Cat symptom
Bad breath in cats
Persistent bad breath is most often a sign of dental disease. Dental disease is common, painful, and can affect a pet's overall health if left untreated.
Common causes of bad breath in cats
- Plaque, tartar, and gum disease (the most common cause)
- A broken or infected tooth
- Oral growths or ulcers
- Occasionally a sign of internal disease (fruity/sweet breath can occur with diabetes; ammonia or urine-like breath can occur with kidney disease)
Who's most at risk
- Small breeds and brachycephalics (dental crowding)
- Senior pets
- Pets whose teeth are never brushed
- Cats (resorptive lesions and gum disease)
What you can do at home
- Brush your pet's teeth with pet-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste)
- Offer vet-approved dental chews or diets
- Lift the lip and look for red gums, tartar, or broken teeth
When to see a vet
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty eating
- Very red or bleeding gums, or loose/broken teeth
- A sudden change in breath odor with other signs (drinking more, weight loss)
When it's more serious
- That breath change with other signs can indicate diabetes or kidney disease — see a vet.
- Mouth pain or trouble eating needs a vet visit — likely painful dental disease.
- Advanced gum disease or broken teeth should be treated soon.
What your vet may do
- Oral exam for tartar, gum disease, and broken teeth
- Recommend a dental cleaning under anesthesia
- Dental X-rays to assess below the gumline
- Check for kidney or metabolic disease if breath is unusual
Questions to ask your vet
- How advanced is the dental disease?
- Is a professional cleaning needed?
- Are any teeth painful or in need of removal?
- What home care keeps the teeth healthy?
Frequently asked questions
What causes bad breath in cats?
Persistent bad breath is most often a sign of dental disease. Dental disease is common, painful, and can affect a pet's overall health if left untreated. Common causes include: Plaque, tartar, and gum disease (the most common cause); A broken or infected tooth; Oral growths or ulcers; Occasionally a sign of internal disease (fruity/sweet breath can occur with diabetes; ammonia or urine-like breath can occur with kidney disease).
Is bad breath in cats an emergency?
Usually OK to monitor at home. See a vet right away if: Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty eating; Very red or bleeding gums, or loose/broken teeth; A sudden change in breath odor with other signs (drinking more, weight loss).
What can I do at home for a cat with bad breath?
Brush your pet's teeth with pet-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste) Offer vet-approved dental chews or diets Lift the lip and look for red gums, tartar, or broken teeth
Sources
Reviewed by the Webvet Veterinarian Team
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an exam by your veterinarian. If your pet is in distress, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.