Loss of appetite, bad breath (not common)

[foxybrown1g]

Ok, here's some info on my cat:

• Male
• 13 years old (I have owned him for 11 years)
• 1/2 Siamese + Domestic short hair mix
• Indoor only

I have him on Max Cat dry cat food. He has been eating this cat food for 10 years. Lately he has acted as if he is hungry but only eats just a very little bit. He sleeps a lot more than normal. He has become very vocal and more clingy (wanting to be held more often and following me around wherever I go). He drinks a lot more than normal. Today, I just noticed this awful smell coming from inside his mouth. It was kinda like he was foaming at the mouth but not really. More like drooling but it was smelly. I have recently tried switching his food (before I noticed the smell emanating from his mouth) because I thought maybe he was just bored with his food. While he ate that with a little more vigor, he still didn't finish it all the way. The only food that he ate in completion was wet cat food that I got him last week.

Has anyone had a similar problem like this? Could it be he has an infection in his mouth or is his teeth getting bad? Should I switch him to soft food for a while? I know, I know, lots and lots of questions but I am starting to panic. Thank you and I appreciate any information or advice I can get.

My Boys
Jordi: Age 13
Sammy: Age 10

[Whizzy]

There are several possibilities, and all of them need to be addressed by your Veterinarian. Some things to consider; broken or rotten teeth with infected gums. Kidney failure. Diabetes.

Broken, infected teeth need to be extracted, and the infection treated. Most cats recover quickly, and are able to eat their normal food without problems.

Kidney failure can't be cured, but it can be treated if you catch it early. When a cat is in kidney failure, they drink a lot, have a foul, urine smell to their breath, and they lose interest in their food. Treatment can include fluids, a change in diet, and medications.

Diabetes will also cause a cat to drink a lot of water, pee a lot, lose their appetite, and have nasty breath. Treatment is done with injections of insulin (it's not difficult) and a high fiber diet.

There are other problems that could be causing the bad breath, and everything else. But those three are very common.

Please consult your Veterinarian ASAP.