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Bad breath in cats can also be a result of certain types of food, digestive problems, uremic poisoning from kidney disease, ketone breath from untreated diabetes, and other metabolic problems. How can you tell the difference between healthy pungent feline breath and the foul variety? There is only one way: Know the scent of your pet's regular breath by smelling it regularly.
Bad Breath and Excessive Salivation
This may be accompanied by oral bleeding. Facial deformities may be present, and the cat may have difficulties swallowing and chewing. Is yours an older cat? Is she a short-nosed breed, such as a Persian, Burmese, or Himalayan? If you answered "yes," your cat might have an oral tumor. The breeds just mentioned are more susceptible to oral tumors, although other types of cats may also get them. Oral cancers are most often squamous cell carcinomas.
Take your cat to the vet who will perform a biopsy to determine what type of tumor your cat has. Some malignant oral tumors are fast-spreading, whereas others remain only locally invasive (e.g. squamous cell carcinoma). Tumors can be removed either by conventional surgery or cryosyrgery (using subfreezing temperatures).
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After the growth is removed, the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene, along with a chemical-free high-quality diet, can help prevent a recurrence. Benign growths require no treatment unlesss they hamper your cat's eating, drinking, or breathing. |
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Prevention
Examine your cat's mouth regularly. The earlier a malignant tumor is removed, the better the chance for preventing its spread.
Topics to Explore
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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