Many people are curious as to what exactly causes cat odor. There are many potential sources of cat odor, but the three most common ones are bacteria, sweat, and urine. When a cat sweats or urinates, the sweat and urine release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs combine with other smells to create the characteristic smell of a cat.
The bacteria that cause cat odor live in the cat’s intestines and on its skin. When these bacteria reach high levels, they produce foul-smelling gas. This gas is released through the rectum and anus when acat defecates or urinates. In some cases, however, the bacteria cannot break down food properly and this leads to an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the intestines. This condition is known as Clostridium difficile infection (C diff) and it can be extremely harmful to a cat’s health.
C diff infection can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. It can also lead to serious complications such as sepsis (a dangerous condition caused by infections entering the bloodstream) and death. If you think your cat has a C diff infection, take her to her veterinarian for testing immediately.
Other factors that may contribute to cat odor include genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices. Some cats have a more difficult time eliminating waste than others due to anatomical differences or because of dietary problems.
