Halitosis (bad breath) in Cats

This is one of the most common mouth problems suffered by cats; most show symptoms before they are three years old.

Symptoms
Foul-smelling breath, tender gums, loss of appetite and excessive drooling. Plaque and calculus (a build-up of minerals) on a cat's teeth can lead to heart and kidney disease if left untreated. Yellow-brown stains on the teeth where they meet the gums are a classic symptom.

Causes
Usually gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), or food becoming trapped


What to do
Keep the cat's teeth in good condition. Regularly cleaning them can act as a prevention measure, and also as a way of inspecting the cat's teeth, and finding minor problems while they can still be dealt with. Take your cat for a regular check-up which includes a mouth examination.

Treatment
If your cat suffers from gingivitis, it may be helpful to use an antiseptic spray in his mouth. Ask the vet for advice on this. Feeding mainly soft, tinned food may adversely affect the teeth, so provide some crunchy food (kibble or biscuit-type feed) at every mealtime, as this will help clean teeth. Feline 'dental toys', if the cat will play with them, may also help to keep his teeth clean.

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