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Why does my cat smell bad? Causes and dealing with them 

 Do you have a cat that smells bad? While cats are generally known for their cleanliness. They are very self-centered creatures, which means they are free of dirt and odors. However, you may sometimes find that your cat smells unpleasant. And while some cat odors are harmless or easy to remove and clean, others may indicate a health problem.


Why does my cat smell bad? Causes and dealing with them
my cat smell bad



 Why does my cat smell bad?


The best way to find out why your cat smells bad is to determine where the smell is coming from. In short, does your cat smell bad in places around the head or face? Is it in his ass too? Have you noticed an odor on a specific part of his fur or does he seem to have an odor all over? Asking these questions is the first step in addressing the problem with your smelly cat. Once you know where that smell is coming from, you'll have a better chance of helping your cat clean it up. 



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Causes of bad odors in cats


There are several possible causes for bad odors in cats. Once you've made the first move and been able to locate the bad smell, you may be able to figure out the underlying cause. In many cases, your cat will need to go to the vet. If you are unable to determine the source of this odor, it is still important to contact your vet. Here are the possible causes of bad breath in cats: 

 



1. Mouth and its problems


Some people assume that it is normal for cats to suffer from bad breath or bad breath, and this is a misconception. However, bad breath in cats is usually a sign of a health problem. Or, temporary mouth odors may be caused by something the cat ate. 


 

• Dental diseases


Dental disease is the most common cause of bad breath in cats. The accumulated plaque and tartar has an unpleasant odor due to its bacteria content. The buildup of tartar and plaque can cause gingivitis and lead to gum disease, which leads to tooth loss. 


 

• Mouth wounds and ulcers


Ulcers and cuts in the mouth can cause bad breath if left untreated. And germs in the mouth can make these cuts worse. These lesions may be caused by stomatitis or some other problem. In addition to causing bad breath, it also causes anxiety, tension and discomfort for the affected cat 


 

2. Cats' back problems


The foul smell is coming from the area around the base of the tail, and it is likely that it indicates a problem around the anus in general. If your cat has the following problems, you should seek veterinary help for your cat: 


 

Flatulence


This is normal in humans and animals, and cats as well. As long as your cat is constantly passing gas or has a very foul smell of gas, there may be a digestive issue that needs to be looked into. 


 

Diarrhea


Diarrhea can leave traces of loose stools around the hind limb. It may be difficult for the cat to take care of hygiene if diarrhea continues to occur. If your cat has had diarrhea for two days or more, it should be examined by a veterinarian to treat this condition. 



Constipation


Constipation causes stool to not pass out of the colon, causing the cat to strain during bowel movements. Solid stools may not pass, but sometimes liquid stools are able to pass in small amounts despite having difficulty passing stools. This can cause your cat to get dirt around her butt and tend to smell especially bad. This is very uncomfortable for the cat and is sometimes a sign of a more serious digestive health problem that requires medical examination. 



 Anal glands


These are small pouches located outside the cat's anus. They contain an oily, foul-smelling fluid that is usually expelled from these glands during defecation. This fluid may also be excreted during fear, stress, or sudden acute excitement (similar to skunk scent glands). In some cases, the anal glands can become inflamed, swollen, or affected. Where some of the liquid seeps out, leaving a very foul smell on the cat's back with difficulty in its removal and going. Cats rub and scratch their hind limbs or lick their anus anxiously. 



Perianal fistulas


They are wounds in and around the anal area that have a tunnel-like structure. Although it is relatively uncommon in cats, it can be very dangerous. Perianal fistulas are very annoying to cats and a direct cause of bad breath for cats. It can also lead to or occur in association with other digestive problems and often require surgical treatment. 




3. Skin and fur problems


as a cause of bad odor If your cat's scent seems to be coming from all over the body, the problem may be with the skin and the fur in general. Bathing your cat may help if your cat is soiled with something noticeably smelly. However, if your cat appears relatively clean and has an unpleasant odor, there may be a deeper problem overall. Seek veterinary care to treat your cat's skin condition. 



Skin infections


Skin infections in cats can generally cause a foul odor. In the case of a serious bacterial or fungal infection, the skin is clearly irritated and accompanied by an unpleasant-smelling greasy coating that can be seen on your hands after petting your cat with this skin infection. The odor is usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or fungi. 




Wounds on the skin


may remain hidden under the hair and become infected. This may cause a foul-smelling discharge (pus or pus) from the wound. If your cat's body odor is foul and you can't find the source, try running your fingers through its fur and looking for wounds. And see the vet as soon as possible. 



5. Ear problems


Ear infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungi, bacteria or ear mites. During scratching and head shaking, it can be seen that your cat's ears smell foul. Where you can take a look inside to see if there is dirt or cerumen present because these things are often a sign of ear infection and bad odors in general. Make sure to visit your vet to determine if there is an ear infection and start the appropriate treatment. 



Urinary tract problems


Cat urine has a very strong ammonia-like odor and it can smell worse when there is a problem with the urinary system. Urinary tract infections can cause particularly foul-smelling urine. Incontinence or the inability to control urination can also cause your cat to smell like urine or ammonia due to urine leakage and an inability to control its exit. If your cat smells like urine, it is necessary to see a vet to determine the cause, especially in the urinary system. 




Warning


If your cat is suffering while urinating but is not actually urinating, this is an emergency. It may cause your cat to die. Where obstacles to urination pose a serious threat to life. Bring your cat to the nearest vet immediately for an urgent examination. 




When to call the vet?


Always remember that cats are experts at instinctively hiding disease. And as you notice any signs of illness in your cat, things may have developed very seriously. Be sure to contact your vet as soon as possible of signs of illness or if you discover an unusual odor that cannot be removed.

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