Why Do My Cat's Feet Smell like Fritos Corn Chips?

Most people do not go out of their way to smell their cat's paws, but sometimes it happens entirely by accident. I was recently cradling my cat Panda Bear when he decided to push off with a back paw in an effort to get down, and his smelly foot ended up directly under my nose. I thought it was odd that his foot smelled like Fritos, but come to find out he was not the only feline in the house with feet that smelled exactly like my favorite brand of chips. I did not immediately grab my other cat and begin smelling his feet. A matter of fact I forgot about this strange observation, but I eventually ended up with my other cat's back foot beneath my nose as I tried to hold her. Once again I noticed the distinct smell of Fritos corn chips, and I decided to look into this strange phenomenon. My cats do not eat Fritos or any other brand of corn chips for that matter, and they certainly do not crawl into open bags of Fritos chips - at least not when I'm looking!

Dog's Toes Smell Like Fritos Too!

Come to find out, cats are not the only four-legged creatures with feet that smell exactly like Fritos corn chips. Once again, I did not go out of my way to smell my dog's feet, but when clipping my dog's nails I realized that his feet also smelled a lot like Fritos corn chips. By this time I had to find out why all of my four-legged family members smelled like they had been walking on Fritos. I wondered if I would find an answer to this very strange question, and I began searching online for an answer. Surprisingly I am not the only one who has discovered that cat's and dog's feet smell like Fritos corn chips. Many other people online have inquired as to why their cat's and dog's feet have the distinct smell of Fritos corn chips, and the answer was as interesting as this strange observation.

The Reason Behind Frito Feet

People are not the only creatures that can develop stinky feet. A certain strain of bacteria known as pseudomonas is said to smell like corn tortillas, and it is possible that it is the source of the smell. However, the skin of cats and dogs naturally harbors micro-organisms, more commonly referred to as bacteria, and when this bacteria is trapped between the toes and around the pads of the feet, crevices on the pads and the areas between the toes can begin smelling a little pungent. This bacteria that thrives on moisture gives off a yeasty odor that smells a lot like Fritos corn chips, and it is thought to be the primary reason for cats and dogs having what is commonly referred to as Frito feet.

Are you wondering if your cat's or dog's feet smell like Fritos corn chips? Why wait for a foot in the face? Go get your furry family member and take a little whiff if you dare. Chances are you will discover that your cat's or dog's feet smell just like Fritos corn chips too. You will never look at corn chips the same way again!