The smell of a cat can be unpleasant at times. Many cats smell like urine or feces, and some can even smell like sweat or dirt. If your cat smells like these scents, it is probably because your cat spends a lot of time in the litter box area or outside.
The way a cat smells is dependent on its diet. A diet high in protein will usually result in a stronger smelling cat. This is because proteins break down into smelly compounds during digestion.
Surprisingly, having a pet rabbit as a companion for your cat may reduce its odor due to their companionship! Research shows that rabbits have a special protein in their skin called conillin that reduces the growth of certain types of bacteria that produce an unpleasant odor.
Some cats may have an especially strong poop smell to them. This could be due to indigestion or eating trash or junk food. Checking out your kitty’s stool with your vet could help solve this problem.
Why does my cat smell like poop?
Believe it or not, your cat can actually smell like poop. This is due to a condition called fecal odor syndrome. It’s not common, but it does exist.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much information on this condition. However, what we do know is that it can be caused by intestinal infection or dysfunction, including inflammation and diarrhea.
Disorders of the nervous system, such as neuropathy (damage to the nerves) and seizures, have also been linked to fecal odor syndrome. This is because many of the nerves that control digestion occur in the same area of the brain as those that control smell.
Given that fact, it makes sense that problems with the nerves can interfere with the ability to process smells. It is possible for someone to have a normal sense of smell but emit odors from their feces on their body due to this issue.
Dander and fur
One of the biggest reasons that cats smell is due to dander and fur. Dander is the microscopic pieces of skin that are flaked off your cat as it grooms itself.
Cats brush against objects, such as chairs and trees, or rub against other objects, such as you or other cats, to groom themselves.
These pieces of skin can get scattered around the environment when this happens. When a cat grooms itself, it also sheds fur. This fur can end up all over the house and on you and other creatures.
When a cat has hair loss due to allergies or grooming too much, this can also contribute to the smell of the pet.
Cat diet
A common cause for poop smelling pee is the diet of your feline friend. If your cat eats an abundance of meat, he or she may have problem with fat digestion.
Too much fat in the diet can lead to oily droppings that smell pretty bad. Sometimes your kitty can be sensitive to certain proteins in their food, leading to diarrhea or greasy poo.
Make sure to check out their droppings and if you see anything abnormal, like traces of red or green or something shiny, call your vet immediately. These could be signs of something more serious like intestinal cancer.
If you notice a strong odor other than a slight cat pee smell, call your vet as well. There could be a dietary issue causing this smell which needs professional help to fix. Your vet can also help you change the diet to make it more nutritional for your kitty.
Medical issues
Medical issues can also cause your cat to have a poop smell. If your cat has diarrhea or is vomiting, he may have a medical issue that needs to be addressed by a vet.
If your cat has chronic diarrhea, he may have a problem with his intestines called feline global inflammatory syndrome. This is a condition where the immune system attacks the normal cells in the intestines, causing them to lose their shape and function.
Chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of obesity, so you may need to take your cat to the vet for a checkup if this is the case.
Obesity can be caused by overfeeding and/or underactivity- if this is not the issue, then it may be necessary to take your cat to the vet. Overfeeding can be an issue, as cats are naturally very picky eaters and they may end up eating more than they need because they like it so much.
Odor causes
There are several reasons why your cat may have an odor similar to poop. Some of these reasons are more serious than others, so it is important to be aware of the signs.
If your cat has an odor that is strong, persistent, and unusual for your kitty, visit the vet. The cause may be due to a bacterial or fungal infection, tracheal mites, or cystic kidney disease.
If your cat has a bad odor that comes and goes, visit the vet. This may be due to behavioral issues such as urinating outside the litter box or grooming itself inappropriately.
If your cat has a mild odor, this may be due to fleabites or poor hygiene. Fleabites can be difficult to detect, so look for red bumps on the skin that are about 1-2 mm in diameter. If you see these on your kitty, take him or her to the vet! It may also be caused by parasites such as tapeworms or roundworms that infest the digestive system.
What can I do?
If you cat has started to stink like poop, then there is probably a health issue occurring. The first thing you should do is take your cat to the vet.
The vet will run tests to see if there are any internal health issues or parasites that are causing the odor. If your cat has worms, then they will give him medication to rid him of the parasite.
If there are no physical or internal issues, then the vet may suggest changing their diet. If your kitty is finicky about their food, then this may be hard, but it is important. They will suggest different foods depending on if they are overweight or underweight and what tastes they like.
Once they find a diet they like and are fit for them, then they will re-balance their digestive system by doing tests and giving them supplements if needed.
Clean your cat regularly
Even if your cat does not smell like poop all the time, you should still make cleaning your cat a routine. This can be done weekly, monthly, whenever you feel is necessary.
Cats can carry bacteria in their fur and feces that can cause an unpleasant odor. This is why it is important to wash their fur with shampoo that contains oatmeal.
Oatmeal lathers well and scrubs the fur and skin clean. It also has a mild scent that will stay on the fur after being dried off, preventing bad smells later on.
Weekly baths are a good way to prevent buildup of dirt and grime on the fur and skin. Monthly baths can help remove germs and poop particles that may have stuck in the coat.
Dry your cat using a high-quality blower or towel to ensure they are 100% dry.
Get your pet checked by a vet
Although this may seem obvious, it’s important to mention here. If your pet has an unusual smell, gets rid of their usual smell altogether, or has a constant smell that does not go away, get them to the vet!
There could be a medical issue causing this, such as a urinary tract infection or cancer. Your vet can check for these and treat them.
It is important to note that pet urine stains are sold at most retailers. These are great to have on hand to check for urine issues. Your vet will most likely give you one if you ask!
If your pet is elderly and suddenly has a strange odor, it may be a sign of cognitive aging causing disorientation of their body functions. This can be treated with medication and altered care routines.
