» weird smell when playing

Hi, I'm new here, and I found you on google while searching for an answer to this question. My cat seems to emit a weird smell when playing lately. She likes to chase a ribbon, like the drawstring from pajamas. When she's doing that, she seems to make a funny smell. She's 12, healthy,indoor, and spayed. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

Hi. Welcome to KK!

Only when she is playing? Is it possibly gas? If so you may talk to your vet about a change in diet.

It's a kind of musty smell. I've never actually experienced a cat with gas, so I don't know if the smell I'm looking for is the same as with "people gas?" There is no "sound" coming from either end of her, other than the regular meowing and talking. I can't imagine the vet being able to experience this smell, since she's not going to play in his office, and the smell won't be observable. The food she eats is from the vet's office. I will see what he says, though.

If the cat will let you, try rubbing his belly. You'll have to put mild pressure on his stomach. But if you massage this and you start to smell it then it most likely is gas. My cat ate a whole bag of treats one time and came down with the most rank gas I've ever encountered. He didn't make sounds either. But any time there was any kind of gosling of his stomach it was apparent. If this is the case you know what it is and a diet change is in order. If not the best thing to do is talk to your vet.

I would add in some information, but I have never heard of anything like this before. I think Robin gave you some good advice. I guess the first thing I would recommend is just calling up your vet and asking him what he recommends. Just keep an eye on it and good luck!

Well, the vet said she's perfectly fine and may be emitting pheromones, like she's excited, when she's playing. He says it's odd, since she's spayed, but not impossible. No gas or abscesses or obstructions or anything. Thank goodness she's healthy. She's just a little weirdo, I guess...

Thanks for updating and glad to know why!

That is odd. Hmm Well, thank's for the update! Glad your cat's healthy!

Your cat may be releasing her anal glands. We see this more often with dogs, but both cats and dogs have two anal glands on the sides of their anus ( about 5 and 7 O'clock). When they get excited or stressed they can release these glands, which emit a musky smell.

I work at a veterinary hospital and we see this alot while taking care of the animals.

I agree ChesireCat. This has happend with my dog (RIP). We used to have her taken in and they would have to pop her sac (so to speak I know that isn't the pc term) and it was the foulest smell but such a relief to her. I also have a cat that when he gets nervous or excited he passes gas. So if it isnt pheromones that your kitty is projecting then check with the vet about the anal glands. It is possible with kitties and treatable.

Other than that thank you for the update.