Your male cat leaking smelly fluid is most likely due to anal gland issues, like impaction or infection, where the strong-smelling fluid meant for marking territory becomes stuck and leaks, often described as fishy or musky, but could also signal a urinary tract infection (UTI) or diarrhea, so see your vet to diagnose if it's anal glands, a UTI, or something else, especially if you see scooting, pain, or bloody discharge.
Similar to a skunk's scent glands, they help mark their territory. They produce a dark, smelly liquid. That liquid is usually squeezed out when they poop. Your cat doesn't actually need these sacs, but it's best to leave them alone as long as they're healthy.
A foul-smelling discharge in neutered male cats often indicates infection or anal gland problems. Symptoms include minimal but strong-smelling discharge, discomfort, or licking the area. Causes can be bacterial infections, blocked anal glands, or urinary tract issues.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in Cats
Most cats with urinary tract infections will make frequent trips to the litter box and seem restless. They may go into the box and strain to pee but produce either a small amount of urine or no urine at all. Occasionally, their urine may appear bloody.
Bloody, watery penile discharge in male cats often indicates urinary tract infection, inflammation, or blockage. Symptoms include frequent urination, straining, and discomfort. Immediate veterinary care is critical to prevent complications like kidney damage.
Estrogen medications given during some phases of the cat's heat or estrous cycle, medications containing male hormones and certain antibiotics can alter the vaginal cells, leading to excess discharge. There are also some antibiotics which can cause vaginal discharge.
Common symptoms of kidney disease in cats include decreased appetite, increased thirst and urination, lethargy, and vomiting. Kidney disease in cats can be managed with medications, diet, and hydration.
A strong fishy smell in cat urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection, which are common in cats. A strong fruity or sweet urine smell can signal feline diabetes. A stronger ammonia smell can signal even more concentrated urine, which can be due to kidney disease.
The 5 key warning signs of a bladder infection (Urinary Tract Infection or UTI) are: pain/burning during urination, frequent/urgent need to pee (even with little output), cloudy/bloody/strong-smelling urine, lower belly/pelvic pressure, and feeling like your bladder isn't empty, with fever or back pain signaling a more serious kidney infection, requiring immediate medical attention.
Incontinence is common for a cat with a partial urinary obstruction (typically due to urolithiasis) or recovering from a complete obstruction. Cancer of the bladder, urethra, or surrounding tissue may also lead to urinary incontinence. As cats age, the muscles that control urine outflow may become weak.
Have you ever owned a male or Tomcat? There is an unmistaken odour that comes with having an intact or un-neutered male cat. This pungent, ammonia-like smell is him signalling to all the ladies that he is available and ready to go. It is coming from his skin, urine and any spraying that he may do as well.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
Cats with healthy anal sacs do not need to have them expressed. Signs of anal sac disease include swelling, redness, tenderness, scooting on the floor, overgrooming or biting at the anus, and discomfort when sitting, among others.
Normal drooling in cats typically occurs as an emotional response to contentment or stress. You may notice spit bubbles or a thin string of drool dripping from your cat when you scratch exactly the right spot. Or, your cat may drool when they are hiding under the bed from a pack of unruly children at family gatherings.
A strong or foul odor
But infected wounds often have a distinct odor along with other symptoms. Some bacteria can smell sickly sweet, while others can be quite strong, putrid, or ammonia-like. If you notice a strong or foul odor, especially with pus, drainage, or warmth present, alert your doctor as soon as possible.
The first signs of feline leukemia (FeLV) are often subtle and include loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and a poor coat, but many cats show no signs initially until the virus weakens their immune system, leading to recurrent infections (respiratory, skin, bladder), persistent fever, enlarged lymph nodes, pale gums, and chronic diarrhea. These symptoms stem from FeLV attacking blood cells and suppressing immunity, making cats vulnerable to other illnesses.
Certain STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can mimic UTI symptoms. Burning during urination and pelvic pain are common to both conditions. However, STIs often include additional symptoms like unusual vaginal or penile discharge, itching, or sores.
Common symptoms of urinary tract infection include: A burning feeling when urinating. A strong urge to urinate that doesn't go away. Urinating often and passing small amounts of urine.
Can a UTI go away on its own? If left untreated, some bladder infections will go away on their own. The main concern with delaying treatment for UTIs is the discomfort that they cause. Generally, UTI symptoms improve within a few days after starting antibiotics.
You might notice some of the following symptoms when your cat has a UTI or other urinary tract problem:
Older animals have kidneys that have lost some of their efficiency and as a consequence, older animals tend to have the worst smelling urine. Urine from male cats also tends to smell worse than female urine, due to the presence of certain steroids.
UTIs are most common in older cats with underlying illnesses, so even if they go away, they're likely to recur if the underlying condition isn't properly managed. It may be possible for a UTI to resolve on its own if the underlying illness is successfully managed.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Cats
Because the toxins build up in the cat's body, they may feel nauseous and stop eating their food. In general, your cat will appear to be lethargic and not very happy. General symptoms of kidney failure in cats can include: Dehydration.
Testing your cat's kidney health from home
Low Body Temperature
Healthy cats have a temperature between 37–38°C. As their organs begin to shut down, their body temperature drops. You may feel this in their ears, paws, or nose, which can become cool to the touch. You can monitor their temperature at home or speak with your vet for further care or guidance.