Surprise! Smelly Cat: Is It a Skin Disease?

Hello everyone, welcome to Oxygen Pet Doctor!

Cat owners know that although cats don't bathe often, they always smell delightful! Their heads are like cream buns, their bodies like toasted bread, and their paw pads like popcorn – it's irresistible to keep sniffing them every day!

However, cats can sometimes smell rather unpleasant! From their mouths to their bodies, paws, and even their bottoms, the odor can be quite offensive. So, what could be the reason behind a cat's bad smell?

Here are some possible reasons why a cat might smell bad:

1. Skin Issues Leading to Odor

1. Longterm lack of bathing can lead to a dirty cat, which is normal and can cause an unpleasant smell. → A bath can easily remove this odor.

If a cat appears clean but still smells bad, and your hands feel greasy after petting it, it might be a sign of skin infection.

2. Ear Mites:

symptoms: Brownish discharge in the outer ear canal with an offensive smell, the cat may frequently scratch, shake its head, and have watery eyes.

→ Treatment: Regular deworming + use of Er Fen Fen (ear cleaning solution) + apply ear medicine Xin Er Ning (miconazole nitrate ointment) + put a headcollar on the cat to prevent scratching the ears.

3. Parasitic Infection:

symptoms: Scabs, itching, and rashes on the skin, which can worsen to include redness, hair loss, seborrheic dermatitis, and skin ulcers.

→ Treatment: Regular deworming.

4. Seborrheic Dermatitis:

symptoms: Excessive yellow oil on the fur, and greasy secretions on the skin surface, accompanied by an odor.

→ Treatment: Use Banof Bathing Shampoo to wash off the oil on the dog's skin surface + Pipute (terbinafine hydrochloride spray) + Dashi Ning (ketоконазол compound ointment) to fight bacteria + systemic corticosteroids, or prednisone 12mg/kg, once a day + supplement nutrition, vitamin B + a light diet + keep the affected area clean and dry.

2. Oral Issues Leading to Odor

Cats with bad breath might be suffering from dental issues like tartar, ulcers, or stomatitis. When cats lick their fur, this odor can linger on their bodies.

→ Regularly brushing your cat's teeth or using oral spray can effectively prevent and improve oral problems.

3. Digestive System Issues Leading to Odor

If the smell mainly comes from the cat's tail, it may be related to the digestive system. Indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, or anal gland inflammation can all cause an unpleasant smell.

→ Adjust your cat's diet or feed probiotics to improve digestive issues.

→ For anal gland inflammation, regular cleaning and antiinflammatory treatment are necessary.

4. Urinary System Issues Leading to Odor

When a cat's urinary system is compromised, the urine may have a more pungent smell.

→ If you keep smelling a strong ammonialike odor on your cat, it could be a sign of urinary tract disease, and you should seek veterinary care promptly.

5. Environmental Issues Leading to Odor

Not cleaning the litter box regularly or not changing the litter can cause your cat to pick up the smell of litter and feces.

→ Keep your home clean and tidy, frequently wipe down the cat bed, litter box, and feeding bowls, and avoid clutter to prevent the buildup of odors.