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My female cat has fishy breath. Is it a dental problem or infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | 12 lbs

I notice that female cat can have a fish-like odor to her breath. Does this mean a possible bacterial infection?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 27th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It is possible that dental disease is the cause of the odor you are smelling. I have also seen pieces of food become lodged in between teeth and as bacteria cling to the piece of food that is stuck in the mouth, it can cause quite the odor. I would recommend having a veterinarian assess Athena's mouth so that the most appropriate treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Amber W
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on March 10th, 2018
No, the odor you're smelling is not normal and likely represents severe dental infection. Dental infection is certainly common in middle aged to older cats so I recommend having Sagwa be examined by your veterinarian. Her mouth can be assessed at the appointment and a dental cleaning procedure can be planned.

Dental infections are often painful and can progress to worse issues so it's best to have Sagwa looked at soon.
If she does require a dental cleaning she may also need teeth removed to resolve the issue completely.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope the issue resolves quickly for Sagwa!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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