While our cats’ breath might not be fresh all the time, a significant foul odor can be concerning. In many cases, bad breath in cats, otherwise known as feline halitosis, is often a sign of an underlying issue. 

Dental disease is often the number one cause, but bad breath can also point to more serious problems, such as kidney disease and diabetes. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about cat bad breath, the reasons why, and the quick fixes you can do at home. 

Common Causes of Cat Bad Breath

If your cat has bad breath and it persists for a long time, then something is absolutely wrong. Identifying the source is the first step in eliminating it. Here are the common reasons why your cat’s breath stinks:

Plaque and Tartar Buildup

One of the early signs of bad breath in cats is plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on your cat’s teeth. This consists of bacteria and food particles. When this goes unchecked, it can harden into tartar. 

Over time, this can lead to further infection and inflammation, contributing to foul breath. Poor dental care will always result in this condition. 

Gum Disease and Oral Issues

Gum disease often follows untreated plaque and tartar buildup. It starts as feline gingivitis, the inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth. As the condition worsens, more of the tissues that hold the teeth will deteriorate, leading to more pain and tooth loss. This is called periodontal disease. 

Other oral issues, such as oral ulcers and mouth tumors, can involve infections and tissue decay that can lead to cat bad breath. 

Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption happens when a cat’s body begins breaking down its own teeth. It’s a painful condition common in adult cats and can often be hard to detect. One clue is that the affected cat can have bad breath. 

Foreign Objects

In some cases, the cause of your cat’s bad breath is something simple. It can be a small object or food stuck between the teeth or that punctures the gums. As the object decays or the gums experience infection, it can cause a foul odor. This can be why your cat’s breath stinks.  

Systemic Diseases

When the mouth isn’t the issue, it’s time to look deeper. Some diseases, such as kidney disease, liver failure, and diabetes, may be the reasons why your cat has bad breath. These diseases can cause a sour, sharp, or fruity odor, which can be concerning in the long term. 

Poor Diet

Low-quality diets or food that easily leaves behind residue can contribute to cat halitosis. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, which is a major contributor to the foul odor. Dry mouth or inadequate water intake can also contribute to the same situation. 

When to Be Concerned if Your Cat Has Bad Breath?

Persistent bad breath can be worrying, especially if it’s accompanied by a couple of other symptoms. This includes: 

• Drooling. Excessive drooling is often a sign of mouth pain and overall oral inflammation, especially if it's accompanied by blood. It can also indicate oral ulcers, tumors, and foreign objects getting stuck. 

• Pawing at the mouth. When a cat paws at its mouth, it might be trying to relieve the pain or irritation. This is often related to dental issues and diseases. 

• Difficulty eating or chewing. Struggling to eat and chew can indicate tooth pain, gum disease, or even fractured teeth. This can result in nutritional deficiencies and significant weight loss. 

• Redness, swelling, or bleeding. These indicators are classic symptoms of gingivitis and dental issues in general. 

• Vomiting. Conditions such as kidney disease, liver failure, and diabetes can present vomiting as one of their symptoms. 

• Weight loss or lethargy. If your cat gets tired easily or is losing weight, it can be a possible sign of chronic pain, a poor appetite, or something more serious internally.