Can tapeworms cause my cat's fishy smell or anal gland issues?

Question

Last week, my cat got fleas and subsequently tapeworms from my boyfriend's brother's dog. the thing that tipped me off about the tapeworms was that he stank terribly like fish. We gave him medicine and he got better. But now he's started to stink again yet I don't see any worms. Everything online says fishy smell usually = anal glands. My question is: Can tapeworms cause anal gland problems in cats? And that's what's causing the smell? Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 8 months old | 20 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. It was just a coincidence that the tapeworms were discovered at the same time the fishy odor appeared. Yes, anal gland secretions can have a fishy odor, & if this is the case, you do want to have your veterinarian check the glands for impaction or infection. But the tapeworms have nothing to do with the anal glands. Loki is a real cutie. Thanks for the picture.

Can tapeworms cause my cat's fishy smell or anal gland issues?

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