Should I tell my friend her house really smells? If so, how?

[Flo99Ora]

My friend lives alone but has two cats. They are house cats so don't go outside (she re-homed them from a charity several years ago and they cannot go outside for whatever reason). They use a litter tray.

She has had the cats several years, and I never used to notice a smell in her house, but the last few times I have visited her house really smells bad. I was invited round for dinner the other day and the smell was so strong it put me off wanting to eat there

I assume the smell is caused by the cats/their litter tray as I cannot think what else it is. Her house is always very tidy and looks clean, the kitchen and bathroom are immaculate so I don't think she is a dirty person. My friend doesn't smell herself, she seems to have good personal hygiene and always wears clean clothes etc. so I can only assume the smell is caused by the cats and the fact she never opens the windows (for fear of the cats escaping) so the house never gets aired.

I would just like to add that I am an animal lover myself and have pets so I am quite used to animal smells.

I am not sure whether I should say anything? My friend is single and hoping to meet someone and I do worry that if she met a nice man the house smell might put them off.

Also I am quite surprised no one in her family has said anything (she has a few family members that live near her and visit her frequently) and I do wonder if I should just leave it to them and mind my own business?

Is there a subtle way of telling someone their house smells?

Thanks

[thecatneuterer]

I wouldn't mention it. Leave it to any new man in her life to tackle if it comes to that.

[GooodMythicalMorning]

Difficult situation. I think i would tell her it is a little wiffy even if she does get a bit upset so she can sort it. If someone doesn't know there is a problem they'll never do anything about it.

[Flo99Ora]

Yes such a tricky one, want to help without offending

[Flo99Ora]

Anyone else?

[HindsightisaMarvellousThing]

Do you have a child you can prime on the matter and take with you? Then then can say something like Mummy why does this house smell so bad?

We moved into a house years ago where the owner had had at least 4 cats and bred some too. It stank - the smell was ingrained in the carpets, walls, grouting in the tiles etc. Nobody ever said anything to us other than one child in the street who asked us if we'd moved into the smelly house. And, coming from a small child, it isn't an offensive comment (IMO)

[LastingLight]

Can you just casually recommend some product you've heard about / used that works well for removing smells?

[Bluegill]

I would absolutely want to know. Clearly your intentions are good and hopefully yur friend will see that. I have a cat and I'm obsessed with smells but only too aware we can't always smell what's under our own nose . You could visit and say uiive noticed a bad smell the last few visits?

[FreakinScaryCaaw]

I'm amazed she doesn't notice when coming back into the house?

I'd want to know. Depends on how close you are?

[Flo99Ora]

I'm amazed too tbh. I guess she is just used to the smell.
Really surprised her Mum hasn't said anything .....my Mum would have told me

[gamerchick]

How good a friend is she?
Can you not go in and exclaim at the stench and ask her if she has a problem with her drains or something. Make her aware of it at least.. although how she is not is beyond me.

I'm proper paranoid about smells since an animal came to live here. There are ways of airing out the room to stop them getting out.