Cat bad breath like bad human breath is caused by bacteria found in the mouth that breaks protein down and releases the sulfur compounds out into the air. This sulfur smells really bad causing the breath to smell bad as well. The bacterium that causes bad breath with cats is usually associated with a buildup of tartar on the teeth. Tartar is yellow in color and is a combination of food, bacteria and minerals. To cure your cat from bad breath, you will need to prevent tartar from forming in the first place or remove existing tartar.
Several cat foods on the market are designed to reduce the buildup of tartar, and may contain enzymes that will actually dissolve it. Some cat treats are also formulated to help eliminate and prevent tartar. If the buildup of tartar is bad, your cat’s teeth may need to be professionally cleaned. Once the tartar has been removed, the bad breath should go away.
Your feline’s teeth should be brushed daily. Toothpastes are available for pets in different flavors. A mechanical toothbrush is best as the motion is very important for removing tartar buildup. Some cats may not tolerate the this type of toothbrush in which case a manual one can be used. Toothpastes that contain enzymes will dissolve tartar, helping to cure bad breath. If you start daily brushings early in your cat’s life, you can stop the tartar buildup that will ultimately lead to bad breath.
Sometimes, cat bad breath can be caused by diseases such as liver or kidney disease. If your pet has bad breath and no tartar on his or her teeth, a veterinary examination is needed to determine the cause.
Be sure to address cat bad breath issues so that you can enjoy your pet to the fullest and to address any health concerns.
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