Monkeys are often thought to be cute, loving animals that make for very interesting pets. Even Ross had a monkey, so what could be wrong with it.
But monkeys really are not for everyone. Having a pet monkey comes with a lot of issues that you will not face with other pets.
Let’s start with our main question; Do pet monkeys stink? Pet Monkeys stink. Monkeys have a strong, pungent, musky scent that can be smelled from as far as 150+ feet away in the wild. Each monkey’s scent is unique and used to identify them by other monkeys. Monkeys also smell bad because they’re messy and constantly getting dirty, and it’s hard to give them a bath like other pets.
So, yes, they do smell quite nasty. But there are a lot more questions to answer. For example, do you know why? Do they have a natural odor? Do monkeys smell bad because of their diet? Do they get dirty easily and not take care of themselves appropriately? Do monkey’s fur just naturally smell bad? We’re going to explore all these questions and more in this blog post!
Contents
Why Do Monkeys Stink?
Monkeys are wild animals, they live in the wild where scent plays a huge factor in their communication.
A monkey’s posterior secretes a collection of chemicals that have a strong odor. A monkey sniffing another’s rear end is simply getting to to know the other monkey through their chemical signature, so to speak. Their strong scent is simply one of the many reasons why monkeys don’t make good pets.
Depending on the monkey’s species, diet, environment, and sex, different chemicals are produced. Individuals may be identified by the variation in chemical levels secreted within a population.
By the way, you can learn about the best monkey breeds as pets here.
Another factor in why monkeys stink and smell so bad could be because they have a weaker sense of smell or at least a different one.
Olfaction is a difficult topic to study, especially in the wild. It’s debatable whether scent marking is intended – a monkey intentionally generating and expelling a certain odor to achieve a purpose or merely the result of diet and climate.
It’s difficult to figure out what cue (visual, olfactory, etc.), or combination of cues, is producing a result because primates employ various methods of communication, such as vocalizations and body language.
Do Monkeys have a natural odor?
Yes, monkeys have a strong, natural odor that’s not meant to be appealing. It is meant as a form of communication.
Do Monkeys smell bad because of their diet?
It is unlikely that monkeys smell bad because of their diet, which is all-natural, of course. Monkeys are omnivores and will eat a wide variety of foods including fruits, nuts, seeds, insects and even meat.
While their diet can vary depending on the region and environment that they live in, it’s safe to say that wild monkeys won’t be eating food with many chemicals or artificial fruit flavorings. Some pet monkeys can have processed foods, and you can learn more about what you can feed your pet monkey in my post on the costs of getting a pet monkey here.
Do Monkeys get dirty easily?
Yes, monkeys are messy animals and they will get dirty easily, but surprisingly, monkeys are very clean animals and will groom themselves constantly, but they don’t have the tools to do a thorough job.
A monkey can spend up to 30% of their day grooming themselves or other monkeys in their troop, as it’s important for their social life. However, what smells good to them probably won’t smell good to you at all.
Is it difficult to bathe a monkey?
Yes, pet monkeys are extremely difficult to bathe and clean because they will constantly be getting dirty again – it’s impossible to keep them from smelling! You can’t take a monkey to the local dog groomer or veterinarian, so it’s up to you.
Monkeys are also very sensitive creatures and can be easily stressed out by new environments and activities that they’re not used to doing on a daily basis. So, you will need to know what you are doing to get them used to the bath and the grooming tools.
How to make your monkey smell good?
To make any pet smell good, you need to do the following:
- Try to avoid them getting dirty a lot, this means limited and supervised outside playing time, and always keep them on a leash
- Give them baths often and when necessary – this depends on the pet and their fur or coat.
- Groom them often, use shampoos and other grooming products to keep them clean and smell good.
- Use products made with natural ingredients, and feed them natural foods.
- Regularly wash their bedding. You can add a few drops of lavender essential oils to a mix of water and witch hazel and spray their bedding with it to make it smell better.
Conclusion
Monkeys smell bad, but with some effort, you can still make them smell better, but beware that it is going to take a lot more effort than, let’s say, making your dog or cat smell better.
It is said that monkeys have a smell that is several times stronger than a skunk, so if you think that having a skunk in your house would be a bad idea, maybe a monkey is not the right pet for you.
Related Questions
Are Pet Monkeys nasty?
Pet monkeys are nasty creatures and they will give you a lot of problems, but once again – it’s up to the owner to make them smell nice. Do not get a pet monkey if you are not 100% sure that you want one and that you can handle them.
How well do monkeys smell?
Monkeys do stink because their bodies have natural oils and secretions from glands in their skin. Do not expect a pet monkey to smell like flowers or anything, but they can be kept clean and free from odors if you take good care of them!
Do Monkeys brush their teeth?
Monkeys do clean their teeth with an improvised floss made from bird feathers, blades of grass, nylon thread, and coconut fibers. The chimps’ use of tools is impressive. They even bundle ahead by ripping apart nylon threads before using them, according to the researchers in Primates. Flossing is only one of the techniques our evolutionary predecessors employ effectively, according to the researchers in Primates.
