Cats are known for their independence, and because they spend so much time grooming themselves, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to interfere with your pet’s cleaning routine often. If you do start to notice any bad smells coming from your cat, you’ll need to identify the cause before you can deal with the problem.
Your cat might start to smell for several reasons. If your pet is old, perhaps they can’t clean themselves as well as they once could. The smell could also originate from a few different areas including the mouth, skin or ears. Some of the common ailments that can cause bad smells include dental or gum disease, liver and kidney disease, allergies, parasites, or bacterial and yeast infections in the ears.
If the odour remains after a good groom, contact your vet for a check-over to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions.
If your cat is smelling bad because of a mouth, skin, or ear condition, you’ll need to speak to your vet about how to deal with the problem itself. However, if you’re taking care of an older or less mobile cat who struggles to clean themselves thoroughly, you might want to give them a hand with a regular grooming routine:
- Regular brushing
- Teeth cleaning
- Occasional baths (for tolerant cats) with cat shampoo
- Keep bedding clean
If your cat isn’t suffering from any health conditions but isn’t able to properly groom themselves, keeping up with the above practices will help ensure they’re always looking, feeling, and smelling their best.
Your cat’s bad breath may not be caused by a bad tooth, sometimes kidney or liver conditions can result in foul breath – also known as halitosis. In some cases of dental disease, the smell will not be counteracted with any home interventions. Contact your vet for a health check to ensure there’s no underlying medical issues. If you’ve been given the all-clear then consider brushing your cats' teeth and supplying VOHC- approved dental treats.
Whatever the age of your cat, it is never too late to try and brush their teeth. It is going to take patience, time and rewards, but it is the best way of maintaining your cat’s dental health.
You can use cat toothpaste and any toothbrush – although toothbrushes with smaller heads may be easier for a cat’s small mouth. If your cat has not had their teeth brushed before you may need to gradually train them – starting with them accepting being stroked on the face, having their face held, manually lifting their lip, and brushing their teeth. Getting your cat used to one step before moving onto the next can take a while. If your cat puts up a paw to stop you or wriggles against you, stop and try again when they have calmed.
To learn more about caring for cat's teeth, have a look at this how-to article teaching you step by step how to train a cat to have their teeth brushed, and what else you can do at home to support their dental health.
If your cat is unable to groom themselves, has soiled themselves, or has rolled in a mucky substance, you may need to wash them. Sometimes a wash with a damp cloth is sufficient but you may also need to consider a bath for heavier soiling.
Most cats are not keen on getting wet, so get everything you need for the bath beforehand and keep it within reach. You’ll need an appropriate cat or kitten shampoo, a towel or two, a brush, and an area to wash them in. Many people use a bath with a non-slip mat, but you can also use a sink or a large plastic container.
It is an advantage to have 2 people present during the process. One to hold and calm your cat and the other to wash them. Be careful during the process as distressed cats can scratch and bite
Fill the container with a few inches of warm water before bringing the cat into the environment, as the sound of running water can sometimes unsettle cats.
Choose a time when your cat is settled and low-energy and bring plenty of treats to help associate bathtime with enjoyable experiences.
Use the cat or kitten shampoo as directed on the bottle, using a small cup or jug to pour water over small areas of your cat at a time. Avoid showerheads as they can be startling to cats. Minimise splashing and loud sounds.
After the shampoo has been rinsed off, wrap them in a large towel to dry them off and give them a good rub.
Continuous praise, affection, and treats will help the process along. If you find that your cat is distressed or trying to escape, you should listen to their cues and cut bathtime short. Ideally over time your cat will become settled in the bath and this will not happen if they’re forced against their will. Teaching a cat to settle during bathtime is a collaborative process and may take a while.