My cat really smells lately

christinemoon

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Honestly, there's no better way to say it. It's a strong cat smell. Think of say, pet store, or shelter, or crazy cat lady with 2 dozen pets and the inability to open windows.

I know she's old and not well. I've had her for 12 years, the shelter thought she was at least 4-5 when I got her. She weighs about 4 lbs. She's missing almost all of her teeth, and she's on a monthly clindacure regimen because of tooth abscesses. (The surgery would likely cost thousands and at her age, she probably couldn't survive it).

Even with no teeth and not an ounce of extra skin, she doesn't seem to be suffering in any way. She runs, plays, and drives me nuts at every available chance. (Not that I expect anyone to suggest I put her to sleep, but it's not an option right now).

I'm a bit nervous about bathing her, mostly for her size and age, and the fact that I'm not sure it will change if there's a bigger issue. But something has to give! She usually waits till I fall asleep and lays right next to my shoulder (it really is adorable), but I'm waking up nearly gagging.
 
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christinemoon

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As my husband just said, could this be the "close to the end" time for her? It's a cat smell, not a weird death smell. Not even a sickly smell. Just "cat".
 

donutte

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Hi there. I'm sorry to hear about the problem with your kitty - what is her name?

Has your kitty been to the vet any time recently for some blood work? Cats with kidney disease can emit strong odors that are very unpleasant, but usually you'll have other symptoms long before that happens. How is her eating? 4 lbs is pretty small - my girl was 4 lbs at the height of her hyperthyroid disease (prior to getting treated).

Not saying your kitty has these things - only a vet can diagnose that with tests. But it's possible reasons for the odor. I would definitely have her checked out at the vet.
 
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christinemoon

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Her name is Spooky. She was at the vet a few months ago, bloodwork always comes back fine. But I did just realize another possibility. I usually buy her the overpriced high calorie food, and cheapo junk food for the other cat (Mischief), who doesn't eat the good kind. Spooky is horrible, she will eat Mischief's dinner first, and then go back for her own. But I ran out about 2 weeks ago, and haven't had time to run to Petsmart. Maybe the change in diet caused the change in smell? Even though it's all Mischief eats and she smelled fine.
 
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donutte

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Unfortunately, a lot can change in even a month's time. As far as the food, I know food can affect how the poop smells, not sure about the cat herself though. So she is eating and drinking ok? And no changes in pee/poop?

I can't really think of anything, although perhaps someone more knowledgeable with the food will come by an offer a thought regarding that. Older cats can smell from not cleaning themselves well enough, but going by what you have said, that doesn't sound like it's the case.
 

talkingpeanut

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Do you see her grooming still?  If not, rather than a bath, you could get some of the pet-safe wipes and give her a dry bath.  I do agree that a vet check up and going back to her food are wise, too.
 

lavishsqualor

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Another vote for the vet.  If the odor is not coming from her mouth, ears, paws or bum then something is going on internally, and at her age she should definitely get checked out by her vet.  Something else to consider: feeding your younger cat low-quality food may seem to be cost effective at first.  But as that cat gets older there's a good chance that its less than stellar diet is going to result in some stellar vet bills. A lot of us on this site have adopted the"Pay now or pay later" attitude.  Diet really does make all the difference in the world.

Good luck with your cat!
 
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christinemoon

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Lavish, I agree with you. The younger cat Mischief ("only" 12 yrs old) mostly eats dry food. But she gets a 1/2 can of Friskies to shut her up while Spooky gets exclusively good canned food. And that rotten Spooky typically eats it on her. Never knew how a younger normal weight cat with teeth and claws can be dominated by a toothless clawless 4-lb geriatric beast. That's alpha syndrome for ya...

I believe Mischief was a feral rescue, and even after 12 years I've only held her twice- both times she was trapped in the bathroom. If I don't give her canned food when Spooky gets some, she takes an attitude. So I just hope that the better dry counters the small amount of canned.
 
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