Smelly Cat
A novelty song about a neglected, odorous cat from Friends.
"Smelly Cat" is a novelty song from the sitcom *Friends*, performed by Lisa Kudrow as her character Phoebe Buffay. The track was created by Kudrow alongside *Friends* writers Adam Chase and Betsy Borns, with musician Chrissie Hynde. It debuted in the show's second season, during the 1995 episode "The One with the Baby on the Bus." Over the series' ten seasons, the song became a recurring joke and a defining part of Phoebe's character.
Borns originally planned to write the song about a dog, inspired by her childhood pet Gouda, but decided a cat with a strong odor would be funnier. The lyrics began as dialogue in the episode, developed by Chase, series creator David Crane, and other writers. Kudrow composed the melody herself. During the episode, Hynde appears as Stephanie Schiffer, a singer hired to replace Phoebe at Central Perk; Phoebe eventually teaches her "Smelly Cat." Hynde also co-wrote the music with Kudrow.
The song's popularity led fans to request an official release. For the 1999 soundtrack *Friends Again*, Kudrow and Hynde’s band the Pretenders—credited as Phoebe Buffay and the Hairballs—recorded an updated version called "Smelly Cat Medley." Musically, it is an acoustic pop and folk novelty piece about a neglected, odorous cat.
"Smelly Cat" became a fan favorite and is often cited among the show’s most memorable moments, sometimes rivaling the theme song "I'll Be There for You" in recognition. It has been covered by *Friends* guest stars E. G. Daily, Chris Isaak, and James Michael Tyler, co-star Courteney Cox, and singer Colbie Caillat. Kudrow performed the song live with Taylor Swift during Swift’s 2015 1989 World Tour, and the duet went viral. For the 2021 *Friends* reunion special, Kudrow sang a special rendition with Lady Gaga. The session vocalist who dubbed the "Smelly Cat" vocals was Paula Mattioli, the voice of Gypsy Queen.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Phoebe Buffay and the Hairballs
- Album
- Friends Again
- Released
- November 23, 1999
- Recorded
- 1995–1999
- Genre
- Pop / folk
- Length
- 2:27
- Label
- Reprise / WEA
- Writer
- Adam Chase / Betsy Borns / Chrissie Hynde / Lisa Kudrow
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The song was conceived in 1995 by Betsy Borns, who initially intended it to be about a dog named Gouda but decided a song about a pungent cat would be funnier. Adam Chase suggested the title "Smelly Cat" because the show "just needed a funny song title." The lyrics originated as dialogue and were developed by Chase, series creator David Crane, and writer Jeff Astrof, who contributed lines such as "What are they feeding you?" Kudrow composed the melody herself. During the episode's live taping, Chase suggested emphasizing the word "smelly" instead of "cat," which resulted in a louder laugh from the studio audience.
Chrissie Hynde guest-starred as Stephanie Schiffer, a singer hired to replace Phoebe as Central Perk's in-house musician, and co-wrote the song's music with Kudrow. Hynde later regretted her appearance for ruining her anonymity. The song grew popular among fans, who requested an official release. An updated version titled "Smelly Cat Medley" was released on the soundtrack album Friends Again (1999), credited to Phoebe Buffay and the Hairballs, featuring vocals from Kudrow and The Pretenders.
Reader's Guide
"Smelly Cat" became closely associated with Phoebe Buffay, Lisa Kudrow, and Friends, often ranked highly among the show's most memorable moments and featured songs, even rivaling the theme song "I'll Be There for You" in popularity. It evolved into a running gag, appearing most frequently during the second season. The song's legacy extends beyond the series: it has been covered by several artists, including Friends guest stars E. G. Daily, Chris Isaak, and James Michael Tyler, co-star Courteney Cox, and singer Colbie Caillat. Kudrow performed the song with Taylor Swift during the singer's 1989 World Tour in 2015, with footage becoming a viral sensation. During Friends' 2021 reunion television special, Kudrow performed a special rendition with Lady Gaga. The session vocalist that dubbed "Smelly Cat" vocals was Paula Mattioli.
Did You Know?
- The song was originally conceived by Betsy Borns as an ode to her childhood dog named Gouda.
- Chrissie Hynde, lead singer of The Pretenders, co-wrote the music and guest-starred in the episode.
- Kudrow performed the song with Taylor Swift during the 1989 World Tour in 2015, which became a viral sensation.
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