased thirst
• Is combined with changes in behaviour

Seek prompt advice if your cat stops eating, appears distressed, has significant facial swelling or is struggling to swallow.

Cats should not go for long periods without food, so a sudden loss of appetite is particularly important.

Your vet will examine your cat’s teeth, gums, tongue and mouth, looking for tartar, inflammation, damaged teeth, ulcers, foreign material or other abnormalities.

A full dental assessment may require sedation or a general anaesthetic. This allows the veterinary team to examine the entire mouth safely and assess areas that are difficult to see while your cat is awake.

Dental X-rays may also be recommended. Much of each tooth sits below the gumline, which means painful problems can be hidden from view.

If your cat’s mouth appears healthy, or there are signs of another illness, your vet may recommend blood or urine tests to investigate conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes.

Treatment depends entirely on the cause.

If dental disease is responsible, your cat may need a professional dental procedure under general anaesthetic. The teeth can then be cleaned above and below the gumline, and any painful or badly damaged teeth can be treated or removed.

Dental treats, gels and water additives may help support oral hygiene, but they cannot fix established gum disease or infected teeth.

It is a little like spraying air freshener without cleaning the source of the smell. The scent may improve temporarily, but the real problem remains.

If the bad breath is connected to another condition, treatment will focus on managing that underlying health problem.

Home dental care can help reduce plaque and protect your cat’s teeth, particularly after existing dental problems have been assessed.

Helpful options may include:

Brushing your cat’s teeth

Use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for cats. Introduce brushing slowly, beginning with a small amount of pet toothpaste on your finger.

Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth and keep each attempt brief and calm. Even a few seconds can be a useful starting point.

Never use human toothpaste, as its ingredients are not suitable for cats to swallow.

Using vet-recommended dental products

Dental diets, treats, gels and water additives may help, but not every product offers the same benefits. Ask the team at Monier Vet Clinic which options are appropriate for your cat.

Booking regular dental checks

Routine veterinary examinations allow early dental changes to be found before they become more painful or difficult to treat.

Older cats and cats with a history of dental problems may need more frequent checks.

Bad breath is often your cat’s way of showing that something is happening below the surface.

In many cases, the cause is dental disease. In others, the smell may be connected to infection, kidney disease, diabetes or another health concern.

The earlier the cause is identified, the sooner your cat can receive appropriate treatment and relief.

If your cat’s breath has become persistently unpleasant or you have noticed changes in their eating, grooming or behaviour, contact our team to arrange a dental and health check.