new kitten/Bad breath

[littlefriend]

I just adopted a new kitten. She has already been fixed and had her shots.

My problem is she has very bad breath. You can smell it when she yawns or when she is grooming. I did a search on the net and read about problems with teeth and gums.

I wasn't sure at what ages that a kitten has trouble with teething or loosing teeth. Her gums are a darker pink (maybe red) around her teeth. She looks like she is missin a tooth or two on the bottom front. I didn't know if it was normal to loose those or not.

She acts, plays, eats, drinks, sleeps, uses her litter box and everything else normally.

I don't want to overeact and just jump to the vet for no reason, but then again I don't want to overlook a problem.

I would be greatful for any advice.

[puddypaws100]

I had the same problem with one of my cats. He also was losing teeth. My vet sedated him and cleaned his gums just like the dentist does to me. I believe he had to remove a tooth as well. He said it could have been caused by poor nutrition in early stages of development.
My vet also recommend brushing but not all cats will tolerate this. There are sites on the web that explain how to get a cat used to brushing.

It is very important not to neglect a cats gums as neglect can lead to more serious problems later on down the road. Also, my vet said that my cat was probably uncomfortable eating. There are also certain foods and health treats that help with the plaque.

[MA]

Little- has your cat been to the vet? Certain smells on the cat's breath can be determined to be a health problem. It can be caused by gum disease, poor diet, or as I said a health issue. I would recommend a vet visit so the vet can check the teeth, gums and overall health.

[littlefriend]

Thanks for the replies.

I took her to the vet Saturday. He said she has an infection. He said is was simular to strep throat in people.

He gave her a shot and sent some meds home with me. He said she should do fine, that she is old enough that this type of infection usually doesn't get serious.

He said that her teeth looked good.

[MA]

Good going! Glad you took her in to be checked. Hope she feels better soon!