Does your cat have bad breath? What is L8020 lactic acid bacteria, and how can it help with feline bad breath?

Have you ever been playing with your cat and suddenly thought, "Your breath stinks!"?

A fishy or somehow foul odor... It's shocking to smell such a scent from your beloved cat. You might even worry that they could be sick!

There's always a reason for cat bad breath. This article will thoroughly explain the causes of cat bad breath and how to address them. We'll also introduce L8020 lactic acid bacteria, which is recommended for cat oral care.

Causes of Cat Bad Breath

Cats are naturally animals that produce very little body odor. If your cat has strong bad breath, it might indicate some abnormality in their health.

The causes of cat bad breath can broadly be divided into two categories: "bad breath due to insufficient oral care" and "bad breath due to illness."

Bad Breath Due to Insufficient Oral Care

If oral care is insufficient, bacteria in the mouth will proliferate rapidly. These bacteria feed on food scraps and plaque, producing volatile sulfur compounds, which cause an unpleasant odor like rotting garbage.

If you notice your cat's breath smells bad, they may already have periodontal disease.

While cats rarely get cavities, periodontal disease is something to watch out for. It can cause inflamed or bleeding gums, and if it progresses, teeth can even become loose. If you notice any symptoms, be sure to consult a veterinarian.

Bad Breath Due to Illness

Kidney failure can sometimes cause severe bad breath. Ammonia and urea nitrogen accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to an ammonia-like odor from the mouth.

Also, diabetes can cause a distinct sweet and sour breath odor. Gastritis, esophagitis, or indigestion can also result in breath that smells like feces.

Bad breath is a barometer of your cat's health. To detect illnesses early, in addition to oral hygiene, observe their water intake and urine output regularly.

Cat Bad Breath Prevention

The most important thing to prevent bad breath in cats is to keep their mouth clean through toothbrushing.

Food residue from cat food tends to accumulate in cats' mouths, and plaque builds up rapidly. It is said that if plaque is left untreated, it can turn into tartar in about a week.

Cats eating wet food should be particularly careful. Wet food tends to leave more food residue in the mouth than dry food, which can lead to bad breath and tartar.

Once tartar forms, it's difficult to remove with just brushing. It requires general anesthesia and the use of a special scaler.

While dental care treats and toys are commercially available, brushing remains the most effective method. To prevent food residue and plaque from remaining on the teeth, aim to brush daily if possible, or at least every three days.

How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth

A cat's tooth enamel is thin and easily damaged, so there's no need to brush vigorously. Gently rub with a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger, or use a soft cat toothbrush.

Start with the front teeth. Hold your cat, gently steady their head, and brush without applying much force. When brushing the back teeth, gently lift the upper lip. Plaque tends to accumulate on the back teeth, so be sure to brush them thoroughly.

If you notice any abnormalities or your cat appears to be in pain during brushing, consult a veterinarian immediately.

If Your Cat Dislikes Toothbrushing

If you suddenly try to brush your cat's teeth, they will likely resist. Start by practicing just touching their mouth.

Gradually practice opening their mouth so they get used to you touching the inside of their mouth. Build trust patiently, starting with just touching their teeth with your finger, then progressing to dental wipes, cotton swabs, and then a toothbrush.

It's okay if you can't brush all their teeth in one go; brush a different section over several days. When they do well, praise them generously and give them treats. Also, make good use of toothpaste gels in flavors your cat likes.

Recommended Items for Cat Bad Breath Prevention

Toothbrushing is essential for your cat's health. However, if they aren't accustomed to it from a young age, they will inevitably resist.

Here are some recommended oral care products for cats who dislike toothbrushing.

The Talked-About L8020 Lactic Acid Bacteria

L8020 lactic acid bacteria is a human-derived lactic acid bacterium that inhibits periodontitis-causing bacteria and cavity-causing bacteria.

Due to its excellent antibacterial effect against periodontitis and cavity-causing bacteria, it is used in oral care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and tablets containing L8020.

Since it's a lactic acid bacterium, it's perfect for preventing cavities in babies and can be safely used for cats and dogs suffering from bad breath and other oral problems.

Lickable Dental Care: Praque Liquid

For cats who dislike brushing or whose bad breath is still a concern even with brushing, we recommend "Earth Pet Everyday Pro Praque Liquid." This is a dental care product specifically for cats and dogs that helps combat bad breath just by licking it.

In addition to L8020 lactic acid bacteria, it contains ingredients that improve the oral environment, such as lactoferrin and sodium tripolyphosphate. Vitamin E helps keep gums healthy.

It's incredibly easy to use. Just one pump amount per day to lick is enough. It has a refreshing yogurt flavor, so many cats seem to enjoy their grooming time.

Make good use of convenient products and continue bad breath prevention without stress.

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Summary

The primary cause of bad breath in cats is insufficient oral care. If food residue is left untreated, it will eventually turn into plaque and tartar, leading to periodontal disease.

Tartar tends to accumulate more as cats age, so daily toothbrushing is very important. If toothbrushing with a brush is difficult, try dental care products that only require licking.

Also, bad breath in cats can be a sign of illness. Enjoy bonding with your cat while also checking their breath.

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