Saying that something smells like death can mean different things to different people, but it’s usually a creative, if dark, way of saying that something is really bad. Since cats are generally “care first and ask questions later” animals, if your kitty smells like death or otherwise has a foul odor, it’s probably strange to you. This could mean that there is something wrong with your pet and thus needs investigation.
Here, we break down the potential causes of bad odor based on where it’s coming from and explain what you can do to help soothe your cat.
The 5 Reasons Your Cat May Smell Death
1. Back Odors
While the rear is not usually a place that looks like fresh linen or roses, it is also not a place that usually has a foul cloud following it. If you’re noticing an overpowering smell of cat poop, your cat may not be cleaning themselves properly, a common problem with long-haired kittens. Arthritis or an injury can make it painful to twist their bodies to reach their back. See your vet if your cat has been out of the room for more than a few days or if you notice other signs of pain.
Anal glands can also be the source of rear odor. When affected or infected, they may emit a fishy odor, possibly accompanied by a slimy or colored discharge. Your veterinarian can express the anal glands to eliminate the odor.
Your cat’s back odor may also be due to gas. A small amount of gas is a normal part of the digestive process, but excessive gas to the point where you notice it may be due to a change in diet, constipation, digestive upset (usually with diarrhea) , or eating something they shouldn’t. If your kitten shows any other signs, such as not eating, vomiting, or diarrhea, see your veterinarian.
2. Bad breath
A healthy kitten’s mouth usually has a faint smell of cat food. The mouth of a cat suffering from dental disease may have a faint (or strong!) odor of death. Dental disease is very common in cats, often causing bad breath, difficulty eating, brown spots on the teeth, and red gums. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and even infections in other parts of the body, such as the heart.
Do your best to prevent and treat dental disease by brushing your cat’s teeth regularly and having regular veterinary checkups and dental cleanings.
3. Odors in the Ears
The mouth is not the only part of the head that can emit the smell of death; instead the ears are to blame. A cat’s ear canal is dark and warm, so if moisture gets in there, it’s the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast infections. Either can cause odor along with oily discharge, shaking of the head, and ear scratching and rubbing. Ear infections will require veterinary treatment as ear cleaners and medications are often prescribed.
Ear mites are another cause of ear infections in cats, although they usually do not create an odor. Instead, you will see a sour brown discharge when you look at your cat’s ears and your pet will constantly scratch them.
4. Urine Odors
Cat urine usually smells bad, so can you imagine if it’s starting to get worse? This can happen, especially if your cat has a urinary tract infection (UTI). Besides the smell, you may notice your kitten visiting the litter box more often, urinating only a little at a time, crying when they use the litter box, or licking their genitals a lot. UTIs usually require antibiotics and possibly, a change in diet, so be sure to see your vet if you notice these signs, along with a particularly foul odor.
UTIs usually cause the urine to have a fishy smell, but a sweet smell in your cat’s urine can indicate diabetes, as excess blood glucose is spilled into the urine. Their urine may also look sticky, your cat may be eating less than normal, and they may have a sweet smell on their breath. Diabetes can be managed through diet changes and medication, so seeing your veterinarian is the first step.
Cat urine with a strong ammonia smell may indicate that your cat is dehydrated or has kidney problems. Either way, see your vet if your cat’s urine seems too concentrated for longer than a few days or if they’re drinking more than normal.
5. Whole Body Odor
Maybe you can’t quite pinpoint where the smell is coming from, or maybe it’s literally coming from all over your cat’s body. Either way, body odor is likely related to your cat’s skin or coat.
Grooming may be the issue, especially if there is something uncomfortable for your cat to move around like they normally do while cleaning their body. Look for other signs of illness, such as hiding, not eating, or crying when you touch them in certain areas.
Body odor can also be a result of skin issues. Allergies, infections, or parasites can make a cat’s skin red, bumpy, scaly, itchy, and smelly. You may also notice patches that are very wet or oozy and your cat scratches or licks frequently.
Your cat may have rolled something poisonous into your nose simply because they have a different definition of what smells and is bad than we do. While dogs are more likely to cover themselves in smelly things, this is not the case for cats. A bath with a mild cat shampoo may be just what they need.
See your vet if your cat’s skin or fur is not as it used to be, especially if they are very itchy, have a rash, or smell bad. Your veterinarian can determine the cause of the odor and any other signs and treat your pet accordingly.
What To Do If Your Cat Smells Death
Since cats generally like to keep themselves clean, a sudden change in their smell warrants further investigation. Note where the smell is coming from, along with any other signs of an issue. Anything severe, such as vomiting, not eating, diarrhea, frequent urination, or not defecating, means your cat should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If not, you can wait a few days to see if things improve. If your cat’s bad odor persists, consider seeing your vet even if they aren’t showing any other signs.
Conclusion
Your cat’s bad breath could be as simple as you needing a bath to have extra gas due to their new diet. The cause can also be as simple as an ear infection, toothache, or UTI, or it can be as serious as a back injury or kidney disease. See your vet anytime you have any concerns about your cat’s odor or any other issues they may be exhibiting so you can smell them and get better quickly.
Featured Image Credit: Stanislaw Mikulski, Shutterstock
