Patrick Oconnell
Cats are usually very clean animals, but sometimes they can smell like old cheese. There are many reasons why your cat might smell. It could be something benign, like your cat's diet, or it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. Anal gland fluid, for example, has a strong scent, and cats can express this at will. Bacterial or fungal infections can also cause changes in skin odour, as can dental disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and yeast infections. If you are concerned about your cat's smell, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of smell | Anal gland fluid, dental disease, yeast infection, skin infection, ear infection, foreign material in mouth, underlying health problem, diet, stinky food, garbage, urine, feces, or other health problem |
| Odor location | Mouth, skin, ears, rear end, coat, head, face, arm and leg pits |
| Other symptoms | Eye crusts, swelling on face, loss of appetite, abnormal grooming, wounds, allergies, polyps, tumors, foreign bodies, ear mites, diarrhea, incontinence, obesity, arthritis, inability to control urination, etc. |
| Treatment | Bathing the area, vet examination, medication, treatment of underlying condition, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Anal gland fluid
The anal gland fluid in cats can have a cheese-like smell. This odour can be a result of clogged anal glands, which can lead to bacterial infections. If bacteria accumulate in the clogged anal glands, it can cause pain and itching, and an abscess may develop. This condition requires veterinary attention, as the abscess must be lanced and drained.
Cats with anal gland issues may exhibit certain behaviours, such as scooting or dragging their hind end on the ground to relieve pressure and discomfort. Additionally, obsessive licking at the rectal opening and crying during defecation can be indicators of anal gland problems.
If the anal glands are not expressed naturally or manually, cats may experience discomfort, infection, impaction, or even painful anal gland rupture. Anal gland issues can occur when the internal anal gland tissues or the duct that allows fluid to empty becomes inflamed, obstructing the normal exit of secretions. This can lead to a buildup of fluid in the anal sacs, which can then harbour bacteria and result in infection.
It is important to consult a veterinarian if you notice any signs of anal gland issues in your cat, such as abnormal behaviours or changes in their anal gland fluid odour. The veterinarian will be able to diagnose and treat the problem, providing relief to your cat.
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Bacterial or fungal infections
Bacterial and fungal infections can cause a cat's skin and body to smell. Skin infections are a common source of bad odours in cats, and bacterial infections are a common cause of skin infections. Bacterial infections can be caused by underlying factors such as allergies, polyps, tumours, or foreign bodies, or they may have no obvious underlying cause. They tend to smell putrid, but can also smell sweet depending on the type of bacteria involved. Bacterial skin infections can cause red bumps, excessive shedding, patchy hair loss, and scaling. If left untreated, they can develop into pus-filled nodules that require systemic therapy. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial skin infections, with a minimum treatment length of 3 to 4 weeks for superficial infections and 8 weeks for deep infections.
Fungal infections are less common in cats but can still occur, especially in sick, weakened, or immunocompromised cats. Prolonged use of antibiotic drugs can increase the likelihood of fungal infections. Fungal infections can be localized or affect the entire body. Common fungal infections in cats include ringworm, aspergillosis, and candidiasis. Aspergillosis is primarily a respiratory infection, but it can spread throughout the body. It is treated with surgery and antifungal drugs. Candidiasis is a localized infection affecting the mucous membranes and the skin, and it is treated with ointments, topical applications, or oral or injected drugs. Mycetomas are rare fungal infections in cats that cause skin nodules, usually on the legs, feet, or face. They are treated with prolonged use of antifungal drugs and supportive treatments such as additional fluids and nutrition.
If you suspect your cat has a bacterial or fungal infection, it is important to consult a veterinarian. They will be able to examine your cat, establish a diagnosis, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
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Dental disease
The most common dental diseases in cats are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption. Gingivitis is characterised by red, swollen, and painful gums, as well as swelling, redness, discomfort, and, in severe cases, bleeding where the gums and teeth meet. It can be caused by a number of infectious or systemic diseases, including feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline calicivirus, severe kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune disease.
Periodontal disease can be prevented by daily tooth brushing using tooth gel for felines. It is important to link the brushing to a treat, such as drinking water from a dripping faucet or a favourite canned food. Start by applying a small amount of gel onto a finger and gently applying it to the cat's teeth. Once the cat is comfortable with this, try using a toothbrush.
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Skin conditions
While there are many reasons why your cat might smell like old cheese, skin conditions are a common cause of bad odours in cats.
Skin Infections
Skin infections are a common cause of bad odours in cats. Bacterial infections usually have a putrid odour, but depending on the type of bacteria, you may also notice a sweet smell. Yeast infections, on the other hand, are typically described as smelling "musty" or like "stinky feet". In addition, yeast infections can lead to more serious infections, pain, and secondary issues like hearing loss if left untreated.
Allergies and Skin Conditions
Allergies and skin conditions can also cause your cat to develop a strong odour. Dry skin, redness, and other problems with the coat and skin can cause your cat to smell bad.
Parasitic Infections
Parasitic infections caused by fleas or internal worms that burrow into the skin, such as hookworms, can also cause your cat to smell.
Anal Gland Issues
Anal glands are tiny sacs located just outside a cat's anus that contain an oily, putrid, somewhat fishy-smelling fluid that is normally expressed during defecation. In some cases, the anal glands can become inflamed, infected, or impacted, causing some of the fluid to seep out and leave a very foul odour on your cat.
If you notice your cat excessively licking or scooting and rubbing their rear end, take them to a vet to get it examined.
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Urinary tract infection
If your cat smells like old cheese, it could be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from their diet to underlying health issues. Firstly, it is important to identify the source of the odour. Is the smell coming from your cat's mouth, skin, or rear end?
If the smell is emanating from your cat's mouth, it could be an indication of dental disease, which is the most common cause of unpleasant cat odours. Plaque and tartar buildup can result in a foul odour and lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Additionally, kidney disease or unregulated diabetes can cause mouth odour, with the former producing a urine or ammonia-like odour and the latter a sweet or "fruity" smell.
In some cases, the source of the cheese-like smell may be your cat's skin. Skin infections, often resulting from underlying health issues such as wounds, allergies, parasites, or immune disorders, can cause unpleasant odours. Bacterial infections can have a putrid odour, while yeast infections are typically described as "musty" and may smell like Parmesan cheese or stinky feet.
Now, if the cheese-like smell seems to be coming from your cat's rear end, it could be due to their anal glands. These are small sacs located outside a cat's anus that contain an oily, somewhat fishy-smelling fluid. This fluid is usually released during defecation or when the cat is experiencing acute fear, stress, or excitement. If the anal glands become inflamed, infected, or impacted, some of the fluid may seep out, leaving a persistent foul odour.
Additionally, a urinary tract infection could be the culprit. Urinary tract infections can cause the urine to smell especially putrid, and your cat may exhibit incontinence or an inability to control urination, resulting in a urine-like odour.
Other possible causes of the cheese-like smell include your cat's diet or something they have rolled in outdoors, such as another animal's urine or faeces.
If you are concerned about your cat's odour, it is always best to consult your veterinarian, who can perform a complete health examination and determine the underlying cause.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why your cat might smell like old cheese. The most common cause is a yeast infection, which can cause a parmesan cheese or stinky feet odor. Other possible causes include dental disease, skin infections, or an issue with your cat's anal glands. If you are concerned about your cat's odor, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
In addition to the reasons mentioned above, your cat may smell bad due to underlying conditions such as arthritis, obesity, or allergies that make it difficult for them to groom themselves properly. Rolling in another animal's urine or feces, eating stinky food, or investigating the garbage can also contribute to a bad odor.
If you are unable to identify a benign source of your cat's odor, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. Bad odors in cats can sometimes indicate underlying health issues such as dental disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary tract infections.
