In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the common causes of cat odor and provide you with tips on how to keep your feline friend smelling fresh and clean.
While cats are known for their cleanliness, sometimes they can develop an unpleasant odor that can be hard to ignore.
But don’t worry, there are several reasons why your cat might be smelling bad, and most of them are easily fixable.
Let’s get started…
Why Does My Cat Smell So Bad
There could be several reasons why your cat smells bad. Some possible causes include poor hygiene, dental problems, skin infections, ear infections, or anal gland issues.
If your cat’s odor is particularly strong or unusual, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue, and you should take your cat to a veterinarian for a checkup.
Regular grooming, including brushing your cat’s fur and teeth, can help prevent bad odors.
Additionally, keeping your cat’s litter box clean and providing a healthy diet can also help reduce unpleasant smells.
Reasons why cats smell so bad
The following are some common reasons why your cat might be smelling so bad:
1. Anal gland problems
Cats have two tiny anal glands, one on each side of the butt, that secrete a pungent substance.
Normally, bowel motions are when these glands are expressed.
A potent, disagreeable odor may be released from the glands, though, if they become clogged or infected.
Moreover, cats with anal gland issues could scoot their bottoms around the ground or excessively lick their anal region.
It’s crucial to take your cat to the clinic if you suspect an anal gland problem since it might need treatment.
2. Poor grooming
Although cats are known for their meticulous grooming practices, some cats may fail to maintain their appearance for several reasons.
As a result, their fur may accumulate dirt and oils, which may give off an unpleasant stench.
It’s crucial to take your cat to the doctor if they aren’t routinely grooming themselves, to rule out any underlying health conditions that could be the source of the issue.
3. Skin infections
Cats’ skin illnesses can be brought on by several things, including allergies, parasites, or fungal diseases.
A cat’s skin ailment may give off an unpleasant odor that may have cheese or sour milk undertones.
Moreover, the affected skin may be itchy, red, or inflamed.
It’s crucial to take your cat to the veterinarian for a checkup and treatment if you observe any of these symptoms.
4. Ear infections
Cats with ear infections may have a pungent stench emerging from their ears that may resemble sour milk or yeast.
Cats with ear infections may also repeatedly shake their heads or scratch at their ears.
If you suspect your cat has an ear infection, it’s crucial to take them to the doctor right away because it can be quite uncomfortable for cats and may need medicine to treat.
5. Medical conditions
Cats may develop a distinct odor due to certain medical disorders such as renal illness, diabetes, or liver disease.
This is due to the possibility that these ailments could impact how the body eliminates toxins and waste, which could result in a buildup of dangerous substances that are expelled through the skin and breath.
6. Urine marking
Urine marking by cats can cause them to develop an overpowering odor.
This is so that other cats will know that the place has already been claimed. Urine includes pheromones that serve this purpose.
Yet, the smell can be overpowering and challenging to get rid of if a cat is marking within the house.
7. Diet
The nutrition of a cat can also affect how they smell. Flatulence and poor breath can be brought on by specific foods, such as those that are high in protein or fat.
A low-quality diet may also cause nutritional deficiencies in cats, which can impact the condition of their skin and coat and result in a coat that is greasy, oily, or dull and smells awful.
8. Environmental factors
In a cat’s living environment, mold or mildew can produce an unpleasant odor that can stick to the cat’s skin and fur.
To prevent these problems, it’s crucial to maintain your cat’s living place clean and well-ventilated.
The health of your cat may be negatively impacted by other environmental variables, such as cigarette smoke or potent cleaning agents.
When feasible, try to keep your cat away from these kinds of irritants.
9. Urinary tract infections
Cats frequently develop urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly female cats.
These can result in frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and blood in the urine, in addition to a strong, unpleasant-smelling urine odor.
It’s crucial to get your cat to the doctor for treatment if you think they have a UTI since left untreated, UTIs can worsen your cat’s health.
10. Dental problems
Cats frequently experience dental issues, which can result in poor breath.
Other symptoms of dental problems in cats include swollen or bleeding gums, missing or lost teeth, and trouble chewing.
Take your cat to the vet for a dental checkup if you observe any of these symptoms.
11. Dirty litter box
Litter boxes for cats should be cleaned frequently, ideally every day. An unpleasant ammonia smell from a dirty litter box may cling to the cat’s skin and fur.
It’s necessary to totally replace the litter in the litter box once a week and to scoop out the box at least once a day.
Learn more about how to reduce cat shedding.
How To Manage a Smelling Cat
To manage a smelling cat, there are several things you can do. First, brush your cat regularly to keep hair in the house to a minimum.
You can also keep their fur short around their rear end with a sanitary trim to prevent the buildup of excess hair.
Feeding your cat a vet-approved dental care cat food with scientifically proven tartar-reducing ingredients can help reduce bad breath.
Additionally, you can try laying plastic sheeting on top of the treated area after cleaning it with an enzyme cleaner to combat unpleasant odors.
Spending time petting and showing affection to your cat can also help reduce stress levels and make snuggle time more enjoyable.
Finally, you can try using baking soda, vinegar, or air purifiers to get rid of cat smells in your home.
Learn more about signs your cat is sick.
Ways to prevent cats from smelling
The following are some common ways to prevent cats from smelling:
- Keep their litter box clean: Regularly clean and change out the litter box to prevent odors from building up.
- Use baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda in the litter box and on the carpet to help absorb odors.
- Wash their bedding: Regularly wash the cat’s bedding to keep it fresh and clean.
- Use odor-eliminating sprays: Use pet-specific odor-eliminating sprays on carpets and furniture to help remove odors.
- Use a covered litter box: A covered litter box can help contain odors and prevent them from spreading around the room.
- Ventilate the room: Make sure the room where the litter box is located is properly ventilated to help prevent odors from building up.
- Use scented cat litter: Some cat litter is scented to help control odors.
- Clean up accidents quickly: If your cat has an accident outside of the litter box, clean it up quickly and thoroughly to prevent odors from lingering.
- Install an air purifier: Consider installing an air purifier or using a HEPA filter to help remove odors and particles from the air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cat smell bad even after bathing them?
This could be due to various reasons, such as dental problems, skin infections, or underlying health issues.
What can I do to reduce my cat’s smell?
Regular grooming, proper dental care, and making sure the litter box is clean can help reduce your cat’s smell.
Can a bad smell from my cat indicate a serious health issue?
Yes, it is possible, if you notice a sudden change in your cat’s smell, it’s always best to bring them to a veterinarian for a check-up.
Can a poor diet cause my cat to smell bad?
Yes, a poor diet can contribute to bad odors in cats. Feed them a balanced and appropriate diet for their age and health.
How often should I bathe my cat to prevent bad odor?
It’s generally not recommended to bathe cats too often as it can strip their skin of natural oils.
However, if your cat gets particularly dirty or smelly, use a gentle cat shampoo and bathe them every 4–6 weeks.
Can air purifiers help reduce cat smells in a home?
Yes, air purifiers can help reduce cat smells by filtering out odors and particles from the air. Just make sure to choose a model that is safe for use around pets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re wondering why your cat smells so bad, there are a few things to consider.
First, make sure you’re keeping up with their grooming routine and cleaning their litter box regularly.
If the smell persists, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue, so it’s best to consult with your veterinarian.
