Why is my cat getting stinky?

Glowing

Hi all
I have a lovely 1.5 year old spayed female cat.

She has recently started to smell a bit - the fur along her back in particular. Can't really place what it smells like, a bit musty perhaps but it's fairly unpleasant.

How likely is it that another cat sprayed on her or something? Or could it be something else? We haven't changed her food at all, and she does groom herself!

Thanks!

Wisco

I'd say it's probably unlikely another cat would spray on her. Have you noticed any change in her coat condition or underlying skin there? For example, is it greasier or flakes of skin or anything?

planetX

I've had cats get sprayed by tomcats before - that's what it sounds like to me.

Glowing

No, no changes as far as I can see

Still as fluffy as ever

Glowing

planetX wrote: »

I've had cats get sprayed by tomcats before - that's what it sounds like to me.

Hmm - should I wash her or let nature take it's course?

planetX

good luck trying to wash her:D
she'll smell worse if you get her wet!!!

Lawrence1895

I have a tom, he smells a bit after going out. Sometimes he hides under a car and rubs his fur at it.

Well, I have some baby wipes to rub his fur, he doesn't mind that at all, but washing him? No way

Ailishcrehan

As odd as this sounds, have you checked her mouth...my friend had a cat who had an abscess in her mouth and it was infected, so when she groomed herself, the smell from her using her saliva was spread down her coat when she licked it. Worth investigating in case she needs a dental!