why does my cat smell funny

If your cat suddenly smells funny, the first step is to figure out where the odor is coming from. A strange smell can come from the mouth, ears, skin, coat, rear end, urine, feces, or something the cat has rolled in or stepped on.

Sometimes the cause is harmless, such as food on the coat. Other times, a persistent or unusually strong odor can indicate a medical problem that needs veterinary attention.

Why does my cat smell funny?

Your cat may smell funny because of something on its fur, poor grooming, dental disease, an ear problem, skin problems, anal-area contamination, or a medical condition.

The location of the smell is an important clue.

For example, bad breath points toward the mouth, while a strong odor around the rear end may have a different cause.

Check where the smell is coming from

Before assuming your cat is sick, gently identify the source.

Check:

• Mouth
• Ears
• Face
• Fur
• Paws
• Tail area
• Litter box area

You may discover something simple, such as food stuck in the fur or litter attached to the paws.

If the smell remains after you identify and clean a minor source, pay closer attention to other symptoms.

Bad breath can cause a funny smell

One of the most common reasons a cat may smell unusual is bad breath.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, periodontal disease caused by plaque and tartar is the most common cause of halitosis in cats.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine similarly notes that persistent bad breath can be associated with periodontal disease and can sometimes occur with other health conditions.

A cat’s breath does not need to smell like mint, but a strong, persistent offensive odor deserves attention.

Dental disease and your cat’s smell

Plaque can accumulate on teeth and eventually harden into tartar.

As dental disease progresses, bacteria can contribute to unpleasant odors.

You may also notice:

• Red or swollen gums
• Drooling
• Difficulty eating
• Reduced appetite
• Chewing differently
• Pawing at the mouth
• Bad breath

If these signs appear, a veterinarian can examine your cat’s mouth and determine whether dental treatment is needed.

Could the ears be causing the smell?

An unusual odor coming from the ears may indicate an ear problem.

You may also notice:

• Frequent scratching
• Head shaking
• Redness
• Dark discharge
• Sensitivity around the ears

Do not put random household products into your cat’s ears.

If the odor seems to come from an ear, veterinary examination can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Could the skin or fur be the problem?

Cats normally spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves.

If the coat becomes unusually greasy, dirty, or smelly, there may be something on the fur or an underlying skin problem.

A cat may also smell different after:

• Rolling in something
• Getting into trash
• Stepping in food
• Using a dirty litter box
• Getting urine or feces on its coat

Long-haired cats can be especially prone to getting material trapped in the fur around the rear end.

Why does my cat smell around the rear?

A bad smell around the rear can have several possible causes.

The fur may have feces stuck to it, especially after loose stool.

Urine can also get onto the coat.

If the smell is persistent, strong, or accompanied by scooting, licking, swelling, pain, or discharge, your veterinarian should evaluate the cat.

Do not attempt to squeeze or treat structures around the anal area yourself unless a veterinarian has specifically instructed you.

Could the litter box be making my cat smell?

Sometimes the cat itself is not the source of the odor.

A dirty litter box can make the surrounding area smell strongly, and litter can stick to paws or fur.

Cornell notes that cats may object to foul litter-box odors and recommends regular cleaning.

Keep the litter box clean and monitor whether the smell disappears.

If your cat begins urinating or defecating outside the box, however, do not assume it is simply being difficult. Cornell notes that medical problems can contribute to house-soiling behavior.

Can food make a cat smell funny?

Yes.

Food can temporarily affect the smell of a cat’s breath or get onto the fur around the mouth.

Cornell notes that some strong-smelling foods can cause temporary pungent breath without necessarily indicating a disease.

If the odor disappears quickly and your cat otherwise seems normal, it may be related to something the cat recently ate.

Persistent odor is different and should be investigated.

When should you call the veterinarian?

Contact your veterinarian if the smell is persistent, suddenly severe, or accompanied by other changes.

Pay particular attention to:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive thirst
• Increased urination
• Drooling
• Difficulty eating
• Mouth pain
• Skin sores
• Ear discharge
• Lethargy
• Difficulty urinating
• A swollen or painful area

Cornell notes that unusual breath odors can sometimes accompany systemic conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes, and liver disease.

The smell alone cannot tell you which condition, if any, is present.

What can you do at home?

If you find dirt, food, or litter on the coat, gently clean the affected area using a cat-appropriate method.

For minor surface contamination, a damp cloth may be enough.

Avoid using human shampoos, perfumes, essential oils, or other products that have not been recommended for cats.

If your cat needs a full bath, use a product specifically intended for cats and follow appropriate bathing practices.

Don’t try to cover the smell

Perfume or air freshener may hide an odor temporarily, but it does not solve the underlying cause.

If the smell is coming from the mouth, ears, skin, or another body area, identifying the source is more useful than masking it.

Cats are also sensitive to many substances used in household products, so avoid applying fragrances directly to your cat.

What about bad breath specifically?

Persistent bad breath deserves special attention.

VCA recommends a veterinary examination to identify the cause of feline halitosis, with dental disease being a common underlying problem.

Regular dental care can help control plaque, but cats with established dental disease may need professional treatment.

Never use human toothpaste on a cat. Cornell specifically advises against human toothpaste for cats.

Final answer

So, why does my cat smell funny?

There are many possible explanations. Your cat may simply have gotten something on its fur, but an unusual smell can also come from dental disease, ear problems, skin issues, litter-box contamination, or other medical conditions.

The most useful first step is to locate the source of the odor. If the smell is persistent, strong, or accompanied by changes in appetite, behavior, grooming, urination, or general health, arrange a veterinary examination rather than trying to cover the smell.

Category: Cat Health