Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Why Does My Cat Smell Like Rotten Eggs? Our Vet Discusses Reasons & Tips

woman-holding-her-nose-because-of-a-bad-smell

It’s important to pay attention to any unusual odors coming from your pet. If your cat smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, it’s crucial to determine the cause, as it could be periodontal disease, an infection, or something to do with their diet. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough check-up to identify the reason for your kitty’s stinky smell.

divider 1 paws

Combatting Bad Smells

Cats are generally good at grooming themselves, but they sometimes need a little extra help to stay fresh. When choosing grooming and cleaning products, it’s important to select ones that are safe for pets. Dry shampoo and pet wipes can help keep your cat clean without the need for a full bath. Additionally, an enzymatic cleaner can effectively neutralize and eliminate any unpleasant odors in your home.

Here are our favorite pet-safe products you can use at home to combat bad smells coming from your cat. The Hepper Waterless No-Rinse Pet Shampoo keeps your pet's coat smelling fresh between baths. The Wash Wipes are perfect for a quick refresh or cleaning of sensitive areas. We also recommend Hepper's Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray, which permanently removes even the worst stains and odors in your home, making cleanup a breeze. 

Image Product Details
For Pet Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo
  • No water required
  • Natural ingredients
  • Fresh scent
  • For On-the-Go Hepper Wash Wipes Hepper Wash Wipes
  • Emergencies
  • Sensitive Areas
  • Gentle
  • For Home Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
  • All-purpose
  • Pet-safe
  • Multi-surface safe
  • At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    As mentioned bad odors may indicate a health issue, so identifying the source of the smell is crucial. Addressing any underlying problems promptly can help your cat feel and smell better.

    divider 1 paws

    The 7 Reasons That Your Cat May Smell Like Rotten Eggs

    1. Periodontal Disease

    An oral infection can lead to foul mouth odors and is typically the cause of the issue. That said, other abnormal mouth odors may be caused by stomatitis, mouth cancer, upper respiratory infection, diabetes, an intestinal blockage, or diseases affecting different organs, such as the liver and kidneys.

    Veterinarian checks teeth to a big maine coon cat at vet clinic
    Image Credit: Ermolaev Alexander, Shutterstock

    2. Type of Food (Diet)

    Feeding certain foods to your cat can lead to bad odors coming from their mouth and poop, including raw foods or ones rich in fish. A sudden change in your cat’s diet can lead to gastrointestinal upset, gas, or diarrhea that can have a sulfur smell.


    3. Ear Infection

    Fungal and bacterial infections can cause your cat’s ears to smell bad. Ear mite infections can also contribute to foul odors.

    veterinarian examines a cat's ears with an otoscope
    Image Credit: Try_my_best, Shutterstock

    4. Anal Glands

    Soft stools may not express the anal glands completely, which may cause a stinky rear end. Infected anal glands can also be smelly themselves. A frightened cat may also intentionally express their anal glands, which have a similar pungent smell.

    healthy vs blocked anal sacs glands
    You are free to use this image but we do require you to link back to Catster.com for credit

    5. Lack of Grooming

    Cats with arthritis, obesity, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, or widespread disease may not be able to effectively groom themselves, leading to poor hygiene.

    A closeup shot of a brown cat licking its genital
    Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock

    6. Skin Infection

    Anything that disrupts the skin’s normal protective barrier, such as wounds, parasites, allergies, and cancer, may cause a bad odor.


    7. Dirty Litter Box

    Infrequent litter box cleaning can lead to the odors building up, so clean your cat’s litter box daily to prevent a stinky kitty!

    divider 2 cats

    Tips for Keeping Your Cat Healthy and Happy

    • Clean the litter box daily.
    • Schedule daily play and grooming sessions with your cat to help identify any abnormalities.
    • Feed your cat a nutritionally complete and balanced diet.
    • Take notice of any unusual or abnormal behaviors.
    • Schedule regular veterinary visits to detect problems early.

    If you’re concerned about your cat’s health we suggest you speak to a vet.

    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!

    PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money

    divider 1 paws

    Conclusion

    If you notice that your cat has a strong smell of sulfur or rotten eggs, it could be gas or expressed anal glands. But the smell could also indicate various underlying issues. Oral infections, cancer, skin infections, lack of grooming, and even the type of food or the cleanliness of the litter box can all be contributing factors. If you detect a sudden onset of this odor, it’s important to promptly schedule a veterinary check-up to identify and address the root cause.


    Featured Image Credit: Stanislaw Mikulski, Shutterstock

    Want content like this delivered to you?

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

    * By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Cat Glaucoma: Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Care & FAQ (Vet Answer)

    Cats are capable of developing glaucoma, just as humans do. Glaucoma is a medical condition seen when high pressure builds up inside the...

    Do Cats Get Their Feelings Hurt? Causes & Cheering Them Up

    Cats can get their feelings hurt. Most cats are interested in interacting with their owners and are sensitive to people, places, and activities...

    Do All Siamese Cats Have Blue Eyes? Vet-Verified Coat & Eye Facts

    Renowned for their beauty, Siamese cats are among the most attractive cats you can bring home, and they’re incredibly affectionate! These regal, vocal...

    10 Best Cat Tunnels in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Cat toys, in general, provide your cat with physical exercise and mental stimulation. Tunnels are popular because they appeal to your cat’s curiosity...

    More related

    Ocicat vs Bengal: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

    With their wild and exotic appearance, both the Bengal and the Ocicat look as though they’ve just stepped out of the jungle. However,...

    10 Best Dry Cat Foods in the UK in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

    Whether you feed your cat a combination of wet and dry food or just dry food, getting the right kibble is important. It...

    Are Cat’s Carrier Crash Tested? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

    One of the top priorities and responsibilities of cat owners is to keep their beloved cats safe both in and outside of their...

    Is It True That All Cats Shed? Vet-Reviewed Facts

    If you’ve noticed a ton of hair around the house and your cat is shedding non-stop, you might be wondering if all cats...

    Keep reading

    Can Cats Drink Lemonade? Vet Reviewed Health Risks & FAQ

    When summer hits, it’s not uncommon to have a pitcher of lemonade sitting around with which to cool off. Lemonade makes the perfect hot weather drink: it’s sweet, tart, and, most importantly, cold. But, if you’re a cat owner who...

    Can Cats Drink Lemonade

    TEEF for Life Protektin30™ Review 2025: Our Hands-On Experience

    It’s a fact: Cats do not like having their teeth brushed. But it’s also true that poor dental health can dramatically shorten your cat’s lifespan. So what’s a kitty owner to do? TEEF for Life says they have the solution....

    TEEF for Life Review 2024 - featured image

    4 Health Cat Food Review of 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Review Summary 4health is the cat food brand from Tractor Supply Company, but you can also buy it at a few places online. The goal of 4health cat food is to provide a blend of premium ingredients at a realistic...

    4health Cat Food Review

    Do Cats Get Embarrassed in the Same Way Humans Do? Vet-Reviewed Feline Behaviour

    Embarrassment is a very human emotion that we experience on a number of occasions, whether you walk out of a bathroom with toilet paper on your shoe or slip on stage at your graduation. Oftentimes, we see our cats do...

    shy cat in bucket

    8 Best Cat Foods for Kidney Disease in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Kidney disease can seem like a debilitating diagnosis for cats. However, kidney disease can often be controlled through diet. A specific diet is often one of the necessary steps to lessen the effects of kidney disease. Because diet is so...

    cat eating from stainless bowl

    Can Cats Eat Raw Fish? Vet Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

    While cats are often associated with eating fish, fish may not actually be a major part of their diets. Domestic cats descended from African wildcats, meaning their natural diets would mostly consist of small birds and mammals including small livestock...

    Can Cats Eat Raw Fish

    Shedmonster Cat De-Shedding Tool Review 2025 – Pros, Cons, & Verdict

    Review Summary Oster is among the most recognizable names in pet care and produces grooming products built around ease of use and durable design. Its dependability shines in its aptly named ShedMonster, an affordable yet effective tool for effortless fur...

    Shedmonster Cat De-Shedding Tool Review

    Is It Ok to Have Just One Cat? Vet-Verified Facts & Care Tips

    Cats, although seemingly aloof, are social creatures that need to be around other cats or animals to live happy lives. Most cats love being around their humans and the attention they get, but there’s one question many cat owners have...

    a woman holding a cat on her lap