Bad Breath Could Be Serious

Whew! Stinky kitty breath is more than unpleasant -- it may be cause for concern. Tooth or gum problems are most often the culprit, but kitty halitosis could signal a more serious disease, including:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Infections or tumors of the oral cavity or GI tract
• Respiratory disease (including lung cancer)
• Feline leukemia
• Stomatitis (chronic inflammation of the mouth)

If your kitty's breath is foul, or she has mouth pain, bleeding gums, or trouble swallowing, schedule a full veterinary exam.