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My cat has a pale nose, bad breath, and smelly stool. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 11 years and 9 months old | 15 lbs

For about a month I have noticed that the color of my cats nose is a lot paler than usual. Also for the same length of time his stool has been smelling terrible and he has sulfur smelling breath.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on June 30th, 2017

These are all very concerning signs, she may be developing anemia also have difficulty digesting and absorbing her food resulting in fermentation and odours. I recommend a full physical exam and bloods for liver and kidney function as well as a blood count for anemia as soon as possible

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It would be a good idea to have him examined by a vet to determine the cause. He could have kidney/liver disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, etc. and your vet can run blood-work to evaluate his organ function and rule out common diseases in older cats. He could be anemic and the blood-work would show his red blood cell count. It is a good idea to run yearly blood-work in older cats so problems can be identified in the early stages.

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