My cat's breath smells like fish. Is this a sign of a health issue?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 11 months old
since morning he have a bad breath smells like fish ?? what does that mean?? a sign of something ??
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 26th, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Bad breath could be a sign of a bad tooth. Smelling like fish could be Iayl licking his anal glands (sacs inside the rectum). If these glands get full or infected, cats will lick the area. I recommend taking Iayl to the vet for an exam of his mouth and anal glands. He may need to have a dental cleaning or have the glands expressed. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 11th, 2017
This can be due to a build up of tartar around Moe's teeth, or it could be due to another dental problem such as a tooth root abscess or broken tooth. I would have Moe seen by a vet first thing on Monday to have his mouth examined. If he does have a dental problem causing his bad breath, then he will likely benefit from a dental cleaning, scaling, polishing.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 6th, 2018
Bad breath is a sign of dental problems, which can include severe gingivitis, a tooth root abscess, or a broken tooth. A cat can eat and drink normally whilst having a dental problem, so I recommend taking Chimpu into a vet. The vet can examine his mouth, and perform a dental cleaning, scaling, and polishing. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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