What causes bad breath in cats? Anyone who owns a cat knows that if you don't pay attention to your cat's oral hygiene, it won't be long before their mouths start to smell fishy and foul. In the long run, this is very bad for your cat's dental health.
This seems to be a common problem for many cats, since they can't brush their teeth daily like we do to maintain oral hygiene. Perhaps because of this preconceived notion, we often delay treating oral diseases that could be cured in their early stages. A healthy cat's breath shouldn't have any odor. A slight food smell in their mouth after eating is normal, but if their breath is consistently foul-smelling, that's definitely not normal and you should take them to the vet immediately to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. 
Several possibilities that cause bad breath in cats
1. Tooth decay – Frequently feeding cats soft food and canned food can easily lead to tooth decay. These food residues remain around the cat's teeth, producing tartar, which then causes gingivitis. If bacteria further invade the alveolar bone, it can cause periodontitis.
2. Indigestion – When cats have gastrointestinal problems, they may also have bad breath.
3. Oral infection, ulcer
4. Malnutrition and vitamin deficiency
Special reminder
1. Bad breath in cats should not be ignored. If your cat has this problem, you must take it to a professional veterinarian to find the cause.
2. Do not frequently feed your cat soft food or canned food, as this can pose a significant threat to their dental health.
Prevention and treatment of halitosis in cats
Based on the different causes of bad breath in cats, we can take corresponding preventive and treatment measures.
There are many reasons why cats have bad breath, such as tooth decay, oral infections, ulcers, indigestion, and vitamin B deficiency. Careful observation of your cat's behavior can help you determine the likely cause of the problem.
If a cat's teeth are very dirty, the cause is tartar. If a cat is drooling or has mouth ulcers, it may be due to an oral infection or gum disease. Cats going through teething should be monitored closely in this regard. Discolored old teeth that don't fall out on their own can also cause bad breath and require extraction. Frequently feeding cats soft foods and canned food can easily lead to tooth decay. These foods accumulate tartar around the cat's teeth, which can cause gingivitis. If bacteria enter the alveolar bone, it can cause periodontal disease. Ultimately, this can lead to loose teeth and nerve death, in which case extraction is necessary.
When your cat is young, you can try to help it develop a good habit of brushing its teeth. Brushing a cat's teeth requires two people. One person holds the cat in one hand, and with the other hand, places their palm above the cat's head, applying appropriate pressure. Using their index finger and thumb, gently pry open the cat's upper lip. The other person places their index finger between the cat's lower incisors and gently presses down on the jaw. Use a children's toothbrush dipped in a mild salt water solution to clean the cat's teeth once a week. (Note: I doubt many cat owners do this.)
If your cat has mild indigestion, feed it small, frequent meals of fresh, high-quality cat food. You can also give it human antacids with a veterinarian's approval.
Cats may also experience bad breath due to a vitamin B deficiency. There are many types of B vitamins, all of which are essential for cats. Eating too much processed food can lead to vitamin B1 deficiency, with symptoms including seizures and stroke. Excessive food processing can also destroy vitamin B6, resulting in weight loss, anemia, and seizures. Treatment for vitamin B deficiency includes vitamin B complex injections, multivitamin B tablets, and yeast tablets.
In short, if your cat has bad breath, it's best to take it to a veterinarian for a checkup and treatment as prescribed.
