Fishy or otherwise stinky cat breath can be downright unpleasant. If you’ve ever caught a pungent whiff first thing in the morning, you might wonder if it’s just regular cat breath or if your cat has a more serious case of halitosis.
“A healthy cat’s breath should be relatively neutral or have only a mild, meaty scent from their diet,” says Dr. Kathryn Dench, veterinarian and owner of The Pets Kingdom. “It shouldn’t have a strong or offensive odour.”
Cats who eat a protein-heavy diet may have breath with a faint fishy or metallic smell, Dr. Dench explains. Mild bad breath after eating isn’t usually an issue, but persistent or strong bad breath almost always points to an underlying health problem, she says.
Read on to learn more about the main causes of bad breath, or halitosis, in cats, and how to tackle it.
Symptoms that Accompany Halitosis in Cats
The length of time your cat experiences bad breath will depend on the cause, says Dr. Jeff Feinman, veterinarian, educator, and founder of Holistic Actions.
Bad breath caused by food stuck in their teeth or lots of fish-based meals may resolve within a few days after a good teeth cleaning or a change in diet.
Bad breath caused by an underlying health condition will stick around until you address the root cause.
Because bad breath can signal a bigger issue, it’s essential to pay attention to any other symptoms that accompany it. This will help you catch health concerns as early as possible.
Dr. Feinman says these symptoms can include:
- Drooling
- Difficulty eating
- Red, swollen gums
- Yellowing of the eyes or gums
- Excessive thirst and drinking
- Weight loss, despite a healthy appetite
- Appetite changes
- Increased urination
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy
5 Causes of Bad Breath in Cats
Five main factors contribute to bad breath in cats.
Dental issues
Dr. Dench says dental disease is the number one cause of bad breath in felines. “Plaque build-up harbours bacteria that release foul-smelling sulfur compounds, leading to halitosis,” she explains.
Plaque can accumulate if food gets stuck in your cat’s teeth or if their teeth aren’t cleaned properly and regularly.
The problems from plaque extend beyond nasty breath, Dr. Dench says. Plaque can harden into tartar, developing into gum irritation and gingivitis. Without treatment, your cat may develop periodontal disease, which could lead to abscesses and life-threatening heart and kidney problems.
Diseases
Various health conditions can contribute to bad breath, Dr. Feinman says. The main three are:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
With kidney disease, for example, toxins can build up in the bloodstream if the kidneys aren’t working properly, and these toxins can make your cat’s breath smell pretty awful.
“These conditions require veterinary support and a holistic approach to restore balance and overall wellness,” Dr. Feinman says.
Ulcers and sores
A number of concerns can cause mouth sores and ulcers in cats, which can lead to halitosis.
Dental infections can cause inflammation and pus-filled ulcers that contribute to bad breath.
Dr. Feinman says painful mouth sores that lead to halitosis are also common in cats with calicivirus or feline immunodeficiency virus.
“If your cat has visible sores, a vet visit is essential to identify the root cause and prevent further discomfort,” he says.
Poor diet
What you feed your cat plays a major role in their dental health, Dr. Dench says.
For starters, highly processed foods can leave residue in the mouth that encourages bacterial growth. A poor diet can also promote excessive plaque build-up. And when cats don’t get enough essential nutrients, their gums can weaken over time, and the antibacterial properties of saliva become less effective.
Age
Cats are more prone to bad breath at certain times in their lives.
“Kittens may have slightly odd-smelling breath while teething due to inflammation as their baby teeth fall out,” Dr. Dench explains.
But a stronger odour isn’t normal, so you’ll want to check in with your vet.
Dr. Dench adds that older cats are more prone to dental disease and health concerns that can lead to ammonia-like breath, including kidney disease and diabetes.
Why It’s Important to Visit the Vet
If your cat has bad breath, it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with your vet.
“A whole-body approach is essential to determine whether the issue is localised to the mouth or part of a larger health concern,” Dr. Feinman says.
He adds that your vet will conduct various tests to determine what’s causing your cat’s halitosis and recommend the right treatment. These tests might include:
- An oral exam to check for infection, plaque, gingivitis, or broken teeth
- X-rays to check how teeth look below the gum line
- Urine and blood samples to check for concerns like kidney disease or diabetes
- A review of your cat’s diet to check for ingredients that might cause bad breath or nutritional imbalances
How to Prevent and Treat Cat Halitosis
You can do three main things to manage your cat’s bad breath.
Dental cleanings
Taking your feline friend for a professional teeth cleaning is a surefire way to get rid of nasty bacteria. Dr. Dench says this type of cleaning is usually done annually, although some cats may need more frequent sessions depending on their genetics and diet.
Cleaning is done under anaesthesia.
“This allows for thorough tartar removal, scaling below the gumline, and full-mouth X-rays to check for hidden disease,” Dr. Dench says.
Your vet will need to remove any infected teeth to prevent further issues.
Teeth cleaning at home
Dr. Dench says the gold standard of at-home dental care is regular brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste. If your cat resists the toothbrush approach, she suggests trying dental wipes, water additives, or dental chews instead.
Aim to brush or use dental wipes daily, if possible, to prevent plaque build-up.
Many cats won’t tolerate daily brushing, though, and trying can cause stress for both your cat and you, Dr. Dench says. If your cat hates having their teeth cleaned, aim to do it 3 or 4 times a week, if possible, since this can still benefit their oral health.
While you can use water additives and dental chews daily, Dr. Dench says these only provide passive support and aren’t as effective as direct brushing or wiping.
They also often contain calories, so you may need to slightly adjust your cat’s diet to account for this additional intake.
Dental-friendly diets
Adding—or removing—certain ingredients to your cat’s food could help reduce bad breath.
Dr. Feinman says chewing on raw, meaty bones helps naturally clean teeth and reduce tartar build-up. However, you should only give these to your cat after you check with your vet.
He adds that you’ll want to avoid certain foods to prevent bad breath and inflammation in the mouth. These include artificial additives, sugars, and most carbohydrates.
Finally, Dr. Feinman says probiotic supplements can support good gut health in your cat and reduce foul odours in their mouth. Just check with your vet before you give your cat any supplements to make sure they’re safe for cats!
Takeaway
Regular teeth cleaning will help keep your cat healthy and happy. It’s never too late to ask your vet about scheduling a regular dental checkup for your cat.
“Bad breath isn’t just a nuisance,” Dr. Feinman says. “It’s an opportunity to check your cat’s overall health. Whether it’s due to diet, dental disease, or an early sign of internal imbalance, addressing the cause helps your cat live a longer, healthier life.”
Aside from helping your kitty, you’ll also do your nostrils a big favour. You might even improve your own breath: some older research suggests that the bacteria causing your cat’s bad breath can be passed on to you!
