Have you ever caught a whiff of your underarms and thought, “Why do I smell like a litter box?” You’re not alone! Many people have experienced this peculiar odour and wondered what could be causing their underarms to smell like cat pee.
Here Is Why Armpits Smell Like Cat Pee
Cat Pee is really the smell of Ammonia, there are many causes for this smell and this includes:
High Protein Diet
Exercise
Different Health Conditions
Kidney Disease
Diabetes
Trichomycosis
Trimethylaminuria
Foods You Eat- Meat, Dairy, Spices
In this blog post, we will delve into the science behind this ammonia-like scent, explore the reasons for its emergence, and discuss practical tips to keep your underarms fresh and odour-free.
To unravel this enigma, we must first understand the chemistry of sweat, the role of bacteria, and the metabolic processes occurring in our bodies. In the following sections, we will examine how diet, hydration, and even genetics can influence the intensity of this peculiar odour.
Finally, we’ll share proven strategies for tackling this issue, including personal hygiene tips, lifestyle changes, and product recommendations to help you say goodbye to that pesky cat pee smell once and for all! So, hold your nose and join us as we investigate the intriguing world of underarm odours.
What Is Ammonia And How Is This Released Under The Arms?
Ammonia (NH3) is a colorless, pungent gas with a characteristic sharp smell. It is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen and is naturally produced in small amounts by our bodies as a byproduct of various metabolic processes. Ammonia is released under the arms primarily through the process of sweating.
Sweat is our body’s natural cooling mechanism and a way to eliminate waste products. There are a few sorts of sweat spots in our skin: eccrine and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands are located everywhere and produce sweat mainly composed of water and salts. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are concentrated in areas with hair follicles, such as the underarms and groin.
Ammonia is generated in our bodies as a result of protein metabolism. When we consume proteins, our body breaks them down into amino acids, which are then used to build new proteins or are converted into other compounds. During this process, excess nitrogen-containing compounds are produced, which are then converted into urea or ammonia for excretion.
The ammonia released through sweat can mix with the bacteria naturally present on our skin, particularly in the moist, warm environment of the underarms. These bacteria break down the sweat’s proteins and lipids, generating various byproducts, including ammonia. This process is what gives rise to the characteristic smell of body odour, including the cat pee-like smell in some cases.
Various factors, such as diet, genetics, hydration, and personal hygiene, can influence the intensity of the ammonia smell released from the underarms. By understanding and addressing these factors, it is possible to reduce or eliminate this unpleasant odour.
Reasons Why Armpits Smell Like Cat Pee
High Protein Diet
A high protein diet can make your underarms smell like cat pee due to the increased production and excretion of ammonia as a byproduct of protein metabolism. When you consume more protein than your body needs for growth, maintenance, and energy, the excess amino acids from the protein are broken down and metabolized.
During the process of amino acid deamination, the nitrogen-containing amino group is removed, leaving behind ammonia. The liver usually converts the majority of this ammonia into a less toxic compound called urea, which is then excreted through the urine. However, when the protein intake is significantly high, the liver may not be able to efficiently process all the ammonia, causing some of it to remain in the bloodstream. This excess ammonia is then excreted through alternative routes, including sweat.
When ammonia is released through sweat, particularly in areas with apocrine glands like the underarms, it creates a favorable environment for the naturally occurring bacteria on the skin to thrive. These bacteria break down the sweat’s proteins and lipids, producing various byproducts, including ammonia. The combination of ammonia produced by the body and the byproducts of bacterial metabolism leads to the cat pee-like smell in the underarms.
By moderating protein intake and ensuring a balanced diet that includes adequate carbohydrates and fats, you can help minimize the production of ammonia and the associated odor. Additionally, proper hydration, good personal hygiene, and the use of appropriate antiperspirants or deodorants can further help in managing underarm odor.
Exercise
Exercise can make your armpits smell like cat pee due to several factors, including increased sweat production, ammonia excretion, and the breakdown of certain amino acids during intense physical activity.
Increased sweat production: When you exercise, your body temperature rises, leading to increased sweat production to help cool you down. This sweat contains various compounds, including urea, salts, and, in some cases, ammonia. The higher the sweat production, the more likely it is that ammonia may be present in the sweat.
Ammonia excretion: During intense exercise, your body may break down amino acids to produce energy, especially if carbohydrate reserves are low. This process generates ammonia as a byproduct, which is then excreted through sweat. As mentioned earlier, when ammonia is released in areas like the underarms, it can mix with bacteria on the skin, producing a cat pee-like smell as they metabolize the sweat components.
Breakdown of amino acids: This breakdown increases the production of ammonia, which is excreted through sweat and can contribute to the cat pee-like smell in the underarms.
To minimize the cat pee-like smell during and after exercise, consider the following tips:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to help dilute the ammonia concentration in your sweat.
Maintain a balanced diet: Ensure a balanced diet with adequate carbohydrates to minimize the breakdown of amino acids for energy during exercise.
Wear moisture-wicking clothing: Opt for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that help evaporate sweat quickly, reducing the chances of bacterial growth and odor development.
Shower after exercise: Wash your underarms thoroughly with soap and water after working out to get rid of fluid, reducing the likelihood of odour formation.
Use deodorant or antiperspirant: Apply a suitable deodorant or antiperspirant before exercising to help control sweat and odor.
Different Health Conditions
Several health conditions can contribute to your armpits smelling like cat pee due to alterations in sweat composition, increased ammonia production, or changes in the skin’s bacterial flora. Some of these conditions include:
Hyperhidrosis: This condition causes excessive sweating, which can create a moist environment in the underarms that promotes bacterial growth. As bacteria break down the sweat components, ammonia and other odorous byproducts may be produced, leading to the cat pee-like smell.
Liver disease: The liver plays a crucial role in converting ammonia to urea for excretion. Liver disease can impair this function, leading to a buildup of ammonia in the body. As with kidney disease, the excess ammonia can be excreted through sweat, resulting in an ammonia-like odor in the underarms.
Infections: Certain bacterial or fungal infections can alter the balance of the skin’s microbiome, potentially increasing the production of odor-causing byproducts like ammonia. Infections can also cause inflammation, which may further contribute to changes in sweat composition and odor.
Metabolic disorders: Some rare inherited metabolic disorders, such as trimethylaminuria, can cause an accumulation of specific compounds in the body that are excreted through sweat, urine, and breath. These compounds may produce a strong, unpleasant odor, which may resemble cat pee in some cases.
If you suspect an underlying health condition is causing your armpits to smell like cat pee, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Addressing the root cause can help alleviate the associated odour.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can cause your armpits to smell like cat pee due to impaired waste removal, leading to a buildup of ammonia in the body. Healthy kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products, including urea (a less toxic nitrogenous compound), from the blood. Urea is then excreted from the body through urine.
When kidneys are not functioning properly due to disease or damage, their ability to filter waste products efficiently is compromised. This can result in the accumulation of waste products, such as urea and ammonia, in the bloodstream. To cope with the increased levels of ammonia, the body attempts to excrete the excess through alternative routes, one of which is sweat.
As excess ammonia is released through sweat, particularly in the underarm region, it interacts with the naturally occurring bacteria on the skin. The bacteria metabolize the ammonia and other components in the sweat, producing various byproducts, including more ammonia. This process results in the characteristic cat pee-like smell.
Diabetes
Diabetes can contribute to your armpits smelling like cat pee through several mechanisms, including changes in sweat composition and the development of diabetic ketoacidosis in uncontrolled cases.
Changes in sweat composition: High blood sugar levels in people with uncontrolled diabetes can lead to changes in the composition of sweat, which may create a more favorable environment for bacteria to thrive. As these bacteria break down the sweat components, they produce various byproducts, including ammonia. This process can result in a cat pee-like smell in the underarms.
It is important to note that the cat pee-like smell associated with diabetes is not a common symptom and may not be present in all individuals with the condition. Proper management of diabetes, including maintaining healthy blood sugar levels through medication, diet, and exercise, can help minimize the risk of DKA and reduce the impact of diabetes on sweat composition, thereby alleviating the associated underarm odour.
Trichomycosis
Trichomycosis, also known as trichomycosis axillaris, is a superficial bacterial infection affecting hair shafts, primarily in the underarm area. It is caused by the overgrowth of bacteria, such as Corynebacterium species, which are part of the normal skin flora. Trichomycosis can cause your armpits to smell like cat pee due to the metabolic activities of these bacteria.
When the underarms provide a warm, moist, and nutrient-rich environment, the bacteria proliferate and colonize the hair shafts. As these bacteria metabolize sweat components, including proteins and lipids, they produce various byproducts, such as ammonia, short-chain fatty acids, and sulfurous compounds. The presence of ammonia, in particular, contributes to the cat pee-like smell in the underarms.
Factors that can increase the risk of developing trichomycosis include poor hygiene, excessive sweating, and the use of tight, non-breathable clothing that traps moisture in the underarm area.
To manage trichomycosis and alleviate the cat pee-like odor, consider the following measures:
Maintain proper hygiene: Regularly wash your underarms with plenty of soap to get rid of sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells. This will help keep the bacterial population in check and reduce the production of odor-causing byproducts.
Use antiperspirants or deodorants: Apply antiperspirants to control excessive sweating and deodorants to neutralize odor.
Wear breathable clothing: Opt for loose-fitting, moisture-wicking fabrics that allow sweat to evaporate, reducing the chances of bacterial overgrowth.
Trim or shave underarm hair: Shorter or no hair in the underarms can make it harder for bacteria to colonize the hair shafts and facilitate easier cleaning of the area.
Trimethylaminuria
Trimethylaminuria, also known as fish odor syndrome, is a rare medical condition that acts on the body’s potential to metabolize trimethylamine (TMA), a compound produced during the digestion of certain foods. This condition can make your underarms and other parts of the body smell like cat pee or fish due to the accumulation and excretion of TMA.
In individuals with trimethylaminuria, a mutation in the FMO3 gene leads to a deficiency or dysfunction of the enzyme flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3). Under normal circumstances, FMO3 is responsible for converting TMA into its odorless form, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which is then excreted through urine. When the FMO3 enzyme is deficient or not functioning correctly, TMA is not effectively converted to TMAO, resulting in an accumulation of TMA in the body.
The excess TMA is excreted through sweat, urine, and breath, producing a strong, unpleasant odor that can resemble cat pee, fish, or rotten eggs, depending on the individual’s perception.
Managing trimethylaminuria typically involves the following strategies:
Dietary modifications: Limiting or avoiding foods high in choline and trimethylamine precursors, such as eggs, fish, certain meats, and legumes, can help reduce TMA production.
Use of acid soaps and body washes: Washing the underarms and other affected areas with mildly acidic soaps or body washes can help neutralize the TMA and reduce the odor.
Maintain good hygiene: Regular bathing and the use of deodorants can help minimize the odor to some extent.
Consult a healthcare professional: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medications or supplements, such as activated charcoal, copper chlorophyllin, or riboflavin (vitamin B2), to help manage the condition.
It is essential to work with a healthcare professional or a clinical geneticist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized recommendations to manage trimethylaminuria effectively.
Foods That You Eat- Dairy, Meat, Spices
The foods you eat, including dairy, meat, and spices, can influence your body odor and, in some cases, make your armpits smell like cat pee. This is primarily due to the compounds present in these foods and how they are metabolized in your body.
Dairy: Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, contain proteins and other compounds that can be broken down by the body into odor-causing substances. For instance, the metabolism of certain amino acids present in dairy can lead to the production of ammonia, which could contribute to the cat pee-like smell in the underarms.
Meat: Consuming large amounts of meat, especially red meat, can lead to an increase in ammonia production due to the high protein content. As previously discussed, the breakdown of amino acids during protein metabolism generates ammonia. When the body excretes excess ammonia through sweat, it can mix with bacteria on the skin, creating a cat pee-like odor.
Spices: Some spices, such as garlic, onion, and cumin, contain sulfur compounds that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and released through sweat. When these compounds are brought down by bacteria on the body, they can produce a strong, pungent odor. Although not exactly like cat pee, this smell can be quite unpleasant.
Hormones
Hormones can influence your armpits’ odor, potentially resulting in a cat pee-like smell, through their effects on sweat production, composition, and the activity of bacteria on the skin.
Apocrine glands and hormones: The underarm region contains apocrine sweat glands, which are activated during puberty by hormonal changes. Apocrine glands produce a thicker, milky sweat which is different from normal sweat. This type of sweat is odorless when secreted, but when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it is broken down into various odor-causing byproducts, such as ammonia, short-chain fatty acids, and sulfurous compounds. The presence of ammonia, in particular, can contribute to the cat pee-like smell.
Hormonal fluctuations: Throughout a person’s life, hormonal fluctuations can occur due to factors such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and stress. These fluctuations can alter sweat production and composition, as well as the balance of skin bacteria, leading to changes in body odor. An increase in ammonia production or a change in the bacterial flora during these periods may result in a cat pee-like odor.
Androgen-related odor: Androgens, a group of hormones that include testosterone, can influence apocrine sweat gland activity and body odor. Higher levels of androgens can lead to increased apocrine sweat production and a stronger odor. In some cases, this odor may resemble cat pee, depending on the individual’s unique body chemistry and skin bacteria.
Stress
Stress can make your armpits smell like cat pee due to its effects on sweat production, the activation of apocrine glands, and the release of stress hormones.
Increased sweat production: Stress activates the body’s “fight or flight” reply, causing the let out of stress hormones which includes adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase sweat production, particularly in the underarm region. The increased sweat creates a moist environment that is conducive to bacterial growth and the breakdown of sweat components into odor-causing byproducts, including ammonia.
Hormonal changes: Stress can cause hormonal fluctuations that can affect sweat production, sweat composition, and the balance of skin bacteria. These changes may result in a shift in body odor, including the development of a cat pee-like smell in the underarms.
Ways To Help Stop Your Armpits Smelling Like Cat Pee
Drink More Water
Drinking more water can help stop your armpits from smelling like cat pee by supporting several processes that influence body odor:
Dilution of waste products: Drinking sufficient water helps dilute waste products, including ammonia, in your bloodstream and urine. Proper hydration facilitates the efficient removal of these waste products through urination, reducing their concentration and minimizing their release through sweat. Lower concentrations of ammonia in sweat can lead to a less intense cat pee-like smell.
Enhanced detoxification: Adequate hydration supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, enabling the kidneys and liver to function optimally in filtering and eliminating toxins and waste products. This reduces the need for the body to excrete excess ammonia through sweat, which can help prevent the unpleasant underarm odor.
Regulation of sweat production: Drinking enough water helps regulate sweat production by maintaining an appropriate balance of fluids in the body. When you’re well-hydrated, your body can produce sweat more efficiently and at a consistent rate, preventing the accumulation of sweat and bacteria on the skin that can lead to odor.
Reduction of concentrated sweat: Proper hydration leads to less concentrated sweat, which contains fewer odor-causing compounds, making it less appealing to bacteria on the skin. This reduces the chance of bacterial breakdown of sweat components, resulting in a less pungent odor.
Change Your Diet
Changing your diet can help reduce the smell of cat pee under your armpits by addressing the underlying causes of the odor, such as the consumption of certain foods that contribute to the production of ammonia and other odor-causing compounds. Here are some dietary changes you can make to help reduce underarm odor:
Limit high-protein foods: Excessive consumption of protein-rich foods, particularly red meat, can lead to increased ammonia production during protein metabolism. By reducing your intake of high-protein foods and balancing your diet, you can lower ammonia levels, which may help reduce the cat pee-like smell.
Opt for plant-based proteins: Plant-based proteins including beans, lentils, and tofu tend to have a milder impact on body odor compared to animal-based proteins. Incorporating more plant-based proteins in your diet can help manage underarm odor.
Reduce pungent spices and foods: Certain spices and foods, such as garlic, onion, and cumin, contain sulfur compounds that can contribute to body odor. Reducing your intake of these strong-smelling ingredients can help minimize their effect on your underarm smell.
Cut back on processed foods: Processed foods often contain artificial additives, preservatives, and high levels of salt, which can alter your body’s odor. Consuming more whole, unprocessed foods can help support a healthier body odor.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water can help dilute odor-causing compounds in the body and support efficient waste removal.
Incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables: Consuming a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables can help support the body’s detoxification processes and promote a healthier body odor. Some fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens, may even have a deodorizing effect on the body.
Wash Regularly
Washing your underarms regularly can help stop the smell of cat pee by addressing the factors that contribute to the odor, such as sweat accumulation, bacteria growth, and the breakdown of sweat components into odor-causing byproducts. Here’s how regular washing can help:
Removal of sweat and odor-causing compounds: Washing your underarms with soap and water helps remove accumulated sweat, which contains ammonia and other odor-causing substances. By keeping your underarms clean, you can reduce the concentration of these compounds and limit the intensity of the cat pee-like smell.
Reduction of bacterial growth: Bacteria on your skin metabolize sweat components, such as proteins and lipids, into byproducts like ammonia, short-chain fatty acids, and sulfurous compounds. Regularly washing your underarms reduces the number of bacteria on your skin, limiting the breakdown of sweat components and the production of odor-causing byproducts.
Maintenance of skin pH: Washing your underarms with a gentle soap helps look after the skin’s natural pH balance, which helps with the role in controlling bacterial growth. Balanced skin pH can help prevent the overgrowth of odor-producing bacteria and reduce the likelihood of developing a cat pee-like smell.
Removal of dead skin cells: Regular washing helps remove dead skin cells that can accumulate in the underarm area, providing additional food sources for bacteria and contributing to unpleasant odors. Exfoliating your underarms with a gentle scrub once or twice a week can further aid in the removal of dead skin cells and bacteria.
To stop the smell of cat pee under your arms, it’s essential to maintain good hygiene by washing your underarms daily, using antiperspirants or deodorants, and wearing breathable clothing. Additionally, consider making dietary changes, staying hydrated, and managing stress to further address the factors that contribute to underarm odor.
Stress
To reduce stress and its impact on underarm odor, try incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine, such as:
Meditation: Practicing mindfulness meditation can help you cultivate a calmer state of mind and reduce stress levels.
Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to decrease stress hormones and promote the production of endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress.
Deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing or the 4-7-8 method, can help activate the relaxation response and lower stress levels.
Adequate sleep: Prioritizing sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help improve your overall well-being and reduce stress.
Seeking professional help: If you’re struggling to manage stress on your own, consider consulting a mental health professional for guidance and support.
By reducing stress and its effects on underarm odor, you can help stop the smell of cat pee. Additionally, maintain good hygiene, make dietary adjustments, and stay hydrated to further address the factors contributing to underarm odor.
Using A Natural Deodorant With Good Ingredients In It
Using a natural deodorant containing magnesium hydroxide and diatomaceous earth can help with the smell of cat pee under your arms by neutralizing odor-causing compounds and absorbing moisture, which can limit bacterial growth and the production of unpleasant odors. Here’s how each ingredient works:
Magnesium hydroxide: This alkaline compound helps neutralize odor-causing acids produced when bacteria metabolize sweat components. Magnesium hydroxide creates an environment that is less conducive to bacterial growth, which can reduce the production of ammonia and other odor-causing byproducts, thereby minimizing the cat pee-like smell. Additionally, magnesium hydroxide is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies to conventional deodorants and antiperspirants.
Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is a natural, silica-rich powder derived from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of single-celled algae. It has excellent moisture-absorbing properties, which can help keep the underarm area dry and reduce the damp environment that bacteria thrive in. By absorbing excess moisture, diatomaceous earth can limit bacterial growth and the breakdown of sweat components, resulting in less odor production. Moreover, diatomaceous earth has mild abrasive properties that can help remove dead skin cells, further reducing the likelihood of bacterial overgrowth and unpleasant odors.
Using a natural deodorant with magnesium hydroxide and diatomaceous earth can be an effective and skin-friendly way to address the cat pee-like smell under your arms.
Mr Bees Manuka’s Citrus and Lime Deodorant contains both Magnesium hydroxide and Diatomaceous Earth in the ingredients making it a great natural deodorant.