Kitten that stink

Question
QUESTION: I just adopted this kitten and he stinks REALLY BAD! He is sweet and lovable but it is hard to pet him and cuddle him because of the smell. His fur smells like poo and I have bathed him repeatedly. What should I do?

ANSWER: Kristina,

How old is the kitten?  Are his stools normal or runny?

Is he long haired or short haired?

Have you had his anal glands checked?

What are you bathing him in?

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am not sure how old he is, he is old enough to be running around like crazy and eat kitten chow. His stool is normal, and he is a shorted haired tabby cat. I just got him on Sunday and I am taking him to vet his shots this week. I will talk to the vet about his anal glands. I bought some kitten shampoo from the store, nothing all that special. Any suggestions on what to bath him in? His such a sweet kitten.

Answer
Kristina,

There are a couple of possibilities.  The anal glands being clogged is one.  Another is that the kitten has a lot of flatulence and is passing gas frequently.  In either case bathing is a lost cause, but a good thing to do about once every three or four months.

The passing gas, if that is the problem, may simply be due to his adjusting to your household, your food and your water.  Cats are very territorial and any change in venue is a bit stressful, even if there are no other obvious symptoms.  Your vet will be able to give you a better idea if it is either case.

I have noticed that, because little kittens are not as good at cleaning themselves as an adult, there is a kitten "smell", but this is certainly not poo, and, when bathed it goes away for a while.  Once they hit 3 months of age, they are usually past this.

Please let me know what your vet says.

Best regards... Norm.