Beginner’s Guide to Cat Ownership：Why Does My Cat Stink?

Author：Ken

Why Does My Cat Stink? Understanding and Addressing Cat Odors

Cats are generally known for their cleanliness. Most are fastidious self-groomers, which keeps them free of dirt and odors. However, you may sometimes find that your cat smells bad. Perhaps your cat smells like pee or has bad breath. Maybe the smell is coming from its rear end. Although some cat odors are harmless or easy to fix, others can mean there is a health problem. Here’s what to know about these different types of odors—and how to help treat them.

Identifying the Source of the Odor

The best way to figure out why your cat stinks is to determine the source of the odor. Is your cat just stinky around the head or face? The rear end? Do you notice an odor on a particular part of the coat or does it seem to be all over? Asking these questions is the first step in addressing the problem with your stinky cat. Once you know where the odor is coming from, you will have a better chance of helping your cat.

Causes of Odors in Cats

There are several potential reasons for bad odors in cats. Once you can determine the location of the odor, you may be able to figure out the root cause. In many cases, your cat will need to go to the veterinarian. If you are unable to determine the source of the odor, it’s still important to contact your vet.

Mouth

Some people assume it’s normal for cats to have bad breath or halitosis. However, consistent bad breath in cats is usually a sign of a health problem. Temporary mouth odors may be caused by something the cat ate.

• Dental Disease: Plaque and tartar buildup has a foul odor due to its bacteria content. The buildup can cause gingivitis and lead to gum disease, leading to tooth loss.
• Ulcers, Growths, and Wounds: These can develop an unpleasant odor if left untreated. Bacteria in the mouth can make these worse. These lesions may be caused by stomatitis or some other problem. Mouth odor can also develop with severe kidney disease or unregulated diabetes.

Rear End

If the foul odor is coming from the area around the base of the tail, chances are it’s a problem around the anus. Seek veterinary medical care if you suspect the following conditions:

• Flatulence: If your cat is passing gas frequently or it has an extremely bad smell, there may be a gastrointestinal problem.
• Diarrhea: This can leave traces of loose stool around the rear end. It may be difficult for the cat to keep up with grooming if diarrhea keeps happening. If your cat has had diarrhea for two or more days, it’s time to see a veterinarian.
• Constipation: This causes stool to back up in the colon, making the cat strain to defecate. The hard, impacted stool might not pass, but sometimes liquid stool can pass. This can get on your cat around the rear end and tends to smell especially foul.
• Anal Glands: These tiny sacs located just outside a cat’s anus contain an oily, putrid, somewhat fishy-smelling fluid. In some cases, the anal glands can become inflamed, infected, or impacted.
• Perianal Fistulas: These are wounds in and around the anal area that have a tunnel-like structure. Though relatively uncommon in cats, they can be very serious.

Skin and Coat

If your cat’s odor seems to be coming from all over the body, then it might be a problem with the skin and coat. A bath may help if your cat is noticeably dirty. However, if your cat looks relatively clean, there may be something deeper going on. Seek veterinary medical care to address the skin condition in your cat.

• Skin Infections: These can cause a cat to have a bad smell all over. The odor is typically caused by bacterial or fungal overgrowth.
• Wounds: These may stay hidden under the hair and become infected, causing a foul-smelling discharge (pus) to seep out of the wound.

Ears

Ear infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast, bacteria, or ear mites in the ears. Besides scratching and head-shaking, you may notice that your cat’s ears smell horrible. Have a look inside to see if there is debris present as this is often a sign of an ear infection. Be sure to visit your vet soon to determine if an ear infection is present and to begin appropriate treatment.

Urinary Problems

Cat urine has a very strong ammonia-like smell that can smell even worse when there is a problem. Urinary tract infections can cause the urine to smell especially putrid. Incontinence or the inability to control urination can result in your cat smelling like urine or pee. If your cat smells like urine, it’s important to see the vet to determine the cause.

Warning: If your cat is straining to urinate but not passing urine, this is an emergency. Your cat may be blocked. Urinary obstructions are extremely life-threatening. Bring your cat to the nearest open vet immediately.

When to Call the Vet

Remember that cats are experts at masking illness. By the time you notice any signs of illness, things might be very serious. Be sure to contact your vet at the earliest signs of illness or if you detect an unusual odor that is not going away.