Smelly Cat

"Smelly Cat" is a comedy song from the American sitcom Friends (1994–2004), performed by American actress Lisa Kudrow. Friends writers Adam Chase and Betsy Borns wrote the song with musician Chrissie Hynde and Kudrow for the latter's character Phoebe Buffay, and it first appears in the sixth episode of the show's second season, "The One with the Baby on the Bus" (1995). Hynde guest stars in the episode as a singer hired to replace Phoebe as Central Perk's in-house musician, to whom Phoebe eventually teaches "Smelly Cat".

Borns had intended to write the song about a dog, basing it on her own pet dog Gouda, but ultimately decided that a song about a pungent cat would be funnier. Chase and other Friends writers, including series creator David Crane, developed the song out of lyrics that had originated as dialogue. Following its debut, Kudrow would continue to perform "Smelly Cat" frequently throughout Friends' ten-year run, most prominently during the show's second season, with the song evolving into a running gag and integral component of Phoebe's role. The song's popularity grew among fans to the point where they asked for it to be officially released as an album track. Kudrow and the Pretenders, credited as Phoebe Buffay and the Hairballs, recorded an updated version entitled "Smelly Cat Medley" for the soundtrack album Friends Again (1999). Musically, "Smelly Cat" is an acoustic pop and folk novelty song about an odorous cat who is mistreated and neglected by its owners due to its stench.

Established as a fan favorite, "Smelly Cat" has become closely associated with Phoebe, Kudrow, and the series, and is often ranked highly by media publications among Friends' most memorable moments and featured songs, even rivaling the show's theme song "I'll Be There for You" in terms of popularity. "Smelly Cat" 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 also performed "Smelly Cat" with Taylor Swift live during the singer's 1989 World Tour in 2015, with footage of the duet garnering widespread media attention and becoming a viral sensation. During Friends' 2021 reunion television special, Kudrow performed a special rendition of the song with Lady Gaga.