A pet’s bad breath can be a sign that your cat may be developing dental problems. If ignored, many types of dental conditions are not only irreversible, but can eventually result in tooth loss or cause severe health issues. But how do you know if your cat’s bad breath is a symptom of something more serious? Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following changes:

• Excessive drooling
• Painful chewing
• Gum discolouration

Feline diabetes mellitus, or a deficiency of insulin, can be diagnosed at any age. 75% of cats that develop diabetes are between the ages of 8–13. Overweight cats are at a greater risk¹. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following changes:

• Extreme hunger
• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination

¹ Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline. Fifth Edition 2011: 366

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, or FLUTD, is a common condition seen in cats. In many cases cats will have crystals or stones form in the urine, which can irritate the lining of the urinary tract. In male cats, crystals or stones can partially or completely block the urine flow. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following changes:

• Frequent trips to the litter box
• Crying when urinating
• Urinating outside the litter box
• Excessive licking of genital area

Food sensitivities and intolerances can develop any time- even after years of feeding without issue. Food intolerance in cats generally appears as gastrointestinal upset or intense itching and scratching. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following changes:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excess gas
• Intense itching or scratching

Cat digestive system problems are one of the most common reasons cats are brought to their veterinarian. Some cat digestive system problems may improve quickly, but more serious conditions could result in weight loss or dehydration. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following changes:

• Loss of appetite
• Excess gas
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in cats is an inflammation of the lining of the intestine. IBD is a chronic condition that may last your cat’s lifetime. The good news is that many cases of IBD can be successfully managed if owners carefully follow feeding and/or medication instructions from their veterinarians. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following changes:

• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Vomiting

Chronic feline kidney disease is usually a progressive disorder, involving the loss of adequate function over a period of months to years. However, medical treatment and dietary management may help and make your cat more comfortable. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following changes:

• Increased urine volume
• Increased thirst
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Unusual breath odor

Your Kitten needs the best possible nutrition to provide a foundation for a lifetime of good health. The diet for your kitten should give her the required complete and balanced nutrition to support her developing systems including strong bone and healthy muscles. Contact your veterinarian for more information about the unique needs of kittens

An everyday diet for your cat should provide complete and balanced nutrition, contain high quality ingredients. Look for a formula that contains a quality protein source, antioxidants that support immune health and omega 6 fatty acid including linoleic acid. Living life to the fullest is made easier when your cat receives the nutrients she needs.