What causes cat bad breath? Possible diseases and treatments [Kidney disease and bad breath]

Your cat is usually very clean, but their breath smells terrible... This might not be due to a lack of brushing, but rather a sign of illness.

You should be especially cautious of bad breath caused by kidney disease. Cats are prone to kidney disease, so it’s something you cannot afford to overlook.

In this article, we will look at the diseases that could cause bad breath in cats and how to deal with it. We will also explain the relationship between a cat’s bad breath and kidney disease in detail.

Diseases that can cause bad breath in cats

Cats are naturally creatures that barely have any body odor. When a cat has bad breath, it means that something is wrong with their health.

To ensure you don’t miss signs of illness, it is important to know about the diseases that can be associated with severe bad breath in cats.

Bad breath caused by periodontal disease

If you smell something like rotting garbage or a fishy, foul odor, it might be due to periodontal disease. When food particles or plaque remain on the teeth, bacteria thrive and produce volatile sulfur compounds. This substance is the cause of the bad breath. You should be careful, as it also leads to tartar buildup and periodontal disease.

Bad breath caused by stomatitis

If your cat has stomatitis, they will often have a foul, fishy odor, just as they would with periodontal disease. Stomatitis can sometimes be caused by internal organ diseases or infections. Be sure to observe your cat for any unusual behavior and consult a veterinarian.

Bad breath caused by diabetes

Cats can also suffer from diabetes. This is a condition where decreased pancreatic function prevents the proper secretion of insulin, which controls blood sugar levels. Because blood sugar levels remain high, it can lead to a distinct sweet and sour odor in the urine or breath.

Bad breath caused by kidney disease

When kidney function declines, the body can no longer excrete waste products through urine, causing them to build up in the blood. Breath that smells like urine or a sharp, ammonia-like odor is known as "uremic breath" and is a sign that kidney disease is progressing.

What to do if you are concerned about your cat's bad breath

If you notice your cat has bad breath, it is important to identify the cause and take appropriate action.

Even if your cat’s breath smells bad, if the cause is lack of oral care, it can be improved with brushing or other dental care. If the cause is a disease, medical treatment like medication will be necessary.

However, it is very difficult to determine if a disease is the culprit just from the smell.

If you notice your cat has bad breath, take them to a veterinary clinic immediately. It is also important to find a trusted veterinarian whom you can comfortably consult about anything.

Make brushing a habit

To avoid missing bad breath caused by illness, try to make brushing a habit.

By keeping their mouth clean on a regular basis, you can rule out bad breath caused by poor oral hygiene—such as periodontal disease—and notice potential illnesses much sooner.

I know many cats dislike having their teeth brushed, but for the sake of their health management, daily brushing is recommended. You might also want to try using dental care sprays or supplements.

The relationship between kidney disease and bad breath in cats

For cats, kidney disease is almost their "fate," as it is an unavoidable ailment.

Despite this, the exact causes of kidney disease are not well understood. It is believed that "concentrated urine" and "insufficient hydration" place a burden on the kidneys, but the truth is that there are no specific ways to prevent it.

To detect kidney disease in your cat as early as possible, there are some things you should know about the link between kidney disease and bad breath.

What is kidney disease in cats?

There are two types of kidney disease in cats: "acute kidney disease" and "chronic kidney disease (kidney failure)."

Acute kidney disease is caused by dehydration, heart failure, poisoning, infection, or urinary stones. It progresses rapidly, but can be recovered from if treated at an early stage.

What is common in cats is "chronic kidney disease (kidney failure)." The kidneys become inflamed and renal function gradually declines until they eventually cease to function. Unfortunately, once kidney function is lost, it cannot be restored.

Symptoms of chronic kidney disease (kidney failure)

Since kidney disease often progresses without symptoms, many owners notice something is wrong because of severe, urine-like or ammonia-like bad breath.

The kidneys play an important role in filtering waste from the body and excreting it as urine. When kidney function declines, waste products build up in the body, leading to a sharp, ammonia-like odor.

As the disease progresses, it can lead to uremia, which can be fatal. It is essential to keep an eye out for early symptoms for early detection.

[Early symptoms of chronic kidney disease (kidney failure)]

• Sharp, ammonia-like bad breath
• Drinking a large amount of water at once
• Increased urine volume or frequency
• Urine has lost its odor
• Urine color has become diluted/lighter
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Dull coat

How to prevent chronic kidney disease (kidney failure)

There is no definitive way to prevent chronic kidney disease...

However, it is believed that you can reduce the burden on the kidneys by "providing an appropriate amount of high-quality complete nutritional food" and "ensuring they can drink plenty of fresh water."

Hydration is especially important. Since cats don't drink water easily, many owners are likely going through trial and error. Try adjusting the freshness or temperature of the water, or the shape of the water bowl to help them hydrate properly.

Early detection of kidney disease in cats is key!

Cats are at a very high risk of developing kidney disease. Therefore, early detection and early treatment are more important than anything else.

However, kidney disease can progress without any symptoms. Moreover, cats are creatures that tend to hide their illnesses. Even when in pain, they won't show it and will endure it until the very end.

By the time an owner notices that "something is wrong," the condition may have already advanced significantly...

Observe your cat's condition carefully on a daily basis so that you can spot the early signs of kidney disease.

Additionally, early detection is possible through health checkups. Make sure your cat gets a health checkup, including blood and urine tests, at least once a year. For senior cats, checkups every six months are recommended.

Summary

A cat's bad breath can be caused not only by insufficient oral care like brushing, but also by underlying diseases.

For instance, ammonia-like breath may suggest kidney disease, sweet/sour breath may suggest diabetes, and breath smelling like rotten garbage may suggest periodontal disease. A cat's bad breath is a barometer of their overall health.

Making brushing a habit is very important for noticing even slight changes in your cat's breath. Also, cuddling and physical affection are helpful for health checks.

As you enjoy your time with your cat, please be mindful of their breath as well.

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