Why Does My Cat Smell Bad?

There are many reasons for a smelly cat. The cause of bad cat odors may be simple and easily remedied. Alternatively, your cat may smell bad because of a chronic health problem. If your cat smells bad, this will help you determine why.

Food

If your cat's feces smells especially offensive, consider the cat food. Cats are carnivores and a diet rich in low quality protein causes bad smelling cat feces. Have you changed pet food brands? Inferior pet foods contain fillers and by-products. Upgrading your cat's food may remedy the bad cat smell.

Spraying

Spraying urine in a fine mist is a way for cats to mark their territory. You will know this is happening if you see your cat back up to a surface with his tail high and spray at a mark. Spray marking is primarily used by cats to communicate territorial boundaries.

There are other reasons cats spray including seeking a mate and comforting themselves. If your cat sprays, for whatever reason, it smells bad. Intact male cats are most likely to spray but all cats can spray. If you suspect spraying is causing your cat to smell bad, see your veterinarian to rule out health problems. If your male cat is intact, consider having him neutered.

Grooming

Most cats are committed to keeping themselves clean. There are cats, however, that have less interest in self-grooming. Overweight cats and older animals may have trouble grooming themselves.

If you suspect your cat smells bad as a result of poor grooming habits, you need to find a solution. Regular baths are one option. If your cat will not tolerate a bath, try waterless foam or spray bathing products. Pre-moistened pet wipes also work well on a smelly cat.

Skin or Ear Infections

A feline skin infection could cause bad pet odors. Check your pet's coat; inspect the areas where the legs meet the body. Look between toes and behind ears.

Likewise, ear infections can produce bad smells. Does your cat scratch her ears excessively? Have you (or a veterinarian) checked her ears recently?

A skin or ear infection may be the cause of the foul pet smells. Consult a veterinarian for treatment.

Anal Glands

There are two small glands inside your cat's anus. These anal glands, also known as anal sacs, fill with a thick, pungent liquid. Dogs and cats secrete drops of this foul smelling liquid when they defecate, to mark their scent. Scent marking is common and anal glands usually take care of themselves. Sometimes animals are unable to empty their anal sacs voluntarily, however. An anal gland infection or impaction can block fluid secretion and cause alarmingly bad cat smells.

Anal gland problems are the culprit if your cat drags himself across the floor in a sitting position. This activity is referred to as 'scooting' by veterinarians. If your pet's scooting successfully releases trapped fluid from his anal glands, the stench is horrible.

Take your cat to a veterinarian to determine the underlying issue of the anal gland problems. While there, have your vet physically express your cat's anal glands.

Chronic health problems that require veterinary care

Serious health issues may be the reason your cat smells bad. Kidney problems, diabetes, certain cancers and dental or oral disease can produce strong smells in animals. If you suspect any of these chronic health problems are the cause of your smelly cat, seek veterinary care immediately.

Source(s):
CatHealth.com: Veterinary Topics