Cats are animals that have a very genuine character and a considerable degree of independence, however, people who live with an animal of these characteristics know well that felines also need attention, care and the enough affection.
It is possible that at some point of proximity with our feline we notice that it gives off a very unpleasant odor from its oral cavity, which is known as halitosis, since this sign is estimated to affect 7 out of every 10 adult cats.
In this article on our site we show you how to improve your cat's breath and ensure the best possible oral hygiene.
Bad breath in cats
Bad breath or halitosis can become common among adult cats and is a sign that we must pay enough attention to, because although in most cases it indicates poor oral hygiene, tartar build-up or problems with feeding, can also indicate a pathology that affects the stomach, liver or kidneys.
If your cat suffers from halitosis, it is important to go to the vet so that he can rule out any pathology serious but also to be able to treat a possible oral disease, since the American Veterinary Society affirms that from the age of 3, 70% of cats suffer from some problem with their hygiene and oral he alth dental
Warning signs in feline halitosis
If your cat gives off bad breath, it is very important to go to the vet to make sure that the halitosis is not caused by organic damage, but if your pet shows some of the signs that we present below you should pay special attention as they indicate serious pathologies:
- Excessive brown tartar accompanied by excessive salivation,
- Red gums and difficulty eating
- Urine-smelling breath, which may indicate kidney disease
- Breath that smells sweet like fruity, usually indicates diabetes
- The fetid odor accompanied by vomiting, lack of appetite and yellowish mucous indicates a liver condition
If your cat experiences any of the above symptoms you should immediately go to the vet, since the animal may need urgent treatment.
Feeding in a cat with bad breath
If your cat suffers from halitosis it is important to review its diet and introduce some change that may be of great help:
- Dry food should be the main food for cats with bad breath, since the friction required to eat it helps eliminate and prevent the accumulation of tartar.
- The cat should drink at least between 300 and 500 milliliters of water a day, sufficient fluid intake will help adequate salivation, which aims to drag part of the bacteria found in the oral cavity. To achieve this, have several bowls filled with fresh water in various areas of the house and offer wet food sporadically.
- Reward your cat with specific foods for feline dental care, these types of snacks can contain aromatic substances and be very helpful.
Catnip against bad cat breath
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) drives any feline crazy, our friends the cats love to rub against this plant and even bite it and we can take advantage of this fact to improve their breath, sinceThis type of herb has a minty smell , it is even known as cat mint or cat basil.
Provide your cat with a pot of catnip and let him play as much as he wants, you will end up noticing an improvement in his breath
Oral hygiene in cats
At first it may seem like an odyssey to brush our cat's teeth, however, it is a necessary fact. To do this we must not use toothpaste for humans under any circumstances, as it would be toxic, we must acquire a specific toothpaste for cats, there are even some convenient presentations in aerosol form.
We will also need a brush and the most recommended are those that are placed around our finger, try to brush your cat's teeth at least 2 times a week.
