Why Does a Cat's Breath Smell So Bad?
A whiff of tuna breath now and then is to be expected when you live with cats. But halitosis in cats can also be a sign of a serious health problem. While kitty breath fresheners will make close contact more pleasant for you, it's important to discover the reason for your cat's bad breath.
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Causes
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Dental disease is the most common reason for bad breath in cats. Other causes are stomatitis, a tumor in the mouth, lung disease, diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, and kidney disease. A foreign body, like a piece of grass, stuck in the cat's teeth can also cause bad breath when it begins to decompose.
Signs of Dental Disease
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In addition to bad breath, signs of dental disease in cats include drooling, pawing at the mouth or face, chewing on one side of the mouth, and reluctance to eat.
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Diabetic Ketoacidosis
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Breath that smells sweet or fruity could indicate diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. The breath of cats with diabetic ketoacidosis may also smell like nail polish remover.
Warning
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An unusually foul smell, especially if accompanied by jaundice, can be a sign of liver disease or an intestinal blockage. Breath that smells like ammonia may indicate kidney disease.
Prevention/Solution
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Pet supply stores sell kitty breath mints and products to add to cats' water to freshen their breath. The chlorophyll in cat grass will also freshen a cat's breath.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit cat image by Lori Boggetti from Fotolia.com
