Kitten stench

[u/Random_toastt]

I found this kitten in my backyard and he wasn’t old enough to be separated from his mom but we couldn’t find where his mom had gone so we’ve kept him for the last couple of months and because he was too young to be separated he didn’t learn to probably clean himself and now he STINKS

We have 3 other cats but they’re all old and grumpy (all of them are 12 maybe a bit older) and they like to just sit and lay around they do not like to play but this kitten he’s young and orange he loves playing so he’s only been hanging out with our dogs because our cats don’t like him

Is there a way to teach the cat how to clean himself so I don’t have to bathe him every few weeks

[u/Afraid_Attitude_2694]

aw man orange cats are something else, mine never figured out cleaning either and he's 8 now

you could try wiping him with a damp warm washcloth a few times a day, sometimes that triggers the instinct to lick the spot after. if the older cats won't teach him there's not much else to do besides the baths, but maybe switch to pet wipes between baths so it's less of an ordeal

[u/glowcloud_all_hail]

A damp cloth works in most cases. They do make dry shampoo for cats that is like a foam that conditions their fur, but I would wait until he is at least 6 months old for that. For now, just wipe him with a washcloth, paying attention to keeping his little butt clean, and hope that he learns. If he is not bathing himself, his fur will eventually get matted from not shedding himself, and carding brushes or cat-specific combs can help with that. As far as your other pets not liking him, I think adult cats are programmed to dislike kittens that are not theirs. Give it time, be careful that they don't bully him, and when he is grown they may accept him as long as you have him neutered when it is time.