Why does my cat have bad breath?

Not just an unpleasant smell, bad breath in cats can be a sign of dental health problems.

A woman holding her nose, put off by the smell of bad cat breath

Overview

Does your cat have smelly breath? Bad breath in cats, or halitosis, is not just an unpleasant smell — it may be a sign of serious health issues. In most cases, bad breath in cats comes from poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque and tartar.

Plaque is a sticky film made from bacteria and food particles that builds up on your cat's teeth. If not removed by regular dental care, plaque hardens over time into tartar, which irritates the gums and causes bad breath. Some cats, especially older ones or certain breeds, may be more likely to develop dental issues, making regular dental care even more important.

Why does my cat have bad breath?

Long-term effects of untreated bad breath in cats

How to treat and prevent bad breath in cats

What the studies say

Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS

Published on 08/09/2024 • Reviewed on 01/05/2025