8 Best Cat Bad Breath Treats

If your kitty has bad breath, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Nearly half of all cats have some degree of dental disease, which can lead to bad breath.

But don’t despair – there are plenty of ways to help fight against cat bad breath. One option is to give your furry friend a treat that helps freshen their breath.

Here are 8 of the best cat bad breath treats out there.

Give one a try and see if your cat’s bad breath starts to disappear!

Cat Bad Breath Treats: Our Top 3 Recommendations

Preview
Best Overall
FELINE GREENIES Adult Dental Cat Treats, Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor, 9.75 oz. Tub
Runner-up
FELINE GREENIES Adult Natural Dental Care Cat Treats, Catnip Flavor, 2.1 oz. Pouch
Best Value
Minties Dental Treats for Cats, (Chicken/Salmon) Flavored Treats for Cats, Freshens Breath and Controls Tartar, 2.5oz
Key Features
Made with all-natural ingredients, these treats are a great choice for those looking for a healthy option for their cat
These treats are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth
These little nuggets are made with all-natural ingredients like chicken, parsley, and mint
Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Best Overall
Preview
FELINE GREENIES Adult Dental Cat Treats, Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor, 9.75 oz. Tub
Key Features
Made with all-natural ingredients, these treats are a great choice for those looking for a healthy option for their cat
Prime
Amazon Prime
Check Price
Runner-up
Preview
FELINE GREENIES Adult Natural Dental Care Cat Treats, Catnip Flavor, 2.1 oz. Pouch
Key Features
These treats are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth
Prime
Amazon Prime
Check Price
Best Value
Preview
Minties Dental Treats for Cats, (Chicken/Salmon) Flavored Treats for Cats, Freshens Breath and Controls Tartar, 2.5oz
Key Features
These little nuggets are made with all-natural ingredients like chicken, parsley, and mint
Prime
Amazon Prime
Check Price

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Cat Bad Breath Treats – Our Top 8 Picks

Feline Greenies Catnip Flavor Dental Treats

These treats are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth.

FELINE GREENIES Adult Natural Dental Care Cat Treats, Catnip Flavor, 2.1 oz. Pouch
  • This convenient pouch contains 2.1 oz. of FELINE GREENIES Crunchy Dental Treats in Catnip Flavor
  • Crunchy texture helps clean teeth, reduce tartar buildup, and freshen breath
  • The #1 vet-recommended feline dental treat*

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

They’re also full of flavor that your kitty will love – and they might just help freshen their breath too!

Full of antioxidants, these treats also help keep your cat’s immune system strong. So not only will they have fresher breath, but they’ll be healthier overall.

Feline Greenies Chicken Flavor Dental Treats

These dental treats are another great option for helping to reduce plaque and tartar on your cat’s teeth.

FELINE GREENIES Adult Dental Cat Treats, Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor, 9.75 oz. Tub
  • This bulk tub contains 9.75 oz. of FELINE GREENIES Crunchy Dental Treats in Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor
  • Crunchy texture helps clean teeth, reduce tartar buildup, and freshen breath
  • The #1 vet-recommended feline dental treat*

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

They’re also full of a chicken flavor that your cat is sure to love – making them a great option for those kitties who are a bit picky when it comes to their treats!

Made with all-natural ingredients, Feline Greenies dental treats are a great choice for those looking for a healthy option for their cat. They’re also free of artificial colors and flavors, making them a safe and healthy treatment option.

Minties Dental Cat Treats

If you’re looking for a super tasty way to help your feline friend with their bad breath, look no further than Minties Dental Cat Treats.

Minties Dental Treats for Cats, (Chicken/Salmon) Flavored Treats for Cats, Freshens Breath and Controls Tartar, 2.5oz
  • COMPARE TO FELINE GREENIES: MINTIES Dental Treats for Cats are an affordable alternative with no wheat, corn, soy or...
  • CLEANS TEETH: MINTIES Dental Treats for Cats are an easy way to help control plaque and tartar buildup. These dental cat...
  • FRESHENS BREATH: MINTIES Dental Treats for Cats is a tasty cat teeth cleaning treat which contains a natural breath freshener...

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These little nuggets are made with all-natural ingredients like chicken, parsley, and mint, and are sure to leave your cat’s mouth feeling fresher and smelling great.

Arm & Hammer For Pets Complete Care Cat Dental Mints

These dental mints from Arm & Hammer are a great way to help keep your cat’s breath smelling fresh.

Arm & Hammer For Pets Complete Care Cat Dental Mints, 40 Count | Chicken Flavored Cat Dental Treats for Fresh Breath and Tartar Control | Baking Soda Enhanced Formula with Natural Ingredients
  • ARM & HAMMER CAT DENTAL TREATS –Take your cat's dental care to the next level with Arm & Hammer Complete Care dental mints...
  • BAKING SODA ENHANCED FORMULA – Arm & Hammer Cat Dental Mints are infused with the signature Arm & Hammer baking soda...
  • 40 CHICKEN FLAVORED MINTS – This resealable bag of Arm & Hammer Cat Dental Mints comes with 40 chewable mints flavored like...

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The minty flavor helps to cover up any bad smells and the crunchy texture helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

With 40 mints, this chicken flavor option should last you a while, and your cat will love the taste. You can give these to your cat as a treat or add them to their regular food.

Purina DentaLife Cat Dental Treats

If your cat is one of those that turn up their nose at regular brushing, then Purina DentaLife Cat Dental Treats may be the next best thing.

Purina DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Cat Dental Treats, Tasty Chicken Flavor - 19 oz. Pouch
  • DentaLife Daily Dental Treats for Cats feature a porous texture to reduce tartar buildup
  • Scientifically tested to reduce tartar buildup
  • Purina DentaLife cat treats made with wholesome natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients and no...

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These crunchy little bites are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up, as well as freshen breath.

And they’re pretty affordable, too!

Hartz Dentist’s Best Chicken Flavored Dental Cat Treats

This dental cat treat from Hartz are a great way to help keep your feline friend’s teeth clean and healthy.

Hartz Dentist'S Best Chicken Flavored Dental Cat Treats
  • Hartz Dentist'S Best With Dentashield Rawhide Is Scientifically Proven To Reduce Tartar Up To 83%.
  • Crunchy Texture Cleans The Surface And In Between Teeth While Massaging Gums.
  • Provides Complete Oral Care And Freshens Breath.

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The chicken flavor is sure to be a hit with your kitty, and the dental benefits are an added bonus.

Providing a crunchy texture, these treats help remove plaque and tartar buildup from teeth while your cat chews.

Hartz Dentist’s Best Chicken Flavored Dental Cat Treats are also low in calories, so you don’t have to worry about them adding to your cat’s waistline.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Crunchy Bites Cat Treats

If your cat has bad breath, it could be a sign of poor dental health.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Crunchy Bites Cat Treats - 1.8 oz. Pouch
  • Less than 2 kcals per treat
  • Helps clean teeth and freshen breath
  • Helps control tartar and plaque

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Crunchy Bites Cat Treats are formulated to help clean your cat’s teeth and freshen their breath.

The crunchy texture helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, and the liver flavor is sure to be a hit with your kitty.

Emerald Pet Feline Dental Treats

These dental treats are a popular choice for many cat parents because they help to reduce tartar and plaque buildup, as well as freshening your kitty’s breath. 

Feline Dental Treats — Tasty and Crunchy Cat Dental Treats Grain Free — Natural Dental Treats to Clean Cat Teeth, Freshen Cat Breath, and Reduce Plaque and Tartar Buildup — Chicken Treats, 3 oz
  • DELICIOUS AND NUTRITIOUS DENTAL CAT TREATS FOR CLEAN TEETH, FRESH BREATH, AND HEALTHY GUMS — Reward your cat with tasty and...
  • CRUNCHY TEXTURE AND LARGER SIZE FOR BETTER TEETH CLEANING ACTION — Our cat brushing treats have a crunchy texture and are...
  • LOW CALORIE CAT TREATS IDEAL FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT — No need to worry about the extra calories every time you give your...

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

They’re also highly digestible and made with all-natural ingredients, including chicken meal, salmon, and tuna.

Low in calories and high in protein, these treats are a great option for kitties who need to maintain their weight. And since they’re made in the USA, you can be sure you’re getting a quality product.

Causes of Bad Breath in Cats

There are many different causes of bad breath in cats, and often more than one factor is to blame.

The most common causes are:

  • Diet – what your cat eats can have a big impact on their breath. If they eat a lot of protein, their breath is likely to be more ‘pungent’.
  • Gingivitis – this is a build-up of plaque and tartar on your cat’s teeth and gums. It’s the most common dental problem in cats and can cause bad breath.
  • Periodontal illness – this is a more serious form of gingivitis and can lead to infection, tooth loss, and pain.
  • Pica and coprophagia – are terms used to describe the act of eating things that aren’t food, such as grass, dirt, or feces. Cats may do this if they’re deficient in certain nutrients, and it can lead to bad breath.
  • Stomatitis – this is an inflammation of the mouth and can be caused by several things, including infection, trauma, or allergies.
  • Kidney disease – this is a common health problem in older cats and can cause bad breath as a result of toxins building up in the blood.
  • Diabetes – this is a serious condition that can cause bad breath as a result of ketones building up in the blood.

How To Treat Cats’ Bad Breath

Bad breath in cats, also called halitosis, can be a sign of dental disease or another health condition. If your kitty’s breath smells bad, take her to the vet for a checkup. 

vet inspecting cat's teeth and mouth

In the meantime, there are some things you can do at home to help freshen her breath.

Cleaning the Teeth of Your Cat at Home

If your cat will let you, brush her teeth with a pet-safe toothpaste. Look for a toothpaste that’s made specifically for cats – it will be safe if she licks it off her teeth or swallows it. Never use human toothpaste on your cat, as it can make her sick.

Start slowly, and get her used to the idea of you touching her mouth. Once she’s okay with that, put a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and let her lick it off. 

Next, try using a gauze pad or cat toothbrush to rub the toothpaste around her teeth. Don’t put the toothbrush in too far, or you may hurt her gums.

Give her a treat after each tooth-brushing session, so she associates the experience with something positive. With time and patience, you should be able to brush all of your cat’s teeth.

Cat Dental Treats

Dental treats can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth. Look for products that are specifically designed for cats, and follow the instructions on the package.

Give your cat dental treats according to the package directions. Most are given as a supplement to her regular diet and are not meant to be used as a complete meal replacement.

Provide a Healthy Diet for Your Cat

A healthy diet is important for overall health, including dental health. Look for a cat food that’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, as they can contribute to tooth decay.

If your cat is resistant to eating dry food, try adding a little bit of water or chicken broth to moisten it. You can also look for cat food that’s specifically designed to reduce plaque and tartar.

Feed your cat according to the package directions. Too much or too little food can lead to health problems, so it’s important to give the correct amount.

Read Also: Learn everything there is to know about different microchip cat feeders, including some of the best options on the market today.

Visit the Vet Frequently

Your cat should see the vet at least once a year for a checkup. This is a good time to have her teeth cleaned and to catch any dental problems early.

If your cat has bad breath, the vet may recommend additional cleanings or other treatments. In some cases, dental disease can lead to more serious health problems, so it’s important to get treatment right away.

Cats can develop dental problems at any age, so it’s important to be aware of the signs. Watch for changes in eating or drinking habits, bad breath, drooling, or pawing at the mouth. These can all be signs of a dental problem.

Our Readers Favorite Questions

What Can I Give My Cat for Bad Breath?

While there are several possible causes of bad breath in cats, the most common is simply plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth.

woman brushing cat's teeth

This is why dental hygiene is so important for cats. The best way to combat bad breath is to brush your cat’s teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste. You can also give them dental treats.

Why Does My Cat Have a Smelly Breath?

There are several possible causes of your cat’s smelly breath. The most common is dental disease, which can lead to plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of dental disease in cats. Other possible causes include kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes.

Is It Normal for Cats To Have Bad Breaths?

No, it is not normal for cats to have bad breath. If your cat has bad breath, it is likely due to dental disease or another underlying health condition. Be sure to take them to the vet for a checkup if you are concerned about their breath.

Do Greenies Make Cats Breath Smell Better?

Yes, Greenies are a type of dental treat that can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth. This can help to improve their breath. They are also a healthy and nutritious treat for your cat.

Conclusion

Bad breath in cats is often caused by dental disease. The best way to combat bad breath is to brush your cat’s teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste and give them dental treats.

Our top picks for the best dental treat for cats mentioned above are all designed to reduce plaque and tartar, and they’re also healthy and nutritious.

If your cat has bad breath, be sure to take them to the vet for a checkup. In some cases, bad breath can be a sign of a more serious health condition.

Cats can develop dental problems at any age, so it’s important to be aware of the signs. Watch for changes in eating or drinking habits, bad breath, drooling, or pawing at the mouth. These can all be signs of a dental problem.

Does your cat have bad breath? What have you done to combat it? Let us know in the comments below!

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Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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