MY CAT SMELL LIKE POOP! TRY THESE 7 BEST REMEDIES
My cat smell like poop! What can I do? Cats owners can face the situation of a constant unpleasant smell on their cats, especially the one of poop! Although cats are always very clean, at times, some of them can smell really bad.
Cats can smell like poop because their fur got dirty using the litter box, they have digestive issues, anal gland infections, lousy diet, diarrhea, messy litter box, flatulence, obesity (because it prevents proper grooming), and chronic health issues.
Let’s see in detail why cats can smell like poop and, most importantly, what can be done about it.
WHY DOES MY CAT SMELL LIKE POOP?
Cats are typically clean animals, and they spend most of their day grooming themselves. Therefore it is hard to imagine they can still stink or carry poop smell. However, at times, there are litter box accidents, and a cat’s fur can get momentarily dirty.
Sometimes cats come to get a lovely cuddle when they just used the little box, and of course, they just pooped. In this case, you can smell poop, but it is a temporary event. Your cat will do all the necessary cleaning, and it will go away.
It can happen to many cats, but what about when the poop smell is persistent day after day? In that case, there are underlying reasons that need to be individuated and resolved.
Here are the most common reasons for cats smelling like poop constantly:
1. DIRTY LITTER BOX
If the litter box is not cleaned often, or at least every day, cats can step onto their poop and get dirty. If you use a big enough litter box and suitable litter, cats will cover their poop after doing it and not have accidents.
When the litter is cleaned often, at least once a day, cats will always find it clean and have no or litter accidents using the litter box. Cats usually poop once or twice a day. So cleaning and re-filling the litter once every 24h is a good rule of thumb.
Those who can’t do it should try to use automatic litter boxes and also try high-quality litter with high-absorption qualities.
Here are some natural, high-quality litter ideas:
2.BAD DIET
Cats following a bad diet, eating low-quality food, or food that creates stomach issues can cause diarrhea and even flatulence. A sudden change of diet can also create flatulence, diarrhea, and a poop-smelling cat.
As a matter of example, I adopted a lovely kitten from the shelter. Once at home, she had diarrhea and flatulence for weeks. I thought she would never stop smelling like poop. But eventually, with an adjustment of her diet and a bit of adjustment time, she stops smelling like poop!
But I have to confess that I had to wipe her butt often, mainly after she used the litter. So it would be best if you were prepared in case it happens to you.
3.DIRTY FUR
It is especially true for long-haired cats, but other cats can also have a problem with it from time to time. Part of the poop can get stuck in the cat’s fur, which makes them smell like poop at all times.
4.ANAL GLAND INFECTION
When cats have an infection in the anal glands, pus can get out because of the anal sac rupture. You can see that your cat has a problem using the litter box, scooting the floor, or constantly licking its butt. It is the case to schedule a visit to the vet.
5.OBESITY
When cats are too fat, they can’t reach their private parts and all of their bodies to clean and groom themselves. The same is valid for cats that have arthritis. When cats have mobility problems, they can’t do all the grooming actions that cats usually do.
6.CATS DO NOT KNOW HOW TO GROOM THEMSELVES
Some young cats may not know how to groom themselves. Maybe they were separated from their mother or other cats too early. Kittens learn everything from their mom cat, including how to groom themselves.
Somehow, while growing up, cats can start grooming themselves instinctively. However, some other cats may need some help.
HOW DO I GET MY CAT TO STOP SMELLING LIKE POO?
The remedies to a smelling cat can be as many as the reason for the bad smell. Poop smell usually comes from specific areas and places, with a bit of investigation, and in some cases, with the vet’s help, it is possible to figure out the reason behind it.
Here are some of the best methods to prevent poop-smelling cats:
1.CATS WIPES
A temporary remedy for poop-smelling cats is to use cats wipes. First, of course, making sure there aren’t any harmful products in it for a cat. Then, if a cat is transitioning from a period of diarrhea or any litter box accident, wipes are the best solution.
A cat owner could clean a cut bum in case of diarrhea or if the poop got somehow stuck in the cat fur or the cat anus. Or simply clean a smelly cat once done with the litter box.
There are many wipes. Here are some cat wipes ideas one can use:
2.ROUTINE BATHS
When possible, bathe your cat routinely. It is not always easy for cats. However, it is way easier when they are small, and one can get them accustomed to the water. This is a temporary solution because cats should take care of their grooming and not smell like poop.
3.RULE OUT HEALTH ISSUES
If in doubt, and you already have made efforts to fix problems like litter box cleaning, litter, and diet, and the problem persists, it is a good idea to ask the vet to check your cat to rule out health problems.
Cats can have infections or have allergies to food. A vet can indicate what is happening to your cat and what is the best food or remedy. They can also prescribe medication to help remedy any issue.
4.CHANGE DIET
A better diet can prevent flatulence, diarrhea, and general litter box problems. In addition, high-quality food can help a cat to fix his stomach problem and diarrhea. In some cases, if cats’ feces are too liquid, one can give a bit more dry food or cook chicken and rice.
Low-quality cat food or even too many cat treats can create many stomach problems due to diarrhea and flatulence. If you just adopted a cat, and change his diet, be patient with diarrhea and flatulence. A cat may finally adjust.
5.LITTER BOX CLEANING AND SET UP
When the litter box is too full and not cleaned, cats can step on poop and get dirty. When there is too little litter, cats do not have space to dig and accidentally step on their poop. Low-quality litter can also be a problem.
A suitable absorbing litter can cover the smell and help keep the litter box tidy and clean. Typically, it is necessary to clean the litter box once a day, scooping everything out and adding clean litter.
The litter box should also be big enough so that a cat can move around and has space to operate. When it is too tiny, cats can step into poop and get dirty. Cats owner that does not have the time to scoop too often can use automatic litter solutions.
Here are some ideas for automatic litter boxes for cats:
6. TRIM CAT FUR AROUND THEIR BUTT
Long-haired cats may get dirty when they poop. The poop can get stuck in their fur and smell. A simple solution could be to trim the hair in that area to resolve this problem.
It is not always easy to do with cats, but it may be easier than keeping them smelly and dirty. Routine brushing and cleaning of their fur can also help relieve some of the hard work from your cat.
7. HELP YOUR CAT TO LOSE WEIGHT
If a cat is overweight and can groom himself, it is time to feed your cat good high-quality food and start counting the calories or reduce the number of meals. Sometime, cats gain weight because of junk food. In some other cases, they overeat.
Things like good quality food in the right amounts can help a cat to start losing weight. Having the cat exercise more than usual is also an excellent way to make a cat lose some weight.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does wet cat food make poop smell worse?
Wet food does not make poop smell worse unless it is low quality and contains many harmful ingredients, colorants, and fillers. Wet food is close to what cats would eat in the wild, but not all wet food in the market contains real quality meat. It is essential to read the labels.
Should you wash a cat?
Cats do not need a bath. However, if they get dirty because of a litter box accident or other accident that makes them too messy, one can help a cat by bathing him. But, unless of a situation of too much dirt, that a cat would have a problem cleaning alone, cats can groom themselves.
Why does my cat smell like poop after pooping?
Cats may smell like poop right after pooping because they do not wipe themselves immediately like humans. Usually, the smell goes away after a bit of bit, or they use it to clean themselves. Cat owners can help cats by wiping them right after litter box usage if that is needed.