Since a cat's diet contains a large percentage of meat, its breath will typically be rather "strong." A distinction must be made between the cat's normal breath odor and halitosis (bad breath), which may be caused by bacteria in the mouth or indicate that waste typically removed by the kidneys is being eliminated via the mouth. A cat suffering from uraemia (kidney failure) gives off a distinctive breath odor.Tartar and food buildup can cause tooth decay and gingivitis. Poor oral hygiene can also cause other health problems in cats. A cat's kidneys and liver are particularly vulnerable to toxins. The toxins resulting from poor oral hygiene damage these organs. In fact, liver and kidney failure are leading causes of death in cats.Tartar deposits, which can buildup at an astonishing rate, are formed from the mineral salts found in saliva or food debris. The mineral salts attach to plaque, a white sticky substance covering the teeth, and form dental calculus, or tartar.Cats fed only wet food are more prone to tartar buildup and periodontal disease. Kibble requires more chewing, and therefore circulates the saliva better, slowing tartar formation.
The only way to avoid tartar buildup is to brush your cat's teeth daily. However, this practice must be introduced at a very young age. If not: Use a toothpaste specifically formulated for cats. Human toothpaste formulas contain elements that are harmful to cats.
Finally, regular trips to the veterinarian for teeth cleaning is vital to good oral hygiene.
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