Andy Montoya
Cats are generally known for their cleanliness and are fastidious self-groomers, but sometimes they can give off strange smells. There are several reasons why a cat might smell like cheese, ranging from benign to more serious health issues. For example, yeast infections, which are typically described as smelling musty, can cause a Parmesan cheese-like odour. Bacterial infections can also cause a foul odour, and in some cases, the smell can be related to dental disease, skin conditions, or even something as simple as what the cat has gotten into, like rolling in another animal's urine or feces.
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What You'll Learn
Yeast infections
Cats are generally known for their cleanliness and are fastidious self-groomers. However, there are times when a cat may develop an unusual odour. One such odour is a yeast infection, which is typically described as smelling "musty" and like "parmesan cheese" or "stinky feet".
Another way cats can develop yeast infections is through skin infections. Skin infections can develop as a result of other underlying health problems, such as wounds, allergies, parasites, cancer, or immune disorders. Yeast infections on the skin can also be caused by your cat's diet, as foods can permeate through the skin and cause changes in odour.
Additionally, yeast infections can occur on your cat's paws, resulting in what is known as "Frito feet". This condition is caused by bacteria that occur naturally on the skin or are picked up from the environment. While it is more common in dogs, if your cat develops yeasty-smelling paws, it can be a sign of a medical problem, especially if your cat is an indoor cat.
If you notice any signs of a yeast infection in your cat, it is important to consult your veterinarian for guidance and treatment options.
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Skin conditions
Cats are usually fastidious groomers, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to smell bad. While some cat odours are harmless or easy to fix, others can be indicative of a health problem. Skin conditions are a common cause of bad odours in cats.
If your cat's body smells bad and you can't seem to find the source, try running your fingers through its coat and look for wounds. Wounds on the skin may stay hidden under the hair and become infected, causing a foul-smelling discharge (pus) to seep out. If you find a wound, see your vet as soon as possible.
Skin infections can cause a cat to have a bad smell all over. If the infection is serious, the cat may have a thinning coat and visibly irritated skin. You may notice a greasy, smelly coating on your hands after petting a cat with a major skin infection. Bacterial infections can have no obvious underlying cause or be related to allergies, polyps, tumours, foreign bodies, etc. They tend to smell fetid or somewhat sweet, depending on the specific type of bacteria involved.
Yeast infections are another common skin condition that can cause a bad odour. They sometimes develop when a cat has an allergy or other condition that alters the environment within the ear, promoting the growth of yeast. Musty-smelling yeast infections are typically described as smelling "parmesan cheese" or "stinky feet".
Cats that are atopic (allergic to environmental allergens such as pollen) are more likely to show signs of "Frito feet" in the spring and summer when the pollen count is high. This condition is more common in dogs than cats and may indicate a problem in your cat. The yeasty Frito smell on your cat's paws usually comes from bacteria that occur naturally on the skin or are picked up from the environment. Keeping your cat's feet clean and dry can help prevent Frito feet.
If your cat's odour seems to be coming from all over the body, it might be a problem with the skin and coat. A bath may help if your cat is noticeably dirty. However, if your cat looks relatively clean, there may be something deeper going on, and you should seek veterinary medical care to address the skin condition.
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Dental disease
While there are many reasons why cats may smell bad, dental disease is probably the most common cause of bad breath. The buildup of plaque and tartar, which have a foul odour due to their bacteria content, can cause gingivitis and lead to gum disease, resulting in tooth loss. Ulcers, growths, and wounds in the mouth can also develop an unpleasant odour if left untreated. These lesions may be caused by stomatitis or some other problem, and they are usually very uncomfortable for the cat.
If your cat's breath smells like urine or ammonia, and particularly if your cat seems to be drinking more and urinating more frequently, it could be a sign of kidney disease. This is very common in cats, especially seniors, and there are medications and treatments available that can increase your cat's quality of life and delay the progression of the disease.
Other potential causes of bad breath in cats include bacterial or fungal infections, and foreign objects lodged in abnormal gum pockets, causing bacterial infections and/or trauma to oral tissues.
If you notice a musty smell coming from your cat's ears, this may be a sign of an ear infection. This can be caused by an overgrowth of yeast, bacteria, or ear mites in the ears. It is important to visit your vet soon to determine if an ear infection is present and to begin appropriate treatment.
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Diet
Cats are relatively odour-free compared to dogs. However, they can sometimes give off strange smells. One of the most common reasons for a cat's bad odour is dental disease. Plaque and tartar build-up, inflamed gums, loose teeth, and food lodged in gum pockets can all cause bad breath in cats. In addition, foreign material in the mouth, trauma to oral tissues, and oral tumours can also contribute to unpleasant cat odours.
Another possible reason for a cat smelling like cheese could be its diet. Just like how consuming certain foods like garlic can cause humans to emit a similar odour through their sweat and skin, certain foods in a cat's diet could be the reason for a cheesy smell. For example, a cat owner observed that their cat smelled like cheeder cheese after consuming McDonald's breakfast.
Cats with severe liver disease or intestinal blockage may also have breath that smells like faeces. Additionally, skin infections, which can develop due to underlying health issues such as wounds, allergies, parasites, or immune disorders, can cause cats to have a putrid or sweet odour, depending on the type of bacteria involved. Bacterial infections, such as those caused by ear mite infestations, can also result in a foul odour.
Furthermore, a cat's anal gland fluid can have an unappealing scent, and this may be the cause of a cheesy smell. Anal glands are small glands located in the rectum that produce an odour to signal a cat's territory and presence to other animals. While this is more commonly associated with dogs, it can also be a factor in cats.
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Anal glands
Cats have two anal scent glands, which are sacs located just inside the rectum. These glands are used to help mark a cat's territory with a dark, smelly liquid. This liquid is typically released along with the cat's stools when it uses the litter box. However, if the anal glands fail to expel the fluid properly, it can build up and cause a foul odour, pain, and infection. This condition is known as anal sac disease, and it can affect both dogs and cats.
In some cases, the ducts or tubes through which the anal sac is emptied may become clogged or impacted, making it difficult and painful for the cat to relieve themselves, which can lead to constipation. Bacterial infections can also develop if bacteria accumulate in the clogged anal glands.
Signs that a cat may be experiencing issues with their anal glands include scooting their bottoms on the ground, excessive licking or biting of their hindquarters, and difficulty defecating. If you suspect your cat is having problems with their anal glands, it is important to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
While anal gland issues can be a common cause of foul odour in cats, there are other potential reasons as well. For example, yeast infections can cause a parmesan cheese-like odour, and skin conditions or allergies can also contribute to unpleasant smells. Additionally, cats may simply roll in or come into contact with smelly substances, such as another animal's urine or faeces.
To maintain your cat's hygiene and minimise odour, regular grooming is essential. This includes brushing long-haired cats daily and using baby wipes to clean the anus and genital areas if they are unable to groom themselves effectively. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight and providing ample playtime can also help prevent issues related to anal glands.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons why your cat smells like cheese. It could be due to a yeast infection, which is often described as smelling "musty" and like "stinky feet". It could also be caused by bacteria on the skin, dental disease, or because they've walked through something in the garden. If your cat is not acting normally, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
Cats are generally known for their cleanliness and are fastidious self-groomers. However, they may sometimes smell bad due to underlying health issues such as arthritis, obesity, or systemic illness. They may also have rolled in another animal's urine or feces, or have an infection in their ears, mouth, or anal glands.
If you are unable to identify a benign source of your cat's odour, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will be able to determine the cause of the smell and advise on the next steps to diagnose and treat it.
