Bad breath in cats, also known as halitosis, is common, and it is a sign worth taking seriously. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, bad breath often goes together with dental disease, and Webvet describes dental disease as the single most common reason for it. Other causes include kidney disease, diabetes, an object stuck in the mouth and growths in the mouth. This guide explains the usual causes, what you can do at home, and when it is time to book a vet appointment.
What causes bad breath in cats?
The most common cause of bad breath in cats is dental disease. Webvet says the odour comes from bacteria feeding on plaque and from infected gum tissue. Less often, the smell points to a problem elsewhere in the body, so a smell that does not go away deserves a vet check.
What are the main causes of cat bad breath?
- Dental disease: plaque is a bacterial slime that builds up on the teeth, and without daily brushing it eventually hardens into tartar (VCA Animal Hospitals).
- Gum disease: gingivitis is described by Cornell University as swelling, redness, discomfort and, in severe cases, bleeding.
- Kidney disease: Webvet says it can cause an ammonia-like or urine-like breath odour, often with increased thirst and urination.
- Diabetes: Webvet says a sweet or fruity smell, sometimes like nail polish remover, can point to diabetes.
- Something stuck in the mouth: a shard of bone, a bit of string or a blade of grass can rot and smell, according to Webvet.
- Growths in the mouth: Webvet says they can become infected or sore and cause a strong rotten smell.
Key takeaways: causes of cat bad breath
- Dental disease is the single most common reason for cat bad breath.
- Kidney disease and diabetes can also change the smell of a cat's breath.
- A smell that persists is a reason to ask a vet, not a reason to guess.
How can I look after my cat's teeth at home?
Daily tooth brushing with a toothpaste made for cats is what vets recommend. Cornell University says daily tooth brushing can prevent most forms of dental disease, and VCA Animal Hospitals recommends brushing your cat's teeth daily. Products such as VetWipes and HappyTeeth can be part of a routine, but they do not replace a vet's check.
What does a simple dental routine include?
- Brush your cat's teeth daily with a cat toothbrush and a toothpaste made for cats.
- Use VetWipes on days when a toothbrush is a struggle, as KittyLand describes them: finger wipes for easy teeth and mouth care.
- Offer HappyTeeth as a playful extra, as a chew toy with cleaning ribs and a catnip scent.
- Book regular dental check-ups with your vet.
- Ask your vet which food suits your cat's teeth.
Key takeaways: caring for your cat's teeth
- Daily brushing is the routine vets point to.
- Human toothpaste is not safe for cats, so choose one made for cats.
- Wipes and chew toys are an extra, not a replacement for a vet's dental check.
What is gum disease in cats and how does it progress?
Gum disease starts with plaque and, if it is left alone, it can lead to loss of the tooth. Cornell University says the process begins with the build-up of plaque, a film that harbours bacteria on the teeth. When plaque hardens by absorbing minerals from saliva and from the gums, it is called calculus or tartar.
What are the stages and types of cat dental disease?
- Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Cornell University describes it as swelling, redness, discomfort and, in severe cases, bleeding.
- Periodontitis is almost always the result of untreated gingivitis, according to Cornell University. It can show as receding gums, exposed tooth roots and loose teeth.
- Cornell University says that if gingivitis is not controlled, it can progress to periodontitis, a condition that eventually cannot be reversed.
- VCA Animal Hospitals says progression of periodontal disease leads to loss of tooth support and eventual loss of the tooth.
- Tooth resorption is a different problem: Cornell University describes it as a process in which the tooth structure breaks down, beginning inside the tooth. It can be very painful, so affected cats may be reluctant or unwilling to eat.
Key takeaways: gum disease
- Plaque comes first, tartar follows and gum inflammation can come after that.
- Cornell University says untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which eventually cannot be reversed.
- A cat in mouth pain may eat less, drool or drop food, so changes in eating are worth noticing.
What signs of dental disease should I look for?
Bad breath is only one sign of dental disease. VCA Animal Hospitals lists several others, and many of them show up at mealtimes or when your cat is resting.
Which signs does VCA Animal Hospitals list?
- Pawing at the mouth, head shaking or jaw chattering.
- Chewing with obvious discomfort or dropping food from the mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing or drooling excessively.
- Blood in the saliva.
- A reduced appetite, a preference for soft food or weight loss.
If you notice any of these, book a vet appointment. Do not try to remove tartar yourself with a metal instrument: VCA Animal Hospitals warns against it.
What happens at a professional dental cleaning?
A routine dental cleaning involves a thorough dental examination followed by scaling and polishing, and it is done under a full general anaesthetic. VCA Animal Hospitals says a general anaesthetic is required for dentistry, and that scaling an awake animal is cosmetic only and does not diagnose or treat any dental disease.
What does a dental cleaning at the vet involve?
- The vet examines the mouth and teeth, and VCA Animal Hospitals says oral exams should include X-rays (radiographs), beginning early in the cat's life, because many dental problems are hidden.
- The plaque and tartar are removed from all the tooth surfaces by scaling and polishing.
- VCA Animal Hospitals says teeth with advanced periodontal disease or painful tooth resorption will need to be extracted.
- VCA Animal Hospitals says professional cleaning may be required every 6-12 months, and your vet can advise the right interval for your cat.
Does drinking water help with bad breath?
Water is not a treatment for bad breath. The usual causes are dental disease, other illness or something stuck in the mouth, and those need dental care or a vet. Fresh water is still part of everyday cat care, and a sudden change in how much your cat drinks is worth mentioning to your vet.
1 Keep fresh water available
Always leave clean, fresh water out for your cat. Refill the bowl through the day and wash it regularly with mild soap, rinsing it thoroughly afterwards.
2 Consider running water
KittyLand's Aquadrink product page says cats naturally drink more from running water. Aquadrink is a stainless steel water fountain that holds up to 4 litres, and KittyLand recommends changing its filter every 2 to 3 weeks.
3 Notice changes in thirst
If bad breath comes with a lot more drinking or urinating than usual, tell your vet. Webvet lists increased thirst and urination as signs that can go with kidney disease.
Tip: Water will not fix a smell that comes from the teeth or gums. If the smell lasts, book a vet appointment.
Can my cat's food help with bad breath?
Food can be part of dental care, but not every food or treat helps. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that many cats refuse dry food or swallow it whole, and that the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal is only found on products that have been shown to reduce the build-up of plaque or tartar. Your vet can advise which food suits your cat.
1 Look for the VOHC seal
When you compare dental treats or diets, check whether the product carries the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal. VCA Animal Hospitals points to vohc.org for a list of plaque-control products.
2 Ask your vet about diet
If bad breath persists, ask your vet about diet. They know your cat's health and can say whether a change in food makes sense.
Warning: Do not change a cat's diet suddenly, and speak to your vet before you do if your cat has a health condition.
How do I clean my cat's teeth step by step?
Start slowly, use a toothpaste made for cats and make every session a pleasant one. Cornell University says some cats need a gradual introduction before they will allow regular tooth brushing, and that most can learn to accept it.
1 Introduce brushing gradually
Let your cat sniff and lick a dab of cat toothpaste from your finger first. Cornell University suggests giving a reward when your cat licks the toothpaste. Its four-week training programme goes in this order: week 1, let your cat become familiar with the smell of the toothpaste; week 2, get your cat used to the taste; week 3, get your cat used to the toothbrush; week 4, gently stretch your cat's lips far enough to insert the brush between the lips and gums.
2 Use a toothpaste made for cats
Choose a cat toothbrush and a toothpaste made for cats. Cornell University says human toothpaste is not safe for cats, and VCA Animal Hospitals says never to use it and recommends a pet toothpaste that is non-foaming and safe to be swallowed.
3 Try VetWipes on days when brushing is hard
KittyLand describes VetWipes as finger wipes for cats and dogs that help remove plaque and freshen breath without a toothbrush. To use one, slip the wipe onto your finger, gently wipe the teeth and gums, then throw it away. No rinsing is needed. KittyLand says they are a simple everyday complement and do not replace the vet.
4 Add HappyTeeth for play
KittyLand describes HappyTeeth as a chew toy with cleaning ribs and a catnip scent, made from silvervine wood and catnip, which it says removes plaque and tartar every time your cat chews on it. Treat it as a playful extra next to brushing and vet check-ups.
5 Reward your cat
Finish each session with praise or a treat so your cat links tooth care with something nice.
When should I see a vet about my cat's bad breath?
See a vet if the bad breath does not go away, or sooner if it comes with other signs. Bad breath can be a symptom of dental disease or of illness elsewhere in the body, and only an examination can tell which.
1 Watch for signs of mouth pain
VCA Animal Hospitals lists dropping food from the mouth, swallowing with difficulty and drooling excessively as signs of dental disease. Cornell University adds that cats with tooth resorption may be reluctant to eat.
2 Notice other symptoms
Webvet says an urgent visit is needed if bad breath comes with heavy drooling, refusing food, pawing at the mouth, sudden weight loss, vomiting or lethargy. For a sweet, nail-polish-remover smell or a strong ammonia smell, it advises calling your vet the same day.
3 Expect an examination
VCA Animal Hospitals says a routine dental cleaning involves a thorough dental examination followed by scaling and polishing, and that it requires a full general anaesthetic.
4 Keep up regular check-ups
Ask your vet how often your cat should have a dental check. They can look at the teeth and gums and tell you how your home routine is working.
Are there home remedies for cat bad breath?
No home remedy replaces a vet's diagnosis, and some popular ones are unsafe. The ASPCA, for example, lists parsley as toxic to cats, so it should not be used as a breath freshener. The safest home care is the routine in this guide.
1 Skip herbs and human products
Do not give your cat herbs to freshen its breath, because the ASPCA lists parsley as toxic to cats. Never use human toothpaste, which Cornell University calls not safe for cats.
2 Stick to a cat-safe routine
Brush daily with a cat toothpaste. On busy days, VetWipes or HappyTeeth can fit around that routine.
Warning: If bad breath continues, speak to your vet. It may be a sign of dental disease or another health problem.
FAQs about cat bad breath
Why does my cat have bad breath?
The most common cause is dental disease, where bacteria feed on plaque and infected gum tissue. Kidney disease, diabetes, an object stuck in the mouth and growths in the mouth can also cause it, so a smell that continues is worth a vet visit.
How often should I brush my cat's teeth?
Daily. Both Cornell University and VCA Animal Hospitals recommend daily brushing, using a toothpaste made for cats. VCA Animal Hospitals says the most effective way to reduce plaque and tartar is to brush your cat's teeth daily.
Can human toothpaste be used on cats?
No. Cornell University says human toothpaste is not safe for cats, and VCA Animal Hospitals says never to use it. Choose a toothpaste made for cats.
Do dental toys help with bad breath?
HappyTeeth is described by KittyLand as a chew toy with cleaning ribs that removes plaque and tartar when a cat chews on it. It is meant as a playful extra next to brushing, and it does not replace a vet's check if the smell continues.
What happens at a professional dental cleaning?
It involves a thorough dental examination followed by scaling and polishing, under a full general anaesthetic, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Your vet can tell you how often your cat needs one.
Is bad breath in cats a sign of illness?
It can be. Dental disease is the most common cause, but kidney disease and diabetes can also change the smell of a cat's breath, so see a vet if it does not go away.
How can I make tooth brushing easier for my cat?
Introduce it gradually. Let your cat lick a little cat toothpaste from your finger, reward it, and move on to the toothbrush when it is relaxed. Cornell University says most cats can learn to accept brushing.
Add dental care to your cat's routine with KittyLand's VetWipes and HappyTeeth. Orders ship within 1-3 business days and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.