If you catch a whiff of unpleasant smells as your cat walks past, it might be time to give your kitty a quick check over! Sometimes, the cause can be dietary; other times, your cat might not have been grooming themselves properly. Either way, the good news is that there’s plenty you can do to get your cat smelling fresh once more!
We’ve rounded up seven of the best natural ways to get your cat smelling fresh again — all the better for cuddling them!
The 7 Natural Ways to Make Your Cat Smell Good
1. Check their diet
If your cat has stinky breath or poop, it’s a good indicator that their diet might not be quite right. Switching to raw food or grain-free can help clear up digestive problems. Some cats can develop allergies, so speaking to your veterinarian and asking them to devise a nutritional plan for your kitty is also a good idea.
2. Check your cat’s grooming habits
Most cats are fastidious about keeping themselves clean, but some cats, especially elderly or longhaired breeds, can have trouble keeping themselves clean. You might need to brush your cat a little more often. You can check out our review of the best brushes for longhaired cat breeds here.
3. Check your cat’s teeth
If you know that your cat’s diet has the all-clear but they still have bad breath, then plaque or tooth decay might be the problem. Take your cat for a check-up with your veterinarian. You can also brush your cat’s teeth or give them natural treats that help keep plaque under control.
4. Give your cat a bath
If it’s your cat’s coat that’s a bit stinky, give them a helping hand by bathing them. Using a hypoallergenic shampoo designed specifically for cats is the best idea. Don’t be tempted to use human shampoo, as a cat’s skin is far more sensitive than ours and has a different pH level.
5. Make your own natural cat shampoo
If your cat has rolled in something sticky or oily and you haven’t got time to go to the store, you can make your own shampoo with:
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup Dawn dish soap (do not substitute for other brands)
- 4 cups water
Mix well, then massage just enough shampoo to get a good lather. Rinse well, and store excess shampoo in a sealed jar.
6. Make your own natural dry cat shampoo
Does your cat hate baths with a passion? It’s also possible to make your own natural dry cat shampoo from just a few ingredients that you probably already have in the house:
- ½ cup finely ground oatmeal
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
Mix these ingredients together, then sprinkle over your cat’s coat and work in using your fingers, then brush out. It’s best to do this outside, as some will fall off your cat’s coat and cause a bit of a mess.
7. Use a waterless shampoo
You can also buy waterless shampoo, full of natural ingredients like honey and apples. Simply spray this onto your cat’s coat before massaging it in, and then dry your cat off with a towel. Look for a product that’s pH balanced for cats and is free of sulfates and colorants.
Related Read:
- How to Get Cat Pee Smells Out of Clothes (Quick & Easy)
- Why Does My Cat Smell Bad? 16 Common Reasons
Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock
