CURING BAD CAT BREATH
Having a pet can bring so much joy to a home. Cats are particularly popular because of their friendly personalities and the fact that they don’t require as much care as other pets. One thing that can cause frustration for cat owners, however, is bad breath. While bad breath can signify dental problems or other health issues, in many cases, it is simply a result of poor oral hygiene.
The good news is that there are ways to help cure bad cat breath. In this article, we will explore a range of tips and treatments you can use to help keep your cat’s breath smelling pleasant.
Check Out Some Symptoms Of Bad Breath In Cats
- Foul Odor: One of the most common symptoms of bad breath in cats is a foul odor from their mouths. This odor is often described as similar to a skunk or decaying fish. The smell may be especially noticeable when the cat sleeps, as cats typically keep their mouths closed when awake. Some cats may have a strong odor even when their mouths are closed.
- Yellow-Brown Teeth: Bad breath can also accompany yellow-brown teeth in cats. This discoloration can occur due to plaque and tartar buildup, which can be caused by poor dental hygiene or a dental health issue. If left untreated, this discoloration can lead to further dental issues in cats.
- Drooling: Excessive drooling is another symptom of bad breath in cats. Drooling can occur for various reasons, such as an infection, dental health issue, or ingesting something that tastes bad. Excessive drooling can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so taking your cat to the veterinarian is essential if you notice this symptom.
- Refusal to Eat: If your cat exhibits terrible breath, it may refuse to eat. This can be due to the foul odor from their mouth, making eating food unappealing. If your cat refuses to eat, it is important to take them to the veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.
- Pawing at the Mouth: Another symptom of bad breath in cats is pawing at the mouth. This can be due to an infection or dental health issue, as cats may paw at their mouth to relieve pain or discomfort. If you notice your cat pawing at their mouth or drooling excessively, it is vital to take them to the veterinarian for an evaluation.
Tips For Curing Bad Cat Breath
- Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth
Brushing your cat’s teeth is one of the easiest and most effective methods for keeping bad breath away. While getting your cat used to having its teeth brushed may take some time, it’s worth the effort. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and specially formulated toothpaste for cats. Begin by introducing your cat to the toothbrush and toothpaste without brushing. Allow the cat to sniff and lick the toothbrush, then gradually increase the time you spend brushing.
- Feeding Your Cat Dry Food
Feeding your cat dry food is another way to help reduce bad breath. Dry food helps to scrape away plaque and tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth, which can help to reduce bad breath. Dry food also helps to keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy.
- Offering Dental Treats
There are many dental treats available for cats that can help reduce bad breath. These treats are designed to give your cat a tasty snack and help keep its breath fresh. Look for treats that contain ingredients like chlorophyll or baking soda to help reduce bad breath.
- Providing Fresh Water
Giving your cat access to fresh water is vital to keeping its breath smelling fresh. Not only does water help flush away food particles and bacteria that can lead to bad breath, but it also helps keep your cat hydrated. Make sure to change your cat’s water regularly and check for any signs of contamination.
- Cleaning Your Cat’s Litter Box
Cleaning your cat’s litter box regularly is another way to help reduce bad breath. Not only does a clean litter box help keep your cat’s breath smelling better, but it can also help reduce the risk of other health issues. Make sure you scoop your cat’s litter box daily and replace the litter every two weeks.
- Avoiding Certain Foods
Certain foods can contribute to bad cat breath, so paying attention to what your cat eats is essential. Foods like garlic, onions, and spicy foods can all worsen bad breath. It’s best to avoid feeding your cat these foods and opt for healthier options like lean proteins and vegetables.
- Scheduling Regular Vet Check-Ups
Regular vet check-ups are important for keeping your cat healthy and helping to prevent bad breath. Your vet can check for any underlying conditions causing your cat’s bad breath and provide the necessary treatment. Additionally, your vet can provide tips and advice for keeping your cat’s breath smelling fresh.
- Cleaning Your Cat’s Bed
Cleaning your cat’s bed can help to reduce bad breath. Cat beds can become a haven for bacteria and other particles that can lead to bad breath. Make sure to wash your cat’s bed regularly and use a deodorizing spray to help keep it smelling fresh.
Treatments For Bad Cat Breath
- Medications
If a dental issue or infection causes your cat’s bad breath, your vet may prescribe medications to help treat the underlying condition. These medications can help to reduce pain and swelling, as well as reduce bad breath.
- Dental Cleaning
Sometimes, your vet may recommend a dental cleaning to help reduce bad breath. During a dental cleaning, your vet will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your cat’s teeth and gums. This can help reduce bad breath and prevent more serious dental issues.
- Antibiotics
If an infection causes your cat’s bad breath, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to help treat the infection. Antibiotics can help to reduce pain and swelling, as well as reduce bad breath.
- Tooth Extractions
Sometimes, your vet may recommend a tooth extraction to help reduce bad breath. During a tooth extraction, your vet will remove one or more teeth causing bad breath. This can help to reduce pain and help your cat’s breath smell better.
You might also like the following:
- Dietary Changes
Making dietary changes can also help to reduce bad breath. Feeding your cat a diet high in lean proteins and low in carbohydrates can help reduce bad breath. Additionally, avoiding foods like garlic and onions can help to keep your cat’s breath smelling fresher.
- Probiotics
Probiotics can also help to reduce bad breath in cats. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help balance the bacteria in your cat’s mouth. This can help to reduce bad breath and keep your cat’s breath smelling fresh.
- Dental Toys
Dental toys can also help reduce bad breath in cats. Dental toys are specially designed to help clean your cat’s teeth and help to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. This can help to reduce bad breath and keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy.
- Natural Remedies
Some natural remedies can help to reduce bad breath in cats. Apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and chlorophyll are all-natural ingredients that help with this issue. These remedies can be used in addition to other treatments or on their own.
Benefits Of Curing Bad Cat Breath
- Improved Health
Curing bad cat breath can positively affect your cat’s overall health. Bad breath can signify other underlying health issues, such as dental problems or infections. Curing bad breath can help reduce these issues and prevent more severe health problems. 
- Reduced Pain
Bad breath can be a sign of dental pain or infection. Treating bad breath can help reduce pain and discomfort in your cat. This can help make your cat feel more comfortable and improve its quality of life.
- Better Dental Health
Curing bad breath can also help to improve your cat’s dental health. Treatment options like dental cleaning and tooth extractions can reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth, reducing bad breath and improving oral health.
- Improved Breath
One of the most apparent benefits of curing bad cat breath is improved breath. Treatment options like brushing your cat’s teeth, feeding it dry food, and offering dental treats can help reduce bad breath and keep your cat’s breath smelling pleasant.
- Better Bond
Curing bad breath can also help to improve the bond between you and your cat. When your cat’s breath is unpleasant, it must be hard to get close. Treating bad breath can help make you and your cat more comfortable and improve your bond.
- Lower Stress
Bad breath can be a source of stress for cats. Bad breath can cause your cat to be uncomfortable and can make it difficult for you to get close to it. Treating bad breath can help to reduce stress and make your cat more comfortable.
- Reduced Health Risks
Curing bad breath can also reduce the risk of other health issues. Bad breath can be a sign of dental and health problems, so treating it can prevent these issues.
- Improved Quality of Life
Overall, curing bad breath improves your cat’s quality of life. Treating bad breath reduces pain and discomfort, improves dental health, and reduces the risk of other health issues. This makes your cat feel more comfortable and happier.
Conclusion
Bad breath can be a source of frustration for cat owners. Luckily, there are ways to help cure lousy cat breath. This article explored a range of tips and treatments you can use to help keep your cat’s breath smelling pleasant. We also discussed the benefits of curing bad cat breath, which can help improve your cat’s overall health and quality of life. If you’re dealing with lousy cat breath, try some tips and treatments discussed in this article and see if they help.