Pet Health: What You Need to Know

Have A Cat With A Horrible Case Of Dog Breath? 5 Possible Causes Of Feline Halitosis

8 May 2020

Connor Hawkins

Getting up close and personal with a cat is an honor and a privilege most feline owners enjoy; however, if the kitty in question has foul breath, the experience isn't as pleasant as you'd like. In fact, it can actually be quite difficult to cuddle a cat with halitosis, particularly if their breath is so bad, you wonder whether or not something might be wrong. If you're concerned about your cat having dog breath, it's time to probe beyond that malodorous mouth and find out what's going on.

1. Degenerative Dental Disease

The primary suspect of foul-smelling cat breath is most often dental disease; therefore, a cat dentist is where you want to start. If your feline is suffering from gum disease and/or decaying teeth, a veterinary dentist can help. You'll need to schedule a follow-up appointment, where your pet will be sedated so the dental work can commence. Regular cleanings, even in the absence of serious oral health issues, may also work to improve the bad breath you're trying to resolve, which, in the case of dental disease, will likely be accompanied by other symptoms:

2. Simple Allergies

A cat allergic to an ingredient in their food is likely to develop stomach and other issues, eventually leading to halitosis. Depending on other symptoms your cat's exhibiting, allergy testing or an elimination diet, where different foods are fed to see what reactions they have, may be employed.

3. Kidney Trouble

If your cat is getting on in years, kidney disease could be suspected, and when the bad breath is accompanied by other changes, such as weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. Blood tests will be performed, although in the earliest stages, kidney trouble isn't always detected via such analysis. If your veterinarian concludes that your feline does have kidney problems, medications and lifestyle changes may be in order.

4. Complications Of The Liver

A malfunctioning liver means toxins won't be properly filtered by a body; hence, the breath often gives off a telltale sign of a sweet but unpleasant odor. The most common complication of the liver for felines is hepatic lipidosis, which simply implies a failure to disperse fat. The fat accumulates in the liver, resulting in a slew of symptoms, including lethargy, loss of appetite, obvious sluggishness, and more. The good news is that fatty liver disease is usually treatable, and if that's what's causing your cat's unbearable breath, your vet will move quickly and intensely to rectify the nutritional and other variables creating the complications. 

5. Feline Diabetes

Before any blood-glucose tests are run, a veterinary specialist may believe your cat may have diabetes according to the observations you make. A cat who is excessively thirsty, urinates frequently, and has sweet or off-smelling breath, among other symptoms, will be suspected of having diabetes. Once a series of in-depth tests are complete, a diagnosis can be made; following which, a special diet and, possibly, insulin will be prescribed.

Cats have a certain coolness about them, no matter what's going on, but that doesn't mean you should ignore bad breath, even if it's not accompanied by any other symptom(s). Not only do you need to make an inquiry with a veterinarian to ensure the cat is okay, but you also deserve to get up close and personal with your feline. 

Visit a veterinarian like one at Angel Pet Hospital to learn more. 

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