Cats are generally known for their cleanliness. Most cats like to be clean, which keeps them safe from dirt and odors. However, you may sometimes find that your cat smells bad. While some cat odors are harmless or easy to care for, others can signal a health problem. Why does my cat stink? The best way to find out why your cat stinks is to identify the source of the smell. Does your cat just stink around the head or face? Or at the rear end? Have you noticed an odor in specific parts of your cat’s coat, or it seems to have gone away completely? Asking these questions is the first step in solving the stinky cat problem. Once you know where the smell is coming from, you’ll have a better chance of helping your cat. How to use waterless pet shampoo? Bathing Your Cat Causes of Cat Odor Cat odor has several potential causes. Once you are able to locate the smell, you can find the root cause. In many cases, your cat will need to see a veterinarian. It is still important to contact your veterinarian if you are unsure of the source of the smell.
- Mouth cat bad breath Some people think that it is normal for cats to have bad breath or bad breath. However, persistent bad breath in cats is often a sign of a health problem. Temporary bad breath can be caused by what the cat eats. Dental disease is probably the most common cause of bad breath in cats. Plaque and tartar buildup have an unpleasant odor due to their bacterial content. The buildup can lead to gingivitis and lead to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
- If left untreated, ulcers, growths and wounds in the mouth will produce an unpleasant odor. Bacteria in the mouth can make it worse. These lesions may be caused by stomatitis or other problems.
- These are not only very bad smells, but very bad smells. They are also generally uncomfortable for cats. Severe kidney disease or uncontrolled diabetes can also produce bad breath.
- Cat tail odor at the rear end of the tail If the stench comes from the area around the base of the tail, it is likely to be a problem around the anus. Seek veterinary care if you suspect:
- Flatulence is a normal phenomenon in humans and animals, and cats are no exception. If your cat farts a lot or smells extremely bad, it may be a gastrointestinal problem.
- Diarrhea will leave traces of loose stools on the back end. If diarrhea keeps happening, it may be difficult for cats to keep up with grooming. If your cat has diarrhea for two days or more, it’s time to see the vet.
- Constipation can cause stool to build up in the colon, making it stressful for cats to defecate. Hard, blocked stools may not pass, but sometimes liquid stools can. This can appear near your cat’s rear end and tends to smell especially bad. This is a very uncomfortable situation for cats and sometimes a sign of a more serious health problem.
- Anal glands are small sacs located outside the cat’s anus. They contain an oily, putrid, somewhat fishy-smelling liquid that usually manifests during bowel movements. This fluid may also be released during acute fear, stress, or excitement (similar to a skunk’s scent glands). In some cases, the anal glands can become inflamed, infected, or affected. Some of the fluid will seep out, leaving a very unpleasant odor on the cat that doesn’t seem to go away. These cats may step on and rub their rear ends or obsessively lick their anus.
- A perianal fistula is a wound in and around the anal area with a tunnel-like structure. While these are relatively uncommon in cats, they can be quite serious. Perianal fistulas are extremely uncomfortable and foul-smelling. They can cause or occur with other gastrointestinal problems and usually require surgery.
- Skin and Coat Hair Coat If your cat’s odor seems to be coming from all over the body, it may be a skin and coat issue. If your cat is visibly dirty, a bath may help. However, if your cat seems relatively clean, there may be something deeper going on. Seek veterinary treatment to address the cat’s skin condition. A skin infection can cause a cat to emit an unpleasant odor all over its body. If the infection is severe, the cat’s fur may become thin and the skin becomes visibly irritated. After petting a cat with a severe skin infection, you may notice a greasy, smelly coating on your hands. Odors are often caused by bacterial or fungal overgrowth. Wounds on the skin can hide under the hair and become infected. This can cause foul-smelling secretions (pus) to ooze from the wound. If your cat’s body smells bad and you can’t seem to find the source, try running your fingers through the coat, looking for the wound. If you find one, see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Ear Inflammation Ear infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast, bacteria, or ear mites in the ears. In addition to scratching and shaking your head, you may notice that your cat’s ears smell horrible. Look for debris inside, as this is usually a sign of an ear infection. It is important to see your veterinarian as soon as possible to determine if an ear infection is present and to initiate appropriate treatment. 5. Urinary Problems Cat urine has a very strong ammonia-like odor, which can get worse when problems arise. Urinary tract infections can cause urine to smell especially rancid. Urinary incontinence or inability to control urination can cause your cat to smell like urine or pee. If your cat smells like urine, be sure to see your veterinarian to determine the cause.