| Cat bad breath is not so different from human bad | | | | will tolerate this kind of attention: start early with |
| breath: it tends to be caused by the activities of | | | | your cat to prevent the buildup of tartar in the first |
| bacteria in the mouth that break down proteins and | | | | place, and avoid cat bad breath later. |
| release sulfur compounds into the air. Sulfur smells | | | | Another approach is to try to decrease the number |
| bad, so breath that contains sulfur compounds smells | | | | of bacteria in the cat's mouth that are producing the |
| bad also. In cats, the bacteria that cause the problem | | | | bad smell. Just as chlorhexidine and other |
| tend to be associated with a buildup of tartar on the | | | | antibacterials are helpful for humans, these |
| teeth. Tartar is a coating composed of food particles, | | | | substances can be added to a pet's water or |
| bacteria, and minerals. | | | | sprayed directly on the teeth to combat cat bad |
| To cure cat bad breath, it's helpful to try to remove | | | | breath. Alternative products are also available that |
| the tartar that has built up on the cat's teeth. Some | | | | treat the problem by fighting the bacteria. These |
| pet foods are formulated to help reduce tartar by | | | | remedies don't remove the tartar however, so they |
| producing mechanical friction that scrapes tartar off, | | | | won't permanently cure cat bad breath - a |
| or by including an enzyme that helps to dissolve it. | | | | combination of a bacteria-fighting product, with a |
| Pet treats are also commonly marketed as tartar | | | | mechanical means of tartar removal might be the |
| fighters in one way or another. If the buildup of | | | | best approach. |
| tartar on the cat's teeth is extensive, it might be | | | | Keep in mind that, like people, cats sometimes have |
| necessary to pay to have a professional cleaning. | | | | an odor in the mouth that is not coming from the |
| When the tartar is removed, the cat bad breath | | | | mouth: kidney and liver disease are two things that |
| should go away. | | | | cause cat bad breath. Take you cat to your |
| Some people are able to clean their cat's teeth at | | | | veterinarian if your cat has a consistent problem, so |
| home. Animal toothpastes are available in meat | | | | that a complete examination can be done. Even if the |
| flavors - the mechanical brushing is important for | | | | problem does originate in the mouth, treatment under |
| removing tartar, but some of these toothpastes also | | | | the watchful eye of a veterinarian is important |
| contain enzymes that dissolve the tartar, so just | | | | because problems in the mouth can lead to other |
| getting it on the teeth regularly will help a bit to cure | | | | serious health problems later. If you cure cat bad |
| cat bad breath. Toothbrushes and tooth scrapers are | | | | breath now, you may avoid trouble in the future. |
| also available. It is a fortunate cat owner whose cat | | | | |