Cat Bad Breath: Causes and Cures

Cats are notoriously fastidious animals, and they don’t suffer from bad breath like people do. If your feline friend has the occasional issue with halitosis, though, there are ways to fix it that won’t involve any serious medical procedures or products with toxic chemicals. Keep reading to learn more about cat bad breath, what causes it, and how you can make sure your cat doesn’t have any problems with their oral hygiene in the future!

What causes bad breath in cats?

Bad breath in cats can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from eating habits to oral problems. A common cause of bad breath is dental disease, which has been found to be the cause in up to 90% of cases. Cats are more likely than other pets to suffer from dental issues because they don't brush their teeth like we do. When it comes to preventing dental disease, there's a lot you can do!

Dental disease

The most common cause of bad breath in cats is dental disease. Cats don’t brush their teeth like humans do, so plaque can build up on their teeth and lead to an infection called gingivitis. If left untreated, the bacteria from the infection will seep into the blood stream where it can cause other health problems.

Gingivitis

Aging also leads to a decrease in saliva production which weakens the natural protective barrier against bacteria.

Home remedies for cat bad breath

All dogs and cats need to brush their teeth daily, but this is especially important for cats since they are more prone to plaque buildup. We recommend using toothpaste that contains cat-safe ingredients like chlorhexidine gluconate or triclosan. These ingredients are not only safe, but have been shown to be effective at preventing plaque build-up in cats. In addition to brushing your cat's teeth, make sure to clean their food bowl every day as well.

Baking soda

It is very common for cats to have bad breath. This is usually due to the accumulation of bacteria on their tongue. To reduce this, brush their teeth with a toothbrush that has been soaked in water and then put some baking soda on it. For more stubborn stains, you may need to use a little hydrogen peroxide mixed with water.