Cats are more or less hygienic pets.
But you can’t guarantee they would stay the same way.
Especially with their curious instincts, they’ll never stay out of trouble.
You’ll find them in the most unconventional places- even a garbage can.
And probably that is why you find them stinky.
But dunking themselves in a garbage can isn’t the only reason why they would smell.
Bad odor emanating from them can be a sign of underlying disease.
Thus we bring to you a detailed article on the probable reasons why cats stink and how you can avoid it.
1. Dental Disease or Oral Infections
One of the most common sources of bad odor in cats is their mouth. If your cat has dental disease, such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, it can cause bacteria to build up, resulting in foul-smelling breath.
Rotten teeth, mouth ulcers, or infections in the gums can also contribute to the smell. You might notice your cat drooling more than usual, pawing at its mouth, or refusing to eat dry food.
In severe cases, the infection can spread and cause more systemic health issues. A veterinarian should check your cat’s mouth to determine the best treatment, which may include dental cleaning or tooth extraction.
2. Skin Infections or Abscesses
Cats can develop skin infections due to bites, scratches, or underlying allergies. These infections can cause pus or discharge to accumulate under the skin, emitting a strong, foul odor.
Abscesses are especially common in outdoor cats or those who fight frequently. You might observe swelling, tenderness, hair loss, or a draining wound.
If the infection is deep, it may require antibiotics or surgical drainage by a vet. Regularly checking your cat’s skin and grooming them can help catch infections early before they become smelly.
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3. Ear Infections
A healthy cat’s ears don’t have a noticeable smell. However, when an ear infection occurs—often due to mites, yeast, or bacteria—it can create a distinct, unpleasant odor.
A cat with an ear infection might shake its head, scratch excessively at the ear, or show signs of pain when touched. Dark wax or discharge may also be visible.
Left untreated, the infection can worsen and even affect hearing. Cleaning your cat’s ears as directed by a vet and treating any underlying cause can help eliminate the smell.
4. Anal Gland Issues
Cats have two small glands near their anus that release a pungent-smelling fluid. Normally, these glands express during defecation, but sometimes they can become impacted or infected.
If this happens, your cat may drag its bottom across the floor, lick the area excessively, or have a fishy odor near the rear. Infections can cause swelling, discomfort, and even abscesses if left untreated.
A veterinarian can manually express the glands or treat any infection. Feeding your cat a high-fiber diet can also help support proper gland function.
5. Poor Grooming Due to Obesity or Illness
Healthy cats are meticulous groomers, but those who are overweight or unwell may struggle to clean themselves properly. This can result in matted fur, leftover food around the face, or urine and feces clinging to the back end.
Older cats or those with arthritis may also avoid grooming because it’s painful. As a result, dirt and oils accumulate, leading to an unpleasant odor.
Assisting your cat with regular grooming and addressing the underlying cause—whether it’s a medical issue or excess weight—can help them stay clean.
6. Urinary Tract Infections or Incontinence
Cats suffering from urinary tract infections (UTIs) or urinary incontinence may start to smell strongly of urine. You might notice your cat urinating outside the litter box or leaking urine while sleeping.
The smell of ammonia from stale urine is often strong and offensive. UTIs can be painful and should be addressed immediately to prevent kidney damage.
A vet may prescribe antibiotics or recommend dietary changes to prevent recurrence. Keeping the litter box clean and providing plenty of water can also help support urinary health.
7. Fungal or Yeast Infections
Yeast or fungal infections, especially in the ears, paws, or skin folds, can create a musty, sweet, or sour odor. These infections may be caused by allergies, poor grooming, or compromised immune systems.
You might see redness, discharge, scaly skin, or excessive licking and scratching. The smell is usually localized and distinct. Topical treatments, medicated baths, or oral medications can be prescribed by your vet to eliminate the infection and the odor.
8. Litter Box Problems
Sometimes the source of the smell isn’t the cat itself but the litter box. If the box is not cleaned regularly, waste can build up and begin to smell strongly of ammonia or feces.
Some cats may even step in their own waste and track the smell throughout the house. Using a low-quality litter or not having enough boxes can also worsen the problem.
Cleaning the litter box daily and changing the litter frequently helps prevent lingering odors and keeps your cat more hygienic.
9. Dietary Issues or Food Stuck in Fur
Cats who are messy eaters may get food particles stuck in their fur or around their mouth, especially long-haired breeds. Spoiled food stuck in the fur can start to rot and emit a foul odor.
Additionally, a poor-quality or inappropriate diet can cause smelly breath or gas. Digestive upset from food intolerances can lead to smelly feces or flatulence. Feeding a high-quality diet and wiping your cat’s mouth after meals can help prevent lingering food odors.
10. Parasites (Fleas, Ticks, Worms)
Parasites not only cause discomfort but can also lead to odor issues. Fleas and ticks can cause allergic reactions or skin infections, while intestinal worms may lead to smelly feces or diarrhea.
Some parasites also cause an unpleasant odor due to their secretions or the skin issues they provoke. Deworming your cat regularly and using vet-approved flea treatments can keep parasites at bay. A clean, parasite-free cat will usually smell fresh and neutral.
How to Prevent and Manage Bad Smells in Cats
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Brush Your Cat Regularly: Groom your cat daily (especially long-haired breeds) to remove loose fur, dirt, and debris that can trap odors.
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Maintain a Clean Litter Box: Scoop the litter box at least once daily and change the litter completely every few days to prevent strong urine or fecal smells.
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Schedule Regular Vet Visits: Take your cat for routine check-ups to catch dental disease, skin infections, or internal issues before they cause odors.
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Feed a High-Quality Diet: Choose a well-balanced, vet-approved diet to prevent smelly digestion issues like gas, bad breath, or foul-smelling stool.
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Assist with Grooming if Needed: If your cat is overweight, elderly, or unwell, help them stay clean by gently wiping dirty areas with pet-safe grooming wipes.
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Clean Ears and Teeth as Needed: Use vet-recommended products to clean your cat’s ears and brush their teeth regularly to prevent infections and bad breath.
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Use Preventatives for Parasites: Keep fleas, ticks, and worms under control with regular vet-approved treatments to prevent related skin or digestive smells.
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Monitor for Behavior Changes: Sudden stops in grooming, excessive scratching, or dragging the rear may indicate a health issue—seek veterinary advice promptly.
While there are many reasons why a cat would stink, it is best to watch out for other signs as well.
In case of doubts or questions, always keep a vet’s number in hand.
Hope you find this article helpful.
