Why does a cat's mouth smell and how to get rid of the smell?

What will you learn from the article?

1. Causes of bad breath in cats
2. Preliminary diagnosis based on the type of unpleasant odor
3. Treatment of halitosis
4. How to get rid of bad breath from a cat Fresh Breath Tablets
5. Dental Powder
6. Oral fluid for dogs and cats, with silver ions
7. Cliny oral spray

Bad breath in cats is not only a discomfort for the owner, but also a sign of some kind of health problem in the pet. Do not delay your visit to a veterinarian; take your cat to the doctor as soon as you notice a bad smell.

Only a specialist will be able to find out why the cat’s breath smells and promptly and competently begin treatment of the underlying disease - the cause of the smell.

Causes of bad breath in cats

Halitosis is the scientific name for bad oral odor in cats. The cause of the smell is the rapid proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. In almost all cases, this symptom indicates problems with the pet's health.

The main causes of halitosis:

1. Diseases of the cat's oral cavity. Sore teeth, inflamed gums, oral injuries, stomatitis, malocclusion, gingivitis, ulcers, tartar - all these are problems that only a doctor can identify when examining an animal.
2. Diseases of internal organs: tumors, diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, helminthiasis, diseases of the digestive system. A strong odor from the mouth indicates many diseases of the cat’s internal organs, but only a veterinarian can identify the primary disease after examination and research.

Main reasons

According to veterinarians, the reasons that provoke the appearance of a specific, unpleasant odor from a domestic cat are:

1. Fungus - affects the perineum and armpits, groin area. You can suspect the presence of a fungal infection by such accompanying signs as redness and peeling of the skin, itching.
2. Infections of bacterial origin - may be accompanied by severe itching, redness of the skin, hair loss, and the formation of pustular formations.

A bad odor can come from under the animal’s tail, from its ears or mouth. It is important for a caring owner to carefully examine his pet to find out the causes and location of the unpleasant odor.

Wool and skin

The most common source of pungent odor is the skin and fur of baleen tabbys. The reasons may be:

1. Puberty . This problem is most common among owners of young animals, which during puberty begin to produce increased amounts of hormones in order to attract a partner. As a result, the pet's fur begins to emit a pungent odor. And besides, the cat may well begin to “mark” the territory. Proper castration or proper care of the animal after breeding will help solve the problem. If a decision has been made to castrate a cat, it is recommended to do this before puberty is completed, so that the habit of leaving “fragrant” marks does not become a habit for the animal.
2. Parasites and infections. If your pet begins to shed too often, its fur looks matted and unkempt, and also emits an unpleasant odor, then perhaps we are talking about fungal, bacterial infections of the skin, the presence of ticks or helminths. In such a situation, the best solution would be to go to a veterinary clinic and undergo the treatment course prescribed by a specialist.

Oral cavity

Acrid, unpleasant breath is also a widespread phenomenon among felines. This symptom may indicate:

• dysfunction of the digestive system;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• pathologies of the genitourinary system.

In addition, a “bad odor” from the oral cavity can occur due to chronic diseases or dental ailments.

Inspection by the owner of the purr's mouth. It is important to initially examine your pet's mouth.

A healthy cat's gums look firm and pink in color, and her teeth appear flawlessly white.

If the examination does not yield results and the animal’s oral cavity looks healthy, but its breath is harsh and stale, then the reason may lie in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or in the cat’s improper diet.

What to do. If you notice any alarming symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible, because any pathology is easier and more likely to be treated in the early stages of its development. The only exception is kittens. When babies erupt molars, specific hoods often form in the gum area, under which food can get trapped. As food rots, it begins to emit an unpleasant aroma and can provoke the development of inflammatory processes. This condition also requires medical intervention.

Preventive measures. As for prevention, experts recommend that cat owners monitor oral hygiene, promptly remove tartar, and introduce fiber or cleaning food into the diet, which can be purchased at any pet store.

Also watch the video of an unpleasant smell from a cat’s mouth, the main reasons:

Ear smell

Quite often, an unpleasant odor comes from the ears of cats. The ears of these animals are covered with sensitive skin that secretes increased amounts of wax and lubricant. When the functioning of the mucous membranes and glands is disrupted, the level of secretions produced increases significantly, which can lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor. The problem can be caused by:

1. Food allergy . A similar condition occurs when feeding an animal with baked goods, muffins, sweets and smoked meats, which disrupt the functioning of the skin and lead to hyperactivity of the ear mucous membranes.
2. Otitis and inflammatory otolaryngological diseases . Pathologies develop against the background of hypothermia, traumatic injury, and bacterial infections. The disease can be detected by the restless behavior of the pet, caused by pain, redness and hyperemia of the skin of the auditory organs.
3. Ear mite . As for infection with ear mites, owners can detect this disease by carrying out regular hygiene procedures and examinations of the pet. When infested with mites, a pronounced brown coating forms on the skin and mucous membranes of the cat's ears. If this symptom is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, then you need to consult a specialist as soon as possible.
4. Other reasons. Less commonly, diseases such as dermatitis, eczema and the entry of water or foreign bodies into the auricle can provoke a “bad” odor. You can help the animal by removing foreign objects and treating the auditory organs with hydrogen peroxide and antiseptic solutions.

Smell from the nose

Sometimes a rotten, slightly sweetish, unpleasant odor begins to emanate from the nasal passages and secretions of the animal. The reason most often lies in the accumulation of pus that has stagnated in the sinuses. This is evidenced by abundant discharge of yellow, white or greenish color.

Diseases of fungal origin that arise against the background of a weakening of the general immune system and the body’s own defenses can also provoke a similar problem. Nasal discharge with a specific odor can also accompany bacterial, viral and infectious processes that occur in a chronic form.

Urine smell

Sometimes even neat and clean owners are faced with such a problem as the sharp and pungent smell of cat urine, which persists even with regular, timely cleaning. This symptom may indicate various health problems with the cat, for example:

1. Incorrect diet and errors in feeding your pet . Errors in nutrition lead to oxidation of urine, giving it a persistent and pungent odor.
2. Stagnation of urine (urine) . More often, the acrid aroma of urine with “notes” of ammonia occurs due to compression of the ureters, or the presence of urolithiasis in the animal. The main reason is stagnation of urine, as a consequence of the inability to completely, timely empty the bladder.
3. Hormonal imbalances . Cat urine acquires a more pronounced and stronger aroma during puberty, as well as during the breeding season. This is considered one of the manifestations of the norm. If this happens at other times, then the best solution would be to contact a veterinarian and conduct a full examination.

Getting rid of “fragrances”. Proper treatment will eliminate the root causes of the problem, and you can get rid of its consequences by resorting to simple and effective methods:

1. Bleach – perfectly disinfects and eliminates unpleasant odors. In order to remove the smell of cat urine, simply thoroughly wash the floor in the room using water with a small amount of bleach diluted in it.
2. Vodka works great on fresh traces of cat urine and kills odors.
3. Vinegar and baking soda are an excellent remedy for removing even the stagnant smell of cat urine. To do this, you need to prepare a solution by taking the bite and water in proportions of 1: 3. Then pour a little soda on the source of the pungent odor, spray with vinegar solution and wipe with a clean rag. You can also add peroxide to the soda and let it sit until the morning, after which you can simply treat the surface with clean water.
4. Lemon acid. Lemon juice diluted in a glass of water is an excellent remedy for combating any pungent odors, including cat urine.

By the way, the last recipe is also appreciated because the smell of lemon repels all baleen-striped animals, so that the animal will never use the treated area as a toilet again.

Unpleasant smell from under the tail

The appearance of a foul odor from under your pet's tail is a serious sign indicating inflammation or blockage of the anal glands. This pathological condition can be provoked by improper feeding, heredity, or genetic predisposition.

The anal glands are cleaned only in a specialized clinic by a doctor. Next, the animal is prescribed a diet and symptomatic treatment. It is very important to eliminate the root causes of the problem in a timely manner so that inflammatory processes and blockage of the anal glands do not become chronic, recurrent in the animal.

Preliminary diagnosis based on the type of unpleasant odor

Bad breath in cats indicates to the attentive owner a preliminary diagnosis. By its nature and intensity, you can guess what your pet is sick with. But the final diagnosis should only be made by a veterinarian, who will prescribe treatment for the cat.

Let's look at the main types of unpleasant odor from a cat's mouth:

1. Ammoniacal. The smell of ammonia (urine) indicates the presence of kidney and genitourinary diseases.
2. The smell of acetone (rotten apples) almost always indicates that an animal has diabetes. Typically, this aroma appears against the background of abundant water consumption. The cat’s body does not digest carbohydrates and switches to fat metabolism, during which ketone bodies are formed, giving the pet’s breath an acetone smell.
3. The fetid smell of rot indicates the presence of digestive problems, oral diseases, or infection of the cat’s body with worms. A rotten smell accompanies dental diseases: caries, periodontitis. If an animal is drooling against the background of such a smell, this may indicate stomatitis, a viral infection, or a foreign body entering the oral cavity.
4. A fruity smell indicates liver disease.

Causes

Bacterial infections are mainly caused by bacteria that are a normal part of the skin flora (eg staphylococcus). Because of this, the infection is not contagious to other animals. In cats with allergies, the amount of bacteria on the skin is increased, which can cause red bumps (papules) and an unpleasant odor. With bacterial skin infections, your pet may shed excessively and experience patchy hair loss. The infection can affect the deeper layers of the skin if left untreated. As a result, nodules filled with pus may form on the skin. If the cause caused by a bacterial infection is not identified and eliminated, this can lead to relapses.

Fungal infections cause itching, redness, and an unpleasant odor. Fungal infections most often affect the neck, groin, armpits and perineum. This infection is also most common in animals prone to allergies. In some cats this can be caused by long-term use of antibiotics or steroids, but this does not occur often.

When your cat has an unpleasant odor and you, not knowing what to do, are looking for advice on this topic on the Internet on forums, we recommend not to self-medicate or experiment on your beloved cat. The fact is that there are many reasons for an unpleasant odor from an animal, and the consequences of your experiment may disappoint you and your family.

Treatment of halitosis

The main rule: no self-medication !

Why cats have stinking breath should be determined by a veterinarian after conducting an appropriate examination of the animal. When the cause is established, you should adhere to the treatment regimen prescribed by the doctor.

If your cat has had problems with teeth and tartar, the bad odor will disappear after her teeth are treated and cleaned of plaque and tartar.

If helminthiasis (worms) is detected, the animal is given antiparasitic treatment. More serious problems with internal organs require medication and dietary adjustments.

How to deal with halitosis

It is clear that the above-described cases of bad breath in cats should be dealt with by a veterinarian who can choose the right treatment and help balance the diet.

But most often the cause of the smell is problems with the teeth and oral mucosa, some of which the owner himself can solve.

You can remove tartar or plaque using special brushes and gels that are sold at a veterinary pharmacy. The procedure can hardly be called pleasant for the cat; it is unlikely that it will be able to withstand it with dignity, but for the sake of the pet’s health, the owner will have to be patient. If you teach your cat to brush her teeth from childhood, she will be able to get used to it, and will no longer react so sharply and aggressively to the owner approaching her with tools.

Of course, in advanced cases, when neither a brush nor a paste helps, and more serious dental problems (caries, tumors, periodontitis, etc.) are mixed with plaque, you will have to take your pet to a dentist, or simply to doctor. A specialist under anesthesia will be able to remove severely overgrown tartar, cure caries and carry out other procedures that can alleviate the pet’s condition.

During periodic brushing of your teeth, you should pay attention to the condition of the oral cavity: whether there is plaque on the tongue, whether there are ulcers or injuries. Indeed, in most cases, it is in them that harmful microflora develops, which leads to unpleasant consequences. Damaged areas of the oral mucosa, if any, can and should be treated with any antiseptic that is in the medicine cabinet and that can be used in the mouth. For example, ordinary medical chlorhexidine (Miramistin) will perfectly solve the problem of oral ulceration, and at the same time will not allow anaerobic microflora to multiply.

How to get rid of bad breath from a cat

If the pet does not have any identified diseases, but the owner wants to wrinkle his nose at the strong amber that causes the fishy smell of the food he eats, then you can resort to remedies for bad breath. These products can only be used if the pet has been examined by a veterinarian and is completely healthy, but the cat stinks very much. They are added to drinking water or splashed directly into the mouth to eliminate discomfort when interacting with pets.

Popular remedies for halitosis

1. Fresh Breath Tablets - tablets, Netherlands;
2. Dental Powder – tooth powder, Beaphar;
3. Oral fluid for dogs and cats, with silver ions – Cliny;
4. Cliny oral spray.

Fresh Breath Tablets

Tablets from the Beafar company that eliminate odor from the mouths of cats and dogs. They contain chlorophyll, which neutralizes bad odors and disinfects the oral mucosa. Can be given along with food.

Daily diet for cats: 1 tablet twice a day. The package contains 40 tablets.

Price: 489 rub. More details about the product

Dental Powder

Special powder for cats and dogs made from crushed brown algae. Algae neutralizes unpleasant odors from the animal's mouth, cleansing the oral cavity. Use as a food additive once a day. The composition is completely natural, hypoallergenic. To make the powder better absorbed, you can divide the daily dose into several feedings.

Dosage for cats: 1/2 scoop per day.

Price: 617 rub. More details about the product

Oral fluid for dogs and cats, with silver ions

“Liquid toothbrush” removes plaque, whitens and protects teeth, and freshens breath. Used to prevent plaque and tartar. Ingredients: water with silver ions, chlorine dioxide, sodium bicarbonate. The liquid is safe for the gastrointestinal tract.

It is recommended to start using it in kittens at an early age for the healthy development of the animal. In some cases, allergic reactions are possible. Directions for use: add to drinking water.

Price: 258 rub. More details about the product

Cliny oral spray

A special oral spray for cats eliminates unpleasant odors, strengthens gums, removes plaque and whitens teeth. Suitable for animals of all ages. Not recommended for cats with allergies.

Price: 169 rub. More details about the product

Prevention

To reduce the risk of bad breath from your pet and prevent recurrence, you should follow simple recommendations:

• Take your cat to the veterinarian regularly so that he can assess its health and promptly prevent unpleasant consequences.
• From birth, accustom your kitten to the procedures of brushing teeth and treating the oral cavity so that he gets used to them and is not afraid. This will make it easier to take care of him.
• Make sure your pet eats a healthy and balanced diet. His diet must include soft and hard food.
• Buy special toys that help get rid of problems with teeth and oral cavity. The cat will chew them and clear the gums of stuck food.
• Carry out antiparasitic treatment of animals at least twice a year.

It is easy to follow these rules, and the result of their observance will be the excellent health and well-being of your pet.