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

Share

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!

    Preventative wellness PGV mention keep cat healthy Preventative wellness PGV mention keep cat healthy mobile

    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

    One in 100 Cats Gets Diabetes – Here’s How to Catch It Early

    One in every 100 cats develops diabetes.1 That’s not a rare, unlucky condition reserved for cats with obvious health problems. It’s common enough...

    Dramatic Rescue Turns Into Dramatic Reunion

    What started as a routine call for the RSPCA became a heroic, five-hour rescue featuring one trapped and traumatized cat, an emotional family...

    Ask Dr. Paola – Help! How Do I Know if it’s Ear Mites! (May 4, 2026)

    Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

    Hope for the Tiniest Fighters: Baby Kitten Rescue | Heroes of the Pet World

    In a world where the smallest and most vulnerable animals are often the easiest to overlook, Caroline and Baby Kitten Rescue’s work is...

    More related

    Can Cats Eat Stink Bugs? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

    Let’s be honest—sometimes, cats are just plain weird in their tastes. Though most cats won’t eat a bug twice after realizing how foul...

    Can I Get Worms From My Cat? Everything You Need to Know!

    We love to have our cats close by for company and affection. But cat ownership has some downsides—like when they use their litter...

    10 Vet-Verified Cat-Safe Christmas Tree Alternatives (With Pictures)

    Cats and Christmas trees do not mix. Whether they’re knocking baubles on the floor or scaling the branches, cats seem to love the...

    Transitioning Your Cat to Raw Food: 5 Crucial Tips

    There are arguments for and against a raw food diet for cats. Some say that it can be dangerous due to the prospect...

    Keep reading

    Do Cats Inbreed? Vet-Reviewed Dangers & Why It’s Bad

    Inbreeding involves the mating of relatives, and it’s often done to select for physical traits when breeding pedigree cats e.g Siamese points. It also happens among unaltered, related domestic cats left to their own devices and in feral cat colonies...

    two cats_Thomas B., Pixabay

    Can Cats Eat Mango? Vet Reviewed Nutrition Facts & Safety Guide

    Mango is a delicious, nutritious superfood—at least for humans. But what about cats? Maybe your kitty is curious about anything that you eat, or perhaps you just want to add variety to your pet’s diet. Either way, mango is safe...

    Can Cats Eat Mango

    8 Best Kitten Foods for Sensitive Stomachs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Some cats have sensitive stomachs. Whether due to genetics or their gut microbiome, some kittens can’t handle the same foods that other cats can. The stomach upset that follows can be frustrating for you, but it can be quite painful...

    American cat kittens eating

    Why Do Cats Drop Toys in Water? 7 Possible Reasons

    Cats sometimes do unpredictable things. They’ll get startled when you move your shoes and jump straight into the air; they will suddenly dart around the room, making unearthly noises. A kitten can make a toy out of anything, whether it’s...

    Cat Sensory Toy

    Are Weighted Blankets Safe for Cats? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

    Weighted blankets are a popular bedding option. Many people use them to reduce anxiety and sleep better. But is it advisable to have one if you share a bed with your furry friend? No. Weighted blankets are unsafe for cats,...

    Catster_Are weighted blankets Safe for Cats

    Can Cats Eat Twizzlers? Health Risks & Precautions

    Twizzlers, the colorful little candies that come in various shapes and flavors, are often enjoyed by humans. However, many cat owners wonder whether their feline friends can enjoy them too. Are cats supposed to eat Twizzlers? Are they healthy for...

    Catster_Can Cats Eat Twizzlers_v1_Dec 4 2024

    Can a Cat Drink Pool Water? Vet Reviewed Risks for Chlorine & Saltwater

    Some cats love drinking water out of unusual objects, bowls, or containers and will continue to do so regardless of whether their water bowl is full of fresh, clean water or not. It’s not unusual to find cats drinking out...

    Can a Cat Drink Pool Water

    Applaws Limited Ingredient Wet Cat Food Review 2026: How I Supplemented My Cats Diet

    Any dedicated cat owner likely knows that their house cat does not drink enough water. Whether they were told by their vet, noticed the market explosion of cat water fountains, or simply observed that their cat’s water dish rarely needs...

    Applaws Limited Ingredient Wet Food Review - featured image

    Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

    Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




    Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

    Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.