If you catch a whiff of unpleasant smells as your cat walks past, it might be time to give your kitty a quick check over! Sometimes, the cause can be bad breath (halitosis) or an unseen abscess; other times, your cat might not have been grooming themselves properly. Either way, the good news is that there’s plenty you can do to get your cat smelling fresh once more!
We’ve rounded up six of the best ways to get your cat smelling fresh again — all the better for cuddling them!
The 6 Ways to Make Your Cat Smell Good
1. Give Your Cat a Bath
If it’s your cat’s coat that’s a bit stinky, give them a helping hand by bathing them. Using a shampoo designed specifically for cats is the best idea. Don’t be tempted to use human shampoo, as a cat’s skin is far more sensitive than ours and has a different pH level.
2. Use a Waterless Shampoo
You can also buy a waterless shampoo to keep your cat’s coat and skin odor-free and in great health. Simply apply this onto your cat’s coat before massaging it in, and then let it dry and brush if you like. Look for a product that’s pH balanced for cats and is free of sulfates and colorants.
There are lots of pet shampoos to choose from, but some are much better than others. We love these two options created by Hepper, each offering something uniquely different. The Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is an excellent choice for cats who require the occasional full bath and the Waterless No-Rinse Dry Shampoo is perfect for felines that prefer to stay dry! Both are made with all-natural ingredients and pH-balanced formulas designed to gently lift away dirt and debris, leaving your cat's coat and skin soft and hydrated. Find out which is right for you in the table below.
| Image | Product | Details | |
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Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo |
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Check Price |
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Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo |
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Check Price |
3. Check Their Diet
If your cat has a stinky breath or poop, it’s a good indicator that their diet might not be quite right. Speaking to your vet will help you determine where the problem is and which diet will suit your cat best. Some cats can develop food allergies over time, so ensure you can provide your veterinarian with as many details as possible about your cat’s previous diets.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
4. Check Your Cat’s Grooming Habits
Most cats are fastidious about keeping themselves clean, but some cats, especially elderly, obese, long-haired breeds, or those with joint pain, can have trouble keeping themselves clean. You might need to brush your cat a little more often. You can check out our review of the best brushes for long-haired cat breeds here.
5. Check Your Cat’s Teeth
If you know that your cat’s diet has the all-clear but they still have bad breath, then dental disease might be the problem. Take your cat for a check-up with your veterinarian if you notice halitosis.. You can also brush your cat’s teeth or give them natural treats that help keep plaque under control.
6. Take Them to the Vet
If you can’t find the reason for your cat’s unpleasant smell and you’ve tried the above tips, the next step is to make an appointment with your veterinarian to give your cat a good check-up. The reason behind the odor could be an unseen skin wound, an abscess, an infected nail, or a foreign body. Don’t overlook a stinky smell, because it’s likely an indication that something is not quite right with your cat’s health.
Conclusion
Nobody likes a smelly pet. And while the reason behind it may be something as simple as their grooming habits, it could also indicate a more serious problem, such as dental disease or an abscess that has gone unnoticed. Be sure to check all of the steps above and be sure to talk to your veterinarian about your concerns.
Related Reads:
- How to Get Cat Pee Smells Out of Clothes (Quick & Easy)
- Why Does My Cat Smell Bad? Common Reasons
- Will Certain Scents Calm Cats? With 6 Soothing Examples
Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock
