Infection Smell???

Question
I adopted a kitten from a shelter on Monday, Burmeise.  She was spayed before then but not sure of the exact date.  Looks as if it was not the best care, surgery.  The stitches have come off but, it is healing.  I have been putting nesporin on it.  She seems fine besides the getting to no me part and all.  She does eat a little.  Not sure if shes just nervous still.  Anyway, she smells like infection and it is coming from her mouth.  Could she be infected internally and its coming out her mouth?  I don't get paid till next wednesday and was wondering if I can do anything in the meantime or do I need to just brush her teath?

Answer
Hi Brent,

Bad breath is unusual in a kitten and would indicate a dental problem rather than any kind of internal infection.  Does she have any other symptoms, does she seem to have a cold or is she drooling?  There's something called Calicivirus, which is something kittens and cats are vaccinated against but young kittens can easily get it before they're able to be fully immunized.  It causes sores in the mouth and since you mention that she's eating "a little" it could be that her mouth has some of these sores in it.  The shelter that you got her from probably offers a one time free "shelter check up", either at their facility or at their vet's office; call the shelter and tell them what's going on and ask them if they offer this.  If she won't eat solid food you can give her some of the kitty milk that you can find in most grocery and pet stores or give her lactose free milk (cats are lactose intolerant) to help keep her strength up until you can find out what the problem is and get her eating better.