The common house cat is one of the oldest domesticated species in the world. It is said that it started in Ancient Mesopotamia, and the tradition was passed on to other neighboring groups. It was Egypt that made them special and even worshipped a goddess that protected them.
For the ancient Egyptians, cats were sacred since it was believed that they held mystical powers. Also, their prowess in catching mice off the field certainly helped. As an agricultural dependent society, the felines were invaluable to the preservation of food and stored resources.
Nowadays, they are the most popular pets to own second only to the dogs. One of the major advantages of having them is they are quieter. Most dogs, especially the bigger breeds, tend to be barkers since it is a part of their instincts. That’s great for those living in houses with big yards.
If you are in an apartment or condo unit, then it would be impractical to have a big dog according to this article. Cats are a great option since they will not make a lot of noise. They can move around the neighborhood, but they are usually harmless.
Having A Cat – The Good, Bad, And Ugly
If you already own a cat, then you know that most of the breeds are highly independent. Of course, you need to feed them regularly, but they can be self-sufficient. There are even studies that suggest that we have never tamed them. It is just that they have been accustomed to having us around.
It might also infer that they the ones tolerating us, not the other way around. In a way, it is them that have adapted to our cultures. By comparison, dogs are loyal to us most probably because of the “pack mentality”. They see us as the leader, and they would happily follow.
This does not mean that cats do not have issues. In particular, there are certain health concerns that may escape your notice. As they are rather independent, it might take some time before you may see the problem.
For example, cats may not seem affectionate but when they do, they are all out. Licking our faces seems to be their choice, and you might notice that they already have bad breath or halitosis. This is not normal, and you should probably be alarmed.
Causes, Remedies, and Preventative Measures To Try
There are many reasons why this can happen. One would be their diet. Certain food choices like the liver can affect the smell of their breath. You do not need to worry about this as you can easily change their diet.
On the other hand, there might be some food residues that were left behind after eating. It might also be an indigestible substance, and it was stuck somewhere in the mouth.
Like with us humans, this can promote tooth decay which can lead to breath quality issues. You may visit this link https://www.holistapet.com/best-cat-bad-breath-home-remedy/ and other websites for remedies.
On the other hand, there are cases wherein there is an actual health concern. Gingivitis is a common problem, as this refers to the swelling of the gums. The swelling can make the cat feel uncomfortable and they will have poor appetite aside from halitosis.
Also, it can be due to the accumulation of harmful toxins in the body because of poison or other unsafe food. This is a serious situation and can lead to death.
Once you have detected halitosis with your pet, you need to go to the dentist right away. They will be the one that will diagnose the possible disease so that they can give the appropriate cure. Unfortunately, this can be rather pricey.
You might have insurance, but make sure that the problem is covered or else you would need to pay upfront. Meanwhile, you can try some home remedies that can potentially help your pet. As they say though, prevention is always better than cure.
It might be difficult to track down your feline friend every day for its diet. However, there are some options that you can take that would still be effective. Brushing their teeth regularly is an effective way of doing so.
While doing that, check around the area of the mouth and look for any kind of debris. It will take time to get used to, and the cat might fight back. Always wear thick gloves while doing so. You might also want to use an additive that can help clean their mouths.
These preventive tips can minimize the chances of your cat having halitosis. However, it would still be best to go to the vet as soon as possible. You would not want to take chances especially if it is a health concern. Halitosis might not seem serious, but you may not have experienced breathing it in while getting licked. It is an experience that you would probably be traumatic to anyone.
