Bad breath in cats is a common problem that troubles many owners. So why exactly do cats have bad breath? First, bad breath in cats may be caused by dental diseases such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth root inflammation. Dental diseases can lead to the presence of foul-smelling bacteria in the mouth, thus causing bad breath.

1. Viral Infection

Bad breath in cats may also be caused by viral infections, such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infection. FIV can severely damage the cat's mouth and nasal cavity, inducing bacterial growth in the oral cavity and resulting in bad breath.

2. Metabolic Disorders

Bad breath in cats may also be caused by metabolic disorders, such as kidney failure and liver failure. These metabolic disorders can cause toxin accumulation in the cat's body, leading to foul odors in the mouth.

3. Improper Diet

Bad breath in cats may also result from improper diet, such as cats consuming excessive high-protein and high-fat foods. The amino acids in proteins and fats can ferment in the mouth, causing bad breath.

4. Poor Oral Hygiene

Bad breath in cats may also be caused by poor oral hygiene, such as owners not cleaning their cat's teeth regularly. Food residues and bacteria in the mouth will then proliferate, causing bad breath.

Summary

Bad breath in cats may be caused by dental diseases, viral infections, metabolic disorders, improper diet, and poor oral hygiene. Therefore, if bad breath is noticed in a cat, the cause should be identified early and appropriate treatment taken to reduce the occurrence of bad breath.