Why Does My 'Clean' Cat Smell?

[谢国新]

Cats are famous for being super clean. We often see them meticulously grooming their fur, making us think, "Wow, what a tidy animal! Taking care of a cat must be a breeze, no need for us cat parents to worry at all!"
However, many cat owners, or their friends, often share a different experience: "My cat smells terrible!"
Wait, how can such a clean animal be smelly? This is a common complaint from many people who interact with cats.
If you've ever owned pets, you probably know that pet odors usually come from two main sources: the animal itself, or its environment.
Some pets, like foxes, ferrets, or sugar gliders, naturally have a strong body odor. Many owners of these animals choose to have their scent glands removed when the pets are young to reduce their natural smell.
But for cats, it's different. Cats themselves don't usually give off a bad smell. Any unpleasant odors usually come from their waste (like pee and poop) or their living environment. So, if your cat smells, it's often not your cat's fault, but rather a sign that you, the cat parent, might need to step up your game!
If you want a sweet-smelling feline friend, you, the cat parent, have an important job to do. Here are a few cleaning tips to help you out:

Keep Your Cat Clean
Cats are naturally good at cleaning themselves, so they're usually quite clean and don't have much odor. However, that doesn't mean you should skip bathing them entirely. Regular baths are important for both your cat's health and keeping your home fresh and clean.

Clean Their Supplies and Environment
Cats are usually quick to learn how to use a litter box. Besides the litter box, it's also a good idea to provide your cat with its own bed or sleeping area. Both the litter box and the bed need to be kept very clean. Make sure to regularly deodorize and disinfect them. Change the cat litter frequently, and wash the bedding in their sleeping area. Also, let their bedding air out in the sun often to get rid of any moldy or damp smells.

Pay Attention to Your Cat's Health
If your cat has bad breath, passes gas a lot, or if their poop smells unusually strong or strange, it could be a sign of a health issue. It might also be due to an improper diet. In these cases, it's important to take your cat to a veterinarian (or vet) right away. They can give you professional advice and help your cat get back to being healthy and happy.
So, a smelly cat isn't usually because the cat itself is smelly. It's often on the cat parent to make sure everything is clean and healthy. Time for cat parents to reflect and see where they might have overlooked their furry overlord's needs!