What Should I Do if My Cat Smells Like Poop?
I love the way my cat smells after a good sunbath—warm and a little like fresh laundry. But when that sweet kitty scent turns into something foul, it’s a whole different story. If your cat smells like poop, you are not alone, and no, it’s not just “one of those things.”
Sometimes it’s a simple mess on their fur, and sometimes it’s a sign something deeper is going on. Either way, you want it fixed fast. Here’s exactly what I do when my cat starts smelling like a litter box that’s been forgotten.
Check Their Backside for Stuck Poop
The first thing I always do is a quick visual check. Long-haired cats are notorious for getting little dingleberries stuck near their bottom. Even short-haired cats can have accidents if their stool is soft.
Grab a warm, damp cloth and gently wipe the area. If you see visible poop, that’s likely your culprit. Some cats will let you clean them up, but if yours is squirmy, a pet-safe wipe works wonders. Just make sure you don’t use anything with harsh chemicals.
Look for Matts in Their Fur
Matted fur can trap moisture and smell. I once found a hidden mat near my cat’s tail that was basically a poop sponge. It was gross, but a quick trim solved everything.
If you see matted fur, carefully cut it away with blunt scissors or take them to a groomer. Do not try to brush out a poop-soaked mat. It hurts them and spreads the mess. Sometimes a sanitary trim around the rear is all they need to stay fresh.
Examine Their Diet
What goes in comes out—and sometimes it comes out stinky. If your cat’s poop is extra soft or smelly, their food might be the issue. Low-quality kibble or sudden diet changes can cause loose stools that stick to fur.
I switched my cat to a high-protein, grain-free diet and noticed a huge difference. You might also try adding a probiotic to their food. It helps digestion and makes their poop firmer and less smelly. Give it a week or two before expecting results.
Check for Anal Gland Issues
Anal glands can get full or infected, and when they do, the smell is unforgettable. It’s a fishy, foul odor that’s not exactly poop but close enough to confuse you. If your cat scoots their bottom on the floor or licks excessively back there, this could be the problem.
A vet can express the glands safely. Do not try this at home unless you’ve been shown how. It’s messy and can hurt your cat if done wrong. Once the glands are empty, the smell usually disappears within a day.
Look at Their Litter Box Habits
Sometimes the smell isn’t on your cat—it’s on you. If your cat steps in a dirty litter box, they can track that smell everywhere. I’ve had moments where I thought my cat was the problem, but really, I just needed to scoop more often.
Try cleaning the box twice a day and doing a full litter change weekly. Also, make sure the box is big enough. Tiny boxes can cause cats to accidentally step in their waste. A fresh box equals a fresh cat.
Check for Diarrhea or Digestive Upset
Diarrhea is a fast track to a smelly cat. Loose stool sticks to fur easily and is harder to clean. If your cat has had runny poops for more than a day, it’s worth a vet visit to rule out parasites or infections.
In the meantime, you can give them a gentle bath using pet shampoo. Focus on their back legs and tail. If they hate water, try a waterless foam shampoo. Keep them warm and dry afterward. No cat likes being cold and wet.
Inspect Their Mouth and Teeth
Wait, their mouth? Yes. If your cat has dental disease or an infection, they might swallow bacteria that makes their whole digestive system stink. I once had a cat with bad breath so intense it seemed to come from everywhere.
Open their mouth gently and look for red gums, loose teeth, or a bad smell. A dental cleaning from the vet can fix this fast. After that, daily tooth brushing keeps things fresh. It sounds odd, but a clean mouth means a less stinky cat overall.
Rule Out Medical Conditions
Some health issues cause persistent bad smells. Kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems can all change how your cat’s waste smells. If you’ve tried everything else and the smell won’t go away, a vet check is a must.
Watch for other signs like excessive thirst, weight loss, or changes in appetite. Your vet can run simple blood tests to rule out these problems. It’s better to catch these early than wait until your cat gets really sick.
Give Them a Full Body Check
Sometimes poop smell hides in weird places. Check your cat’s paws, between their toes, and under their tail. I once found a dried piece of poop stuck to my cat’s paw pad. She had stepped in it and tracked it around the house.
Also check their bedding and favorite spots. If your cat lies in a spot where they previously had an accident, that smell can cling to their fur. Wash their blankets and beds in hot water with unscented detergent. A clean environment keeps a clean cat.
Consider a Professional Groomer
If your cat is long-haired or super resistant to baths, a groomer is your best friend. They can give your cat a sanitary trim and a full bath without you getting scratched. I used to struggle until I handed it to a pro.
Many groomers offer de-shedding treatments that also remove trapped odors. It costs a bit, but your cat will look and smell amazing. Plus, you get to be the hero who brought them home fresh and fluffy.
Conclusion
A smelly cat is never fun, but it’s almost always fixable. Start with the simple stuff—check their fur, clean their litter box, look at their diet. If nothing works, don’t be shy about calling your vet. Most of the time, it’s a small issue with a quick solution.
Your cat deserves to feel clean and comfortable, and you deserve a home that doesn’t smell like a barn. Trust your nose, stay patient, and you’ll have your sweet-smelling buddy back in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cat smell like poop even after a bath?
If the smell returns quickly after a bath, the issue might be internal. Check their anal glands, diet, or any underlying health problems. Sometimes the smell is coming from inside their digestive system, not their fur.
Can I use baby wipes on my cat?
No, regular baby wipes can contain ingredients that are toxic to cats. Always use pet-safe wipes or a damp cloth. If you’re in a pinch, plain warm water is the safest option.
Is it normal for cats to smell a little like poop?
Not really. A healthy cat should have very little odor. If you notice a persistent poop smell, something is off. It could be as simple as a dirty litter box or as serious as a health condition.
How often should I bathe my cat?
Most cats don’t need regular baths. Only bathe them when they get into something messy or if a vet recommends it. Over-bathing can dry out their skin and cause more problems.
When should I take my cat to the vet for smelling like poop?
If the smell lasts more than a few days despite cleaning, or if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or lethargy, see a vet. Also go if you suspect anal gland issues or dental disease.
