How do I distinguish between normal cat bad breath, and need-to-see-a-vet bad breath?
Do your own thinking! asked:
We have a cat with bad breath, but — well, our cat’s breath smells like cat food, really.
She eats good quality food and some dental/breath treats, but — still not great. I haven’t had cats for very long, so figuring out how bad is bad for a cat, if that follows, isn’t easy. Would there be a sort of decaying odour if there were dental problems involved?
She is not the sort of docile thing who’ll easily submit to a tooth brushing, too…
She just yawned on me. ‘garbage’ is the best description I can think of for the smell. Poor kitty…
Someone else on here once said to add parsley to their food, but I would ask the vet first to make sure it won’t hurt them.
All cats at some point need to have their teeth professionally cleaned by a vet. They do need to be sedated to have this happen. If the breath gets to the point it’s bothering you, it’s probably time to have the vet check it out.
Also, feeding dry food cuts down on stinky cat food breath. There is nothing wrong in feeding only dry food as log as it is good quality and you provide plenty of water.
if every time you smell the cats breath you feel like you’re gonna vomit, see a yet. if it’s not anywhere near that bad, ignore it.
I have 3 cats and none of them have bad breath except just a couple minutes after they eat. maybe a dental problem. you should have her checked out.
Normal cat bad breath only makes you heave your guts up once. Cat bad breath that makes you heave your guts up for three days or more needs to be seen by a vet.
The only breath that you should be able to smell is the food that was just eaten. Bad breath can be from poor gums or tooth decay just like in people. It could also mean a disorder in her digestion. Do you brush your cats teeth? You should. Take the cat to the vet and have her teeth looked over and see if they find a reason for the bad breath. The cats we use to have didn’t mind having their teeth brushed at all.
It’s hard to describe what “abnormal” cat breath would smell like. If there were some problems like decaying teeth or infection, it would smell putrid, not anything like cat food.
The vet should be checking your cat’s teeth at every yearly physical, just to see if there is plaque/tartar build up. Depending on the animal, some need yearly dental cleanings, some can go a bit longer. It’s done under anesthesia and the teeth are cleaned and polished, decaying teeth are pulled and they are checked for cavaties. Brushing will definitely help, but eventually they will need a professional cleaning.
I guess to sum it up, if your cat’s breath is enough to make you want to gag, then something is up, lol.
If your cat has bad breath, then it really needs to see a vet, gum disease can cause heart disease. I know it sounds funny, but the cat probably has a gum disease or tooth infection if it’s breath is bad. Also sometimes a cat can have bad breath if it’s constipated, but have him/her checked, then make sure you give the cat breath treats all the time. Good luck You just got them so there will be some work they’ll need.
If possible, have a quick look at teeth. If they are yellowy and you can see tartar near the gum line, or gums inflamed. Cat needs to get teeth cleaned at vet.
Take her in anyway for a check up. Vet will let you know.
My cat said my breath is bad!