Ask Dr Claire

Smelly breath in a happy 6 month old kitten

It is common for some bad breath when cats are losing their baby teeth (such as what happens at 6 months age) as the adult teeth make their way through the gum.

The eruption of teeth can cause bad breath and also gingivitis – this may simply resolve on it’s own, but it may also need some tooth brushing to help. In severe cases an anaesthetic and mouth clean is needed, even at this age.

The other differential is early onset periodontitis, so if it’s not getting better in a few weeks, or if your cats becomes unhappy or sad, we can assume it may not just be bad breath associated with the eruption of teeth, and a hands-on examination from your local vet is a great place to start. An anaesthetic and clean may be required.

If you’d like to chat in person, you can get a vet on a live video call or start a chat to discuss in more detail.

We’re on stand-by to help!

Chat soon,

Dr Claire