Cat’s Bad Breath: Causes and Treatment

Cuddling your cat shouldn’t make you wrinkle your nose but for many owners, smelly cat breath is a daily struggle. If you’ve noticed your feline friend’s breath is less than fresh, you’re not alone. Cat bad breath (also called halitosis) is common, but it can sometimes signal an underlying health issue.

We’ll help you decode what’s normal, what’s not and what you can do to keep your cat’s breath (and health) in tip-top shape.

What Counts as “Bad Breath” in Cats?

A little odour after your cat eats fishy wet food? Totally normal. Persistent, foul-smelling breath? That’s a red flag.

When Breath Odour Is Harmless

• Short-lived smells after meals or grooming are usually nothing to worry about.
• Cats on rich diets or raw food may have occasional strong breath.
• If the smell fades quickly, it’s likely harmless.

When Breath Means Something’s Wrong

• Consistent bad breath, especially odours like rotten meat, ammonia, sweet/fruity or fecal, can point to illness.
• These smells often relate to dental disease, kidney problems or metabolic issues.

8 Common Causes of Bad Cat Breath

1. Plaque and Tartar (Dental Disease)

Plaque hardens into tartar, creating a playground for bacteria. Signs include yellow teeth, drooling and avoiding dry food. This is the most common culprit in adult cats.

2. Stomatitis or Gum Ulcers

A painful inflammatory condition. Breath may smell metallic or infected. Cats might paw at their mouth or stop eating.

3. Something Stuck in Their Teeth

A sudden smell could mean fur, kibble or string lodged under a molar. Don’t DIY! This needs a vet.

4. Kidney Disease (Uremia)

Ammonia-like breath is a warning sign. Look for thirst, weight loss and poor appetite. Urgent vet care may be needed.

5. Diabetes (Ketoacidosis)

Fruity or acetone-like breath? Combined with vomiting or lethargy, this can be an emergency.

6. Liver Dysfunction

Musty, fishy breath may indicate detox issues. Symptoms include vomiting and yellow gums. Supporting liver health can help!

7. Gut Flora Imbalance

Poor digestion can lead to fermentation and smelly breath. Antibiotics or illness often trigger this. A daily cat probiotic can restore balance.

8. Respiratory Infections

Sinus drainage or infected tonsils can cause temporary bad breath. Watch for sneezing and eye discharge.

When to See the Vet

Call your vet if:

• Gums are bleeding or swollen
• Your cat stops eating or loses weight
• Breath smells like ammonia, sweet fruit or faeces
• Vomiting occurs alongside foul breath
• Pawing at the mouth or difficulty chewing

What the Vet Will Check

• Oral Exam: Sedation may be needed to inspect teeth and gums.
• Blood & Urine Tests: To rule out kidney, liver or diabetes issues.
• Dental X-rays: Detects hidden infections, underlying issues or abscesses.

How to Help at Home

Brushing (If Tolerated)

Use pet-safe cat toothpaste and a finger brush. Start slowly and let your cat lick the paste first. Don’t try to rush, otherwise you’ll create a scary experience. Do small amounts first and as they’re tolerating it, go for longer and more frequent brushes.

Dental Supplements

Look for vet formulated and approved options like Petz Park dental supplements. They’re an easy and effective way to stay on top of your cat’s oral health without breaking the bank.

Oral Rinses or Water Additives

Oral rinses and water additives can be a helpful extra step in your cat’s dental care routine by reducing bacteria in the mouth, especially if brushing feels like a battle.

Add a Probiotic

When digestion is off, fermentation and gas can create compounds that escape through the mouth, leading to bad breath. Balanced gut flora means fewer odour-causing byproducts, better nutrient absorption and overall improved health. Try cat probiotics!

Support Detox with Liver Formula

If your vet has flagged liver health concerns, supporting detox can help reduce breath odour over time. Consider liver support for cats: a gentle, vet-formulated supplement that assists toxin processing as part of a long-term wellness plan.

Feed a Clean Diet

Avoid table scraps and gimmicky wet food blends. Hydration is key for oral health.

How to Prevent Bad Breath in the Future

• Brush teeth a few times per week
• Use probiotics for gut balance
• Provide a clean, high-protein diet
• Offer VOHC dental treats
• Schedule yearly vet dental checks
• Monitor breath changes between visits

Bad breath in cats is common, but it’s not something to ignore! It might be dental, digestive, or even systemic. With vet care, good oral hygiene, and gentle supplements like cat probiotics and liver support for cats, you can help your cat stay healthy and smell fresher.

Fresh breath isn’t just a perk, it’s a sign of internal health. And trust us, your cat will thank you (in their own purr-sonal way).