We adore our kitties and put up with the 5am wake up paw slap on the nose, the midnight play sessions running at full pelt under the bed and even the up close and personal bum in the face. But one thing you shouldn’t have to put up with is bad cat breath. If your kitty’s breath smells particularly foul, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. So what causes our cat's bad breath?

What Causes Bad Breath (Halitosis) in Cats?

Bad breath in cats—known as halitosis—is more than just an unpleasant odour. It can indicate anything from dental disease to digestive issues or even organ problems. Here’s what might be behind that stink:

1. Dental disease

One of the biggest causes of bad cat breath is poor oral health. In fact, a staggering 8 out of 10 cats develop dental disease at some point in their lives, with older cats and certain breeds—such as Persians, Siamese, Burmese, and Maine Coons—being more prone to problems.

Without regular dental care, plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, leading to conditions like:

• Gingivitis – Inflamed, red gums caused by plaque buildup.
• Periodontal disease – A more severe infection that can lead to tooth loss.
• Systemic health issues – Bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.

What to do: Regularly check your cat’s mouth for excessive tartar, swollen gums, or a particularly foul odour. If you spot anything concerning, book a vet check-up ASAP.

2. Food and Foreign Objects

What your cat eats can influence how their breath smells. Some foods naturally have stronger odours, and certain diets may contribute to stinkier breath.

Occasionally, a piece of food or even a small foreign object (like a bone fragment or piece of string) can get lodged between teeth, leading to bad breath as it decays.

What to do: Regularly inspect your cat’s mouth for anything unusual, and if you suspect something is stuck, consult your vet.

2. Internal conditions

Poor oral hygiene isn't the only cause of cat bad breath. On some occasions smelly breath is a sign of more serious medical problems that require medical treatment. Infections or blockages in the gut, kidney disease, certain cancers and diabetes are all conditions that cause bad breath. Certain conditions have signpost smells; an ammonia like smell points to kidney disease, diabetes can cause a sweeter smell and gut issues are particularly foul smelling. It can still be difficult to identify the cause of your cat's bad breath, so the best option is a quick trip to the vet.

3. Underlying Health Issues

If your cat’s breath smells particularly strong, sweet, or chemical-like, it could indicate an internal condition. Some medical issues that cause halitosis include:

• Kidney disease – Can give the breath a strong ammonia-like smell.
• Diabetes – Often leads to sweet or fruity-smelling breath.
• Gut infections or blockages – Can cause foul, rotting odours.
• Certain cancers – Some oral and digestive cancers can contribute to bad breath.

What to do: If your cat’s breath has a distinct, unusual smell, or if they’re showing other signs of illness (such as weight loss, lethargy, or vomiting), don’t wait—visit the vet.

How can you prevent bad breath in cats?

Prevention is the best way to keep your cat healthy and by introducing a regular oral care routine you can save yourself a lot of stress and avoid your cat suffering from harmful unwanted conditions. Brushing your cat's teeth regularly, feeding a good diet, introducing dental chew toys and cat dental treats will all go a long way in helping maintain your cat's healthy teeth and gums. We also recommend scheduling a check over with the vet at least annually.

Final Thoughts

If you're new to oral care or have an older cat, it's not too late but may require more patience. If you're in any doubt about your cat's bad breath and general dental health, a quick trip to the vet is a must and a simple way to address any issues preventing your cat from being happy and healthy. Your vet should be more than happy to offer guidance and tips including advice on the best dental products and cat treats.

And if you need an easy way to support your cat’s oral health, Krunchies Dental Treats are a great place to start!

FAQS

How do you get rid of cat halitosis?

To eliminate cat halitosis, start with a regular dental care routine—brushing their teeth with cat-safe toothpaste, and offering effective dental treats. If bad breath persists, a vet check-up is essential to rule out dental disease or other health issues like kidney disease or diabetes.

Why does my cat's breath smell so bad?

Bad cat breath is often caused by dental disease, with plaque and tartar buildup leading to infections. Other causes include diet, digestive issues, kidney disease, or diabetes. If your cat’s breath smells particularly foul or unusual, consult a vet.

What can I give my cat for bad breath?

You can give your cat effective dental treats, chew toys, water additives, or vet-approved oral gels to help freshen their breath. However, the best long-term solution is regular tooth brushing and vet check-ups to prevent dental disease and maintain a healthy mouth.

You might be interested in reading:

1. How to clean cat teeth?
2. The truth about high protein cat food
3. Feeding Kittens