Smelly Cat

Question: My cat, Sparkles, is in excellent health and eats and plays fine. However, she has one big problem. She stinks! It smells like dead animals and does not seem to be coming from her breath, rather it is an overall odor eminating from her. I have tried bathing, but the smell returns within a few days. Any ideas?,

ANSWER: Odor is usually caused by a bacterial infection, either in the mouth (dental disease, breath changes due to hormonal imbalances such as diabetes or acid/base disturbances because of a metabollic problem), the ears( a yeast infection or bacterial), the skin (primary skin conditions such as infections, glandular problems, etc), the anus, the urinary tract, or the reproductive tract. Sometimes, it can be a problem with anal glands (small glands just inside the anus that can become impacted and cause a "fishy" odor to be emitted). Also, it can be stool or urine that is caught/dried on the hair around the anus, the legs, etc. Odor can also be in the form of gas emitted from the colon. As you see, there are many causes for odor coming from pets. A complete physical examination to find the cause is an absolute must. Sometimes, this may even require blood tests or other forms of evaluation to get to the source. Be patient and make an appointment today.