Skunky Feline Flatulence: What On Earth Is That Smell About?
While it's perfectly normal for a cat to pass gas, which is simply air passing through the digestive system, it's not normal for the accompanying smell to make you think there's a skunk in your house. If your cat has a skunky smell, be it slight or overwhelming, there's most likely something going on that should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian.
Where That Skunky Smell Is Coming From
Beyond your cat's ordinary flatulence, which may be in a category of stink all its own, the distinct smell of skunk is most likely coming from his anal glands. These are small glands at the opening of his anus, which contain lubricant, to help his poops pass. If, for some reason, these glands become irritated or blocked, the liquid oozes out, little by little, and that's when your home wreaks of skunk.
Why Your Cat Is Smelly
If your cat has an anal gland problem, it may be due to infection, blockage or inflammation. The underlying cause should be determined by a vet, however, as this isn't anything to play guessing games with. While it's more common for dogs to require anal gland expression (where the vet will help empty them), this need may arise in your feline. Either way, beyond ordinary gas, a skunky smell is most definitely a sign that something is up, under your cat's tail.
Other situations creating ghastly gas from your cat, unrelated to anal glands, should also be investigated:
- Over-eating or eating too fast.
- Stomach sensitivities, intolerance or allergies, often attributed to cheap and unnecessary ingredients in food.
- Eating food that's gone bad.
- Parasites in the intestines.
- Accumulated fur, soon to be coughed up as a hairball.
What Your Vet Will Look For
Your vet will have a closer look at your cat's behind, checking for swelling, redness and oozing. If necessary, the vet can express the anal glands manually, by gently applying pressure until the sacs empty (hold your nose!).
The vet will also ask you what's been going on in the cat's life, such as food changes, other new pets in the home, if you've moved, whether the cat's been involved in altercations and so forth. If you frequently change your cat's food, that can contribute to digestive irregularities, especially if your cat has any sensitivities.
Your cat's doctor will make additional inquiries as to whether your cat is acting differently, like scooting his bottom on the floor or meowing in pain when he defecates. If you've noticed any changes in your cat's bowel movements, particularly blood in the stool or around the anus, be sure and mention these factors. Although anal sac issues can be simple and easily solved, sometimes the problem is a deeper, more complicated situation, mandating further testing.
The Future Of That Skunky Smell
If your cat needs to make occasional trips to have his anal glands expressed, so be it. Your vet may put your cat on a special diet, to be introduced gradually, and you will likely be advised against changing foods often or reverting to the cheapest brands (which have the cheapest ingredients). Digestive issues can lead to malabsorption, so you need to take extra care to see the cat's health and weight are constant. Follow the vet's advice, but get in touch with them right away if anything unexpected happens, including that skunky smell, if it was predicted to subside.
Gas-forming bacteria in the gut of your favorite feline isn't usually something to worry about, just as it isn't for you; however, if the odor is reminiscent of a skunk, you need to involve a professional veterinarian. A prompt investigation will ensue, followed by diagnosis and remedy. You know your proud, primped and otherwise purrfect cat wouldn't want it any other way.
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