How to Make Your Cat Smell Good: 6 Vet-Approved Ways
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo |
|
Check Price |
|
Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo |
|
Check Price |
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!
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 a 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 a veterinarian with as many details as possible about your cat’s previous diets.
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 a 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 a 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 a veterinarian about your concerns.
Related Reads:
Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock
Expert cat care, straight to your inbox
News, insights, and useful advice, delivered to you.
No spam — unsubscribe anytime.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
How useful was this post?
Click a star to rate. You can leave written feedback afterwards. (We read all feedback.)
Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
