Smelly Cat
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Smelly Cat
| cover =
| alt =
| type =
| artist = Phoebe Buffay and the Hairballs
| album =Friends Again
| released = November 23, 1999
| format =
| recorded = 1995–1999
| studio =
| genre =
| length =2:27
| label =
| writer =
- Adam Chase
- Betsy Borns
- Chrissie Hynde
- Lisa Kudrow
}}
"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 Stephanie Schiffer, 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
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
Background and writing
On the American sitcom Friends (1994–2004), actress Lisa Kudrow plays Phoebe Buffay, an eccentric masseuse and amateur singer-songwriter with little musical talent.{{Cite web|title=The Cat|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=pt&u=https://www.publico.pt/2006/08/06/jornal/o-gato-92393&prev=search|date=August 6, 2006|website=Público|language=pt|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620012925/https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=pt&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.publico.pt%2F2006%2F08%2F06%2Fjornal%2Fo-gato-92393&prev=search|archive-date=June 20, 2019|access-date=May 28, 2019}} The character often performs some of her original, unusual songs at Central Perk, a New York coffeehouse where she and her five friends socialize with each other.{{Cite web|title=Taylor Swift and Lisa Kudrow sing "Smelly Cat": nostalgic "Friends" love it!|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=https://www.closermag.fr/people/taylor-swift-et-lisa-kudrow-chantent-smelly-cat-les-nostalgiques-de-friends-adorent-552030&prev=search|last=Serra|first=Michel|date=August 27, 2015|website=Closer|language=fr|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620013109/https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.closermag.fr%2Fpeople%2Ftaylor-swift-et-lisa-kudrow-chantent-smelly-cat-les-nostalgiques-de-friends-adorent-552030&prev=search|archive-date=June 20, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019}}{{Cite book|last=Leszczak|first=Bob|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UpucCQAAQBAJ&q=Reprise+Records+smelly+cat&pg=PA268|title=From Small Screen to Vinyl: A Guide to Television Stars Who Made Records, 1950–2000|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|year=2015|isbn=9781442242746|location=United States|pages=296|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620013221/https://books.google.ca/books?id=UpucCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA268&lpg=PA268&dq=Reprise+Records+smelly+cat&source=bl&ots=mZ3NYW1fl-&sig=ACfU3U3mH_2Vr3-YGP1_IlDHFUDJRc5HEg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwihg6De4LriAhWH1lkKHfjxB4AQ6AEwDXoECAgQAQ|archive-date=June 20, 2019|url-status=live|via=Google Books}} "Smelly Cat" was written for the character by Kudrow with Adam Chase, Betsy Borns, and Chrissie Hynde.{{Cite web|title=CBC Radio Show Program Logs|url=https://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/Q/20190524.shtml|website=CBC.ca|id=Order of credits: Chase, Borns, Hynde and Kudrow.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620013500/https://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/Q/20190524.shtml|archive-date=June 20, 2019|access-date=May 25, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.45worlds.com/cdalbum/cd/9471002|title=CD Album – Various Artists – Friends Again|website=45worlds|access-date=June 25, 2019}} The song was conceived in 1995 by Borns, a Friends writer who had intended for it to be about a dog.{{Cite web|title=The Secret History Behind "Smelly Cat" Will Blow Your Mind|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2016/03/106980/friends-smelly-cat-song|last=Golembewski|first=Vanessa|date=March 28, 2016|website=Refinery29|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524020130/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2016/03/106980/friends-smelly-cat-song|archive-date=May 24, 2019|access-date=May 23, 2019}} Tending to incorporate her personal life into Friends storylines, Borns initially based the song on a malodorous dog she had owned as a child named Gouda (after the cheese),{{Cite web|title=OH. MY. GOD. Friends' Smelly Cat was meant to be Smelly Dog|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a788656/oh-my-god-friends-smelly-cat-was-originally-meant-to-be-smelly-dog/|last=Mitchell|first=Bea|date=March 30, 2016|website=Digital Spy|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524020126/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a788656/oh-my-god-friends-smelly-cat-was-originally-meant-to-be-smelly-dog/|archive-date=May 24, 2019|access-date=May 23, 2019}} at first describing the concept "as an ode to her childhood pet". She ultimately decided a song about a foul-smelling cat would be funnier.File:Chrissie Hynde 2013b.jpg", musician Chrissie Hynde co-wrote "Smelly Cat" with Lisa Kudrow and performs it in the episode.|303x303px|alt=Woman with medium-length shaggy brown hair, wearing a white vest and tie while playing a guitar.]]"Smelly Cat" first appears in the sixth episode of the second season, "The One with the Baby on the Bus" (1995),{{Cite news |last=Golembewski |first=Vanessa |date=March 30, 2016 |title=How Did We Never Notice This Crazy Friends Moment Before? |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2016/03/107126/friends-phoebe-buffay-brother-condom |access-date=September 10, 2024 |work=Refinery29}} which Borns also wrote.{{Cite web |last=Favale |first=Vinnie |author-link=Vincent Favale |date=June 17, 2021 |title=Episode #15 - "Speaking In Tongues With Betsy Borns P2" |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-15-speaking-in-tongues-with-betsy-borns-p2/id1559804362?i=1000525884040 |access-date=September 6, 2024 |website=Apple Podcasts}}{{Cite web |last=Favale |first=Vinnie |author-link=Vincent Favale |date=June 18, 2021 |title=Speaking In Tongues With Betsy Borns |url=https://www.vinniefavale.com/post/speaking-in-tongues-with-betsy-borns |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523132649/https://www.vinniefavale.com/post/speaking-in-tongues-with-betsy-borns |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=September 6, 2024 |website=Vinnie Favale}}{{Cite news |last=Hall |first=Steve |date=July 29, 1996 |title=Ex-'Friends' Producer Says Cast 'Might As Well Get It While They Can' |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19960729&slug=2341632 |access-date=September 10, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |quote=Borns ... wrote such popular "Friends" episodes as the one with Phoebe's bizarre "Smelly Cat" song.}} Chase, another writer for Friends, also contributed lyrics,{{Cite web|title=Whistling in the Dark – Friends 20th Anniversary Special with Adam Chase|url=https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/whistling-in-the-dark/e/friends-20th-anniversary-special-with-adam-chase-and-ira-ungerleider-36146683|date=November 30, 2014|website=Stitcher Radio|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524230409/https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/whistling-in-the-dark/e/friends-20th-anniversary-special-with-adam-chase-and-ira-ungerleider-36146683|archive-date=May 24, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019}} which originated as dialogue for the episode. He suggested that Phoebe sing a song called "Smelly Cat",{{Cite news |last=Austerlitz |first=Saul |date=August 19, 2019 |title=A Party Room and a Prison Cell Inside the Friends writers' room. |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/08/generation-friends-saul-austerlitz.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515000728/https://www.vulture.com/2019/08/generation-friends-saul-austerlitz.html |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |access-date=September 6, 2024 |work=Vulture}} a title he had pitched because the show "just needed a funny song title".{{Cite news |last=Benitez-eves |first=Tina |date=April 2, 2023 |title=The Story Behind the Iconic Chrissie Hynde Co-Written 'Friends' Song "Smelly Cat" |url=https://americansongwriter.com/the-story-behind-the-iconic-chrissie-hynde-co-written-friends-song-smelly-cat/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=American Songwriter}} Once the writers decided when the character would sing in the episode, they collaborated on evolving the dialogue into lyrics. According to Chase, much of "Smelly Cat" was improvised during late-night sessions in the Friends writer's room, with "two or three people around the table adding lines on the spot".{{Cite news |last=D'Souza |first=Shaad |date=March 30, 2023 |title='My kids' friends wear Smelly Cat T-shirts': TV insiders on creating unforgettable onscreen songs |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/mar/30/my-kids-friends-wear-smelly-cat-t-shirts-tv-insiders-on-creating-unforgettable-onscreen-songs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418092417/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/mar/30/my-kids-friends-wear-smelly-cat-t-shirts-tv-insiders-on-creating-unforgettable-onscreen-songs |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |access-date=September 5, 2024 |work=The Guardian}} Series creator David Crane and writer Jeff Astrof also took turns suggesting different lines that and phrases that were ultimately included in the final song, such as Astrof's "What are they feeding you?".{{Cite news |last=Flint |first=Hanna |date=August 19, 2019 |title=New 'Friends' book reveals the origins of Phoebe's iconic 'Smelly Cat' song |url=https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/movies/this-is-the-true-story-behind-the-creation-of-smelly-cat-in-friends-150721928.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAChdHhx5j2m2dh12PUVpEuHX9y2HSztzI2-FEvHhooPEXppA1pKZtQlgKgcY46BJdNQ9i2aufp-nsUGCACMna6B3cfTx9WjcbcHQpkJv3lfpOS_0SYqUeTlcBEsiUBSOy0JT7AEbXFrpw48g_dyCCi0lnSUImZM-R-xwFdHbQa5k |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=Yahoo! Movies UK}} Kudrow composed the melody herself, as she had done for all of her character's original songs.{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2013 |title=Lisa Kudrow Reveals Origins Of 'Smelly Cat' From 'Friends' (Video) |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/smelly-cat-friends-lisa-kudrow_n_3678280?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAA7fOAU5zfSzTCgShhqNAfun09NvebUJLlk7AGZNer_SJVCGu9GaBBIwMdzpaDIsVAtrPr6TeCorv88BpZjyXozAXklxxAl4RVit4znopBf3rPEqAGCOjoDlWnNmO80oDO_ziRtJ_UaJ6nbVcc7bg4YmQRdhotG6vsG7P4qcPWdJ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417132614/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/smelly-cat-friends-lisa-kudrow_n_3678280?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAA7fOAU5zfSzTCgShhqNAfun09NvebUJLlk7AGZNer_SJVCGu9GaBBIwMdzpaDIsVAtrPr6TeCorv88BpZjyXozAXklxxAl4RVit4znopBf3rPEqAGCOjoDlWnNmO80oDO_ziRtJ_UaJ6nbVcc7bg4YmQRdhotG6vsG7P4qcPWdJ |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |access-date=May 23, 2019 |website=HuffPost}} She recalled, "The words to the song were penned down by some very intelligent scriptwriters. But it was me who came up with the tune underneath the words".{{Cite news |date=October 31, 2020 |title=25 years ago, "Smelly cat" appeared in "Friends": painful for the ears, but in the collective memory |url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/10/30/25-jaar-geleden-smelly-cat-pijnlijk-voor-de-oren-maar-legend/ |access-date=September 10, 2024 |work=VRT}}
During the episode's live taping, Chase suggested to Crane that the song would be funnier if Kudrow emphasized the word "smelly" instead of the expected word "cat". Typically, writers do not offer notes once filming began, unless a scene did not work completely.{{Cite news |last=Galan |first=Rafael |date=May 28, 2021 |title=Friends: Smelly Cat, her true story |url=https://www-esquire-com.translate.goog/es/actualidad/tv/a36555610/smelly-cat-cancion-friends-phoebe-origen-letra/?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc&_x_tr_hist=true |access-date=September 6, 2024 |work=Esquire |language=Spanish}} With some hesitation, Crane suggested the note to Kudrow, and the revision ultimately resulted in a louder laugh from the studio audience. Hynde, lead singer of rock band The Pretenders, guest stars in the episode as Stephanie Schiffer,{{Cite web|title=An investigation into how Smelly Cat came to be so infamously smelly|url=https://www.joe.ie/movies-tv/friends-smelly-cat-636332|last=Knight|first=Ciara|date=2018|website=Joe|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525081859/https://www.joe.ie/movies-tv/friends-smelly-cat-636332|archive-date=May 25, 2019|access-date=May 25, 2019}} a professional singer hired to replace Phoebe as Central Perk's resident musician.{{Cite magazine |last=Martoccio |first=Angie |date=May 10, 2021 |title=Flashback: Chrissie Hynde Covers 'Angel of the Morning' on 'Friends' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/chrissie-hynde-angel-of-the-morning-friends-1167579/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513150005/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/chrissie-hynde-angel-of-the-morning-friends-1167579/ |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |access-date=September 5, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Phoebe initially protests being fired from her gig, but eventually teaches her "Smelly Cat" by the end of the episode.{{Cite web|url=https://beat.media/stop-the-music-classic-friends-song-isn-t-the-original|title=Stop The Music: Classic 'Friends' Song Isn't The Original!|last=Chapman|first=Tom|date=2017|website=Beat Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524071928/https://beat.media/stop-the-music-classic-friends-song-isn-t-the-original|archive-date=May 24, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019|quote=It was already established that Lisa Kudrow co-wrote the tune with Hynde}} Hynde co-wrote the song's music with Kudrow,{{Cite magazine|title=Lisa Kudrow tells Reddit she came up with the tune for 'Smelly Cat'|url=https://ew.com/article/2014/11/06/lisa-kudrow-came-up-with-the-tune-for-smelly-cat-with-some-help-from-chrissie-hynde/|last=Jue|first=Teresa|date=November 6, 2014|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524065827/https://ew.com/article/2014/11/06/lisa-kudrow-came-up-with-the-tune-for-smelly-cat-with-some-help-from-chrissie-hynde/|archive-date=May 24, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019}} who described writing with Hynde as "amazing".{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/lisa-kudrow-reveals-origin-smelly-cat-friends/story?id=26758524|title=Lisa Kudrow Reveals the Origin of 'Smelly Cat' on 'Friends'|last=Rothman|first=Michael|date=November 7, 2014|website=ABC News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120113110/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/lisa-kudrow-reveals-origin-smelly-cat-friends/story?id=26758524|archive-date=January 20, 2017|access-date=May 24, 2019}}{{Cite news|title=Lisa Kudrow reveals Chrissie Hynde helped write Phoebe's 'Smelly Cat' song|url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/lisa-kudrow-reveals-chrissie-hynde-helped-write-phoebes-smelly-cat-song/news-story/0e89908812959e8871ec12900dbca3c7|last=Taylor|first=Derrick Bryson|date=November 6, 2014|website=The Advertiser|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524231927/https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/lisa-kudrow-reveals-chrissie-hynde-helped-write-phoebes-smelly-cat-song/news-story/0e89908812959e8871ec12900dbca3c7|archive-date=May 24, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019}} The musician had agreed to guest star on Friends with little knowledge about how popular the relatively new sitcom had already become in the United States, having not heard about the show prior to being cast.{{Cite web|title=Chrissie Hynde Q&A|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2014-11-13/chrissie-hynde-qa/|last=Hernandez|first=Nina|date=November 13, 2014|website=The Austin Chronicle|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524071926/https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2014-11-13/chrissie-hynde-qa/|archive-date=May 24, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019}} In the episode, Hynde performs a somber version of "Smelly Cat" on acoustic guitar to a full Central Perk audience. Hynde also performs The Pretenders' cover of "Angel of the Morning" in the same episode.{{Cite web |last=Goh |first=Melody L. |date=May 6, 2014 |title=A decade without 'Friends': Bringing back memories |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/tv/news/2014/05/06/a-decade-without-friends-bringing-back-memories/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524201131/https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/tv/news/2014/05/06/a-decade-without-friends-bringing-back-memories/ |archive-date=May 24, 2019 |access-date=May 24, 2019 |website=The Star}}
"Smelly Cat" grew increasingly popular among fans of the show, who sent letters to producers asking that they release the song on an album.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-03-10-ca-45262-story.html|title=You Gotta Have Friends|last=Hochman|first=Steve|date=March 10, 1996|website=Los Angeles Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524185353/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-03-10-ca-45262-story.html|archive-date=May 24, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019}} Upon realizing the song's popularity, Reprise Records' Howie Klein expressed interest in developing a concept album based around "Smelly Cat" as a follow-up to the previous years' Friends album, but Kudrow's participation in the project was undecided. An updated version of the song entitled "Smelly Cat Medley" was eventually released on the soundtrack album Friends Again (1999),{{Cite news|last=Olson|first=Catherine Appliefield|date=February 12, 2000|title=Soundtracks and Film Score News|page=17|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4Q0EAAAAMBAJ&q=Reprise+Records+smelly+cat&pg=PA17|access-date=May 26, 2019|issn=0006-2510|via=Google Books}} credited to Phoebe Buffay and the Hairballs.{{Cite news |last=Gutoskey |first=Ellen |date=March 10, 2023 |title=Friends's "Smelly Cat" Lyrics Were Loosely Inspired by a Real Pet—But It Wasn't a Cat |url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/645341/friends-smelly-cat-song-lyrics-real-story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240905193333/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/645341/friends-smelly-cat-song-lyrics-real-story |archive-date=September 5, 2024 |access-date=September 6, 2024 |work=Mental Floss |quote=Kudrow and The Pretenders actually recorded a longer version of the song for the 1999 compilation album Friends Again, though the artist listed is “Phoebe Buffay and The Hairballs.”}} The track is a combination of "Smelly Cat" excerpts from various episodes, featuring vocals from Kudrow and The Pretenders.{{Cite web|title=Album Review: Friends Again soundtrack|url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1999/12/3/album-review-friends-again-soundtrack-pthe/|last=Morrell|first=Kelley E.|date=December 3, 1999|website=The Harvard Crimson|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605091418/https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1999/12/3/album-review-friends-again-soundtrack-pthe/|archive-date=June 5, 2015|access-date=May 26, 2019}} Although the album's cover features all six of the show's main cast members – Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer – Kudrow was the only main cast member to contribute a song.
Use in ''Friends''
"Smelly Cat" is one of several songs Phoebe writes and performs on Friends.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-106-1216593|title=Taylor Swift sings 'Smelly Cat' song with 'Friends' actress Lisa Kudrow – watch|last=Britton|first=Luke Morgan|date=August 27, 2015|website=NME|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526151042/https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-106-1216593|archive-date=May 26, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 26, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/17/friends-director-wasnt-a-fan-of-sean-penns-cameo-he-was-like-a-deer-in-the-headlights-8150682/|title=Friends director wasn't a fan of Sean Penn's cameo: 'He was like a deer in the headlights'|last=Miller|first=Adam|date=November 17, 2018|website=Metro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526223246/https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/17/friends-director-wasnt-a-fan-of-sean-penns-cameo-he-was-like-a-deer-in-the-headlights-8150682/|archive-date=May 26, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 26, 2019}} Debuting in "The One with the Baby on the Bus",{{Cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1038788/the-25-most-enduring-and-quotable-friends-moments|title=The 25 Most Enduring and Quotable Friends Moments|last=Piester|first=Lauren|date=May 6, 2019|website=E!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527115611/https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1038788/the-25-most-enduring-and-quotable-friends-moments|archive-date=May 27, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 24, 2019}} which aired on November 2, 1995, Phoebe first mentions the song to Rachel Green (Aniston) in conversation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2015/0922/729637-ten-reasons-friends/|title=The Top Ten greatest moments from Friends|date=September 23, 2015|website=RTÉ.ie|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524205151/https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2015/0922/729637-ten-reasons-friends/|archive-date=May 24, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019}} The song is initially established as Phoebe's least popular among audiences.{{Cite web|url=https://www.brainwavez.org/music/features/2011/20110411001-01.html|title=10 Classic Fictional Music Videos From TV's Past (And Present)|last=Watson|first=Mandy J|date=April 11, 2011|website=brainwavez.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531200632/https://www.brainwavez.org/music/features/2011/20110411001-01.html|archive-date=May 31, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 31, 2019}} In the episode, Stephanie struggles to play "Smelly Cat" to Phoebe's liking,{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2016/02/19/from-brad-pitt-to-hugh-laurie-the-19-best-celebrity-cameos-in-friends-5680449/|title=From Brad Pitt to Hugh Laurie: The 19 best celebrity cameos in Friends|last=McEwan|first=Cameron K|date=February 19, 2016|website=Metro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614142421/https://metro.co.uk/2016/02/19/from-brad-pitt-to-hugh-laurie-the-19-best-celebrity-cameos-in-friends-5680449/|archive-date=June 14, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 24, 2019}} with Phoebe advising the character to work on feeling the song's lyrics.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/music/news/taylor-swift-lisa-kudrow-smelly-cat-friends-video-justin-timberlake-selena-gomez-1201579604/|title=Taylor Swift, Lisa Kudrow Sing 'Friends' Classic 'Smelly Cat' (Video)|last=Khatchatourian|first=Maane|date=August 27, 2015|website=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310060422/https://variety.com/2015/music/news/taylor-swift-lisa-kudrow-smelly-cat-friends-video-justin-timberlake-selena-gomez-1201579604/|archive-date=March 10, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 24, 2019|quote=Phoebe's signature song, “Smelly Cat.”}} "Smelly Cat" proved popular and would continue to make several appearances throughout Friends
In season five's "The One with Joey's Bag", Phoebe's estranged father Frank Buffay (Bob Balaban) reveals that he used to sing her a lullaby called "Sleepy Girl",{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/news/blog/the-one-where-we-name-all-friends-animals-394253/|title=The One Where We Name All The Animals Who Appeared in Friends|last=Marland|first=Sean|date=August 25, 2016|website=What's on TV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624231807/https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/news/blog/the-one-where-we-name-all-friends-animals-394253/|archive-date=June 24, 2018|access-date=June 10, 2019}} which shares "Smelly Cat"'s melody, as a baby,{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/elliewoodward/emotional-moments-from-friends|title=19 Genuinely Emotional Moments In "Friends" That Will Destroy You, Even Now|last=Woodard|first=Ellie|date=May 30, 2018|website=BuzzFeed|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530224407/https://www.buzzfeed.com/elliewoodward/emotional-moments-from-friends|archive-date=May 30, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=May 24, 2019}} further establishing "Smelly Cat" as a fundamental aspect of Phoebe's life story. However, Sam Ashurst of Digital Spy identified this as a plot hole, since Phoebe had previously confirmed that her father abandons her before she was born, therefore he could not have been present to sing to her.{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a836213/friends-plot-holes/|title=8 of the most baffling plot holes in Friends|last=Ashurst|first=Sam|date=May 3, 2019|website=Digital Spy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530035529/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a836213/friends-plot-holes/|archive-date=May 30, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 29, 2019}} Ashurst theorized that Phoebe could have been so determined to retain the copyright to her most famous song that she lied about its composer. According to Rachel Steinberg of Radio Times, "Smelly Cat" is heard nine times throughout the course of the series in various capacities.{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-06-28/friends-catchphrases-quotes/|title=Oh. My. God. Can you believe they said it on Friends 1,027 times?|last=Steinberg|first=Rachel|date=June 28, 2019|website=Radio Times|access-date=July 3, 2019}} VH1 writer Stacy Lambe believes "Smelly Cat" once signified "a point in Phoebe's career when it seemed like her music was going to take off."{{Cite web|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/vspuny/best-fake-songs-on-tv|title=The Best (Fake) Songs Written For TV|last=Lambe|first=Stacy|date=November 9, 2013|website=VH1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607123106/http://www.vh1.com/news/51524/best-fake-songs-on-tv/|archive-date=June 7, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=June 7, 2019}} The New Zealand Herald described the song as "Phoebe's acoustic anthem [which] echoed throughout the whole series."{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/music/news/article.cfm?c_id=264&objectid=11504244|title=Watch Taylor Swift sing 'Smelly Cat' with Phoebe from Friends|date=August 28, 2015|website=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=June 5, 2019}} Following filming of the Friends series finale "The Last One" in January 2004, a wrap party was hosted for the cast and crew at Los Angeles' Park Plaza Hotel, at which a cocktail named after the song was served.{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/archive/friends-to-the-end-vol-61-no-5/|title=Friends to the End|last=Tauber|first=Michelle|date=February 9, 2004|website=People|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526222313/https://people.com/archive/friends-to-the-end-vol-61-no-5/|archive-date=May 26, 2019|access-date=May 26, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/ca/photos/27896/surprising-secrets-of-friends-final-season-revealed/930866|title=Surprising Secrets of Friends' Final Season Revealed|website=E!|access-date=May 26, 2019}} A full version of the music video has been included on DVD releases of Friends.{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Friends-Complete-Kevin-S-Bright/dp/B07738FYKR|title=Friends: The Complete Second Season|date=March 22, 2011|website=Amazon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620032146/https://www.amazon.com/Friends-Complete-Kevin-S-Bright/dp/B07738FYKR|archive-date=June 20, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=June 6, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.dvdmg.com/friendscompleteseries.shtml|title=Friends: The Complete Series [Blu-Ray] (2012)|last=Jacobson|first=Colin|date=November 23, 2012|website=DVD Movie Guide|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607013856/http://www.dvdmg.com/friendscompleteseries.shtml|archive-date=June 7, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=June 6, 2019}}
Composition
{{Quote box
| quote = "Smelly cat, smel-ly cat, what are they feeding you?
Smelly cat, smel-ly cat, it's not your fault."
| source = – lyrics of the song's first chorus.{{cite web |last1=Messer |first1=Lesley |last2=Gazan |first2=Ali |last3=Rothman |first3=Michael |title='Friends' Turns 20: The 20 Most Memorable Quotes From the Series |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/friends-turns-20-20-memorable-quotes-series/story?id=25631057 |website=ABC News |access-date=June 19, 2019 |date=September 22, 2014}}
| align = Left
}}
Kudrow's original rendition of "Smelly Cat" has been described as a "folky, acoustic" track.{{Cite web|url=https://etcanada.com/news/19924/watch-colbie-caillat-sings-friends-classic-smelly-cat-at-pop-up-central-perk/|title=Watch: Colbie Caillat Sings 'Friends' Classic 'Smelly Cat' At Pop-Up Central Perk|last=Furdyk|first=Brent|date=October 6, 2014|website=Entertainment Tonight Canada|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620030816/https://etcanada.com/news/19924/watch-colbie-caillat-sings-friends-classic-smelly-cat-at-pop-up-central-perk/|archive-date=June 20, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019}} The Toronto Star called it a "unique guitar ballad".{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/food/news/2014/08/29/central-perk-hits-nyc-get-your-coffee-at-the-friends-cafe/|title=Central Perk hits NYC: Get your coffee at the 'Friends' cafe|date=August 29, 2014|website=The Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524174356/https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/food/news/2014/08/29/central-perk-hits-nyc-get-your-coffee-at-the-friends-cafe/|archive-date=May 24, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019}} According to HelloGiggles' Rachel Paige, the music video version is treated to a "90s remix" with heavy production. Amazon identified the updated "Smelly Cat Medley" as a pop song lasting two minutes and twenty-seven seconds (2:27) in duration.{{Cite web|title=Smelly Cat Medley – Phoebe Buffay And The Hairballs|url=https://www.amazon.com/Smelly-Cat-Medley/dp/B0031522PM|date=November 23, 1999|website=Amazon|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809025151/https://www.amazon.com/Smelly-Cat-Medley/dp/B0031522PM|archive-date=August 9, 2015|access-date=May 26, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Friends-Again-Various-Artists/dp/B000023YA0|title=Friends Again|date=November 23, 1999|website=Amazon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525032654/https://www.amazon.com/Friends-Again-Various-Artists/dp/B000023YA0|archive-date=May 25, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=May 26, 2019}} "Smelly Cat" alternates between three chords – E, A and D – although Phoebe never refers to chords by their traditional names.{{Cite web|url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/2004/05/02/features/story6.html|title=Play 'smelly cat' like Phoebe|last=Shimabukuro|first=Betty|date=May 2, 2004|website=Honolulu Star-Advertiser|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607123106/http://archives.starbulletin.com/2004/05/02/features/story6.html|archive-date=June 7, 2019|access-date=June 7, 2019}} The song consists of a simple melody and humorous lyrics, with Comedy Central describing Kudrow's vocals as "strained".{{Cite web|url=http://www.comedycentral.co.uk/friends/articles/breaking-friends-writer-reveals-the-origins-of-smelly-cat|title=Breaking: Friends Writer Reveals The Origins Of 'Smelly Cat'|date=March 29, 2016|website=Comedy Central|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602095849/http://www.comedycentral.co.uk/friends/articles/breaking-friends-writer-reveals-the-origins-of-smelly-cat|archive-date=June 2, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=June 9, 2019}}
A novelty song,{{Cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/1827016/watch-taylor-swift-sing-smelly-cat-with-lisa-kudrow-in-l-a/video/|title=Watch Taylor Swift Sing "Smelly Cat" With Lisa Kudrow In L.A.|last=Breihan|first=Tom|date=August 27, 2015|website=Stereogum|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324055346/https://www.stereogum.com/1827016/watch-taylor-swift-sing-smelly-cat-with-lisa-kudrow-in-l-a/video/|archive-date=March 24, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=June 10, 2019}} MTV's Lindsay Soll wrote that "Smelly Cat" is about a "feline with a pungent odor",{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2551322/spotted-courtney-cox-lisa-kudrow-reviving-smelly-cat-and-madonna-hanging-with-david-letterman/|title=Spotted: Courtney Cox & Lisa Kudrow Reviving 'Smelly Cat' And Madonna Hanging With David Letterman|last=Soll|first=Lindsay|date=October 1, 2009|website=MTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524181819/http://www.mtv.com/news/2551322/spotted-courtney-cox-lisa-kudrow-reviving-smelly-cat-and-madonna-hanging-with-david-letterman/|archive-date=May 24, 2019|url-status=dead|access-date=May 24, 2019}} but Phoebe reassures the cat that its scent is not its own fault.{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2016/03/29/phoebe-from-friends-very-nearly-didnt-sing-about-a-smelly-cat-5782267/|title=Phoebe from Friends very nearly didn't sing about a Smelly Cat|last=Flint|first=Hannah|date=March 29, 2016|website=Metro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529095438/https://metro.co.uk/2016/03/29/phoebe-from-friends-very-nearly-didnt-sing-about-a-smelly-cat-5782267/|archive-date=May 29, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=June 9, 2019}} Rachel Simon, writing for Bustle, summarized the track as a song about "a poor-smelling cat treated badly by society for its odor". The song's lyrics begin "Smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you?",{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/entertainment/television/Lisa_Kudrow_Resurrects__Smelly_Cat__For_Charity-62925722.html|title=Lisa Kudrow Resurrects 'Smelly Cat' For Charity|date=September 30, 2009|website=NBC Los Angeles|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524181819/https://www.nbclosangeles.com/entertainment/television/Lisa_Kudrow_Resurrects__Smelly_Cat__For_Charity-62925722.html|archive-date=May 24, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 24, 2019}} followed by "Smelly cat, smelly cat it's not your fault."{{Cite web|url=https://toofab.com/2014/10/06/colbie-caillat-sings-smelly-cat-at-friends-central-perk-coffee-shop/|title=Colbie Caillat Sings "Smelly Cat" at "Friends" Central Perk Coffee Shop|date=October 6, 2014|website=TooFab|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524200106/https://toofab.com/2014/10/06/colbie-caillat-sings-smelly-cat-at-friends-central-perk-coffee-shop/|archive-date=May 24, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2018/07/29/happy-birthday-lisa-kudrow-55-best-phoebe-buffay-quotes/825874002/|title=Happy 55th birthday, Lisa Kudrow! Her 55 best Phoebe quotes|last=Yasharoff|first=Hannah|date=July 29, 2018|website=USA Today|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617133924/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2018/07/29/happy-birthday-lisa-kudrow-55-best-phoebe-buffay-quotes/825874002/|archive-date=June 17, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019}} "Smelly Cat" continues, "It may not be a bed of roses/ but you're no friend to those with noses".{{Cite web|url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/news/a15688/lisa-kudrow-wrote-smelly-cat-herself-friends-reunion/|title=Lisa Kudrow Is the 'Smelly Cat' Mastermind|last=Hoff|first=Victoria Dawson|date=November 6, 2014|website=Elle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524205150/https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/news/a15688/lisa-kudrow-wrote-smelly-cat-herself-friends-reunion/|archive-date=May 24, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 24, 2019}} NME critic Beth Cherry believes that the song "educate[s] the world about the plight of olfactorily-challenged felines everywhere."{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/friends-inspired-tshirts-2066827|title=11 hilarious 'Friends' moments that we had to stick on a t-shirt|last=Cherry|first=Beth|date=May 10, 2017|website=NME|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525012119/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/friends-inspired-tshirts-2066827|archive-date=May 25, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 24, 2019}} Ciara Knight of Joe considers the song's opening lyrics to be its most iconic.
Simon believes "Smelly Cat" explores an inspiring message beyond the odor of a cat about remaining unbothered while being bullied and shunned. Classic FM's Sofia Rizzi agreed that the song "has a deep and meaningful message at its core".{{Cite web|last=Rizzi|first=Sofia|date=May 23, 2019|title=A definitive ranking of Phoebe Buffay's best songs from Friends|url=https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/phoebe-buffay-friends-best-songs/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530034022/https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/phoebe-buffay-friends-best-songs/|archive-date=May 30, 2019|access-date=May 29, 2019|website=Classic FM}} Referring to the line "what are they feeding you?", Bustle
Reception and popularity
Reviews for "Smelly Cat" have been generally positive. Cosmopolitan writer Jo Sayer reviewed "The One with the Baby on the Bus" as "an awesome episode because it's ... where Smelly Cat is first introduced."{{Cite web|url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/news/a42351/friends-frankjr-earlier-cameo-condom-boy/|title=A major Friends character had an earlier cameo in the show as a different character and producers thought we wouldn't notice|last=Sayer|first=Jo|date=March 31, 2016|website=Cosmopolitan|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607051848/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/news/a42351/friends-frankjr-earlier-cameo-condom-boy/|archive-date=June 7, 2019|access-date=June 7, 2019}} Newsweek called the song "legendary".{{Cite web|url=https://theweek.com/speedreads/447312/reallife-version-friends-coffee-shop-opening-manhattan|title=A real-life version of the Friends coffee shop is opening in Manhattan|date=August 27, 2014|website=Newsweek|access-date=May 24, 2019}} A Medium contributor wrote that the song "has become an undetachable part of Phoebe's persona and her anthem". The Toronto Star
Digital Spy ranked "Smelly Cat" among "12 amazing Phoebe moments".{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a502044/lisa-kudrow-turns-50-12-amazing-phoebe-moments-in-friends-video/|title=Lisa Kudrow turns 50: 12 amazing Phoebe moments in 'Friends' – video|last=Sperling|first=Daniel|date=July 30, 2013|website=Digital Spy|access-date=May 24, 2019}} Sammy Nickalls, writing for HelloGiggles, believes "Smelly Cat" "will go down in history for the best song about an odorous pet".{{Cite web|url=https://hellogiggles.com/reviews-coverage/phoebe-best-character-friends/|title=16 reasons Phoebe Buffay was the best character on "Friends"|last=Nickalls|first=Sammy|date=May 24, 2016|website=HelloGiggles|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524205152/https://hellogiggles.com/reviews-coverage/phoebe-best-character-friends/|archive-date=May 24, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019}} Madison Malone Kircher of Business Insider wrote that "Smelly Cat" predated the Internet as a viral meme by "becoming an oft-quoted and mimicked cultural touchstone for fans of the show." Victoria Dawson Hoff of Elle observed that the song threatens to "unseat 'I'll Be There For You' as the song that's most synonymous with Friends", explaining that fans still struggle to "get it out of our heads" nearly 20 years after it was released. Bustle
Live performances and covers
Kudrow has generally refrained from performing "Smelly Cat" live under most circumstances,{{Cite web|url=https://www.inquisitr.com/1252374/will-lisa-kudrow-sing-smelly-cat-on-rumored-friends-broadway-reboot/|title=Will Lisa Kudrow Sing 'Smelly Cat' On Rumored 'Friends' Broadway Reboot?|last=Bayot|first=Asher|date=May 15, 2014|website=Inquisitr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525083126/https://www.inquisitr.com/1252374/will-lisa-kudrow-sing-smelly-cat-on-rumored-friends-broadway-reboot/|archive-date=May 25, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 25, 2019|quote=The only post-Friends instance that we found of her singing Smelly Cat was when she appeared with Courteney Cox on a benefit show}} despite being constantly asked by fans. The song began to experience a revival in 2009 when a dance remix began circulating on the Internet.{{Cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/friends-phoebe-and-monica-reunite-for-smelly-cat/524196/|title=Friends Phoebe and Monica, reunite for 'Smelly Cat'|date=October 2, 2009|website=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620045430/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/friends-phoebe-and-monica-reunite-for-smelly-cat/524196/|archive-date=June 20, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 24, 2019}} Upon learning about the remix, Kudrow said "I can't wait to hear if it is any good". In September 2009, Kudrow performed "Smelly Cat" live with actress Courteney Cox, who portrayed Monica Geller on Friends, during the Rock A Little, Feed A Lot benefit concert.{{Cite web|url=https://ca.hellomagazine.com/music/200909302128/lisa-kudrow/courteney-cox/smelly-cat/|title=Friends' flashback as Lisa Kudrow and Courteney Cox Arquette sing 'Smelly Cat'|date=September 30, 2009|website=Hello!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030032243/https://ca.hellomagazine.com/music/200909302128/lisa-kudrow/courteney-cox/smelly-cat/|archive-date=October 30, 2015|access-date=May 24, 2019}} Kudrow was intended to introduce musician Sheryl Crow, only for the audience to ask her to sing "Smelly Cat" instead. Kudrow then invited Cox to join her for the performance, for which the stagehands provided Kudrow with a guitar at Cox's insistence.{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/idiotbox/-friends-phoebe-monica-reunite-for-smelly-cat_42464.html|title='Friends' Phoebe-Monica reunite for 'Smelly Cat'|date=October 2, 2009|website=Zee News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620045647/https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/idiotbox/-friends-phoebe-monica-reunite-for-smelly-cat_42464.html|archive-date=June 20, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 24, 2019}} The performance was met with a standing ovation from the crowd. Hello! joked that "hitting the right notes wasn't really a concern [for the actresses] if they wanted the performance to reflect Lisa's character's dubious musical talents", while Inquisitr's Asher Bayot reviewed the duet as awkward. The performance remained Kudrow's only documented post-Friends "Smelly Cat" performance for several years.
In 2014, singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat sang an a capella version of "Smelly Cat" live at a Central Perk-themed pop-up café in Manhattan, New York,{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/6274112/colbie-caillat-smelly-cat-friends-store|title=Colbie Caillat Performs 'Smelly Cat' At 'Friends' Pop-Up Store|last=Strecker|first=Erin|date=October 6, 2014|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610145144/https://www.billboard.com/articles/6274112/colbie-caillat-smelly-cat-friends-store|archive-date=June 10, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 26, 2019}} which had been launched to commemorate the show's 20th anniversary. Caillat's unscheduled performanced surprised many fans in attendance, who she encouraged to sing along. Despite praising Caillat's rendition as "awesome" for "fulfill[ing] every Friends fanatic's fantasy", Bustle
File:Taylor Swift 043 (18117777270).jpg invited Kudrow to perform "Smelly Cat" with her live during one of the final performances of her 1989 World Tour.]]
In August 2015, Kudrow performed "Smelly Cat" live with singer Taylor Swift at the Staples Center during the final North American legs of her 1989 World Tour.{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/news/taylor-swift-smelly-cat/|title=Taylor Swift sang 'Smelly Cat' with Lisa Kudrow from Friends|last=Horton|first=Helena|date=August 27, 2015|website=The Daily Telegraph|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524072805/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/news/taylor-swift-smelly-cat/|archive-date=May 24, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 24, 2019}} Her fifth and final performance at the venue, Swift introduced Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, advising the audience that "She's only ever played in coffee houses before. She's never played in a big venue like this". Kudrow then entered the stage wearing a long skirt reminiscent of Phoebe's wardrobe. Adopting her character's personality, both Kudrow and Swift accompanied themselves on guitar. Kudrow interrupted Swift midway through the duet to offer feedback and remind her to feel the song's lyrics, prompting screams and laughter from the audience.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-taylor-swift-sing-smelly-cat-with-lisa-kudrow-at-l-a-show-70104/|title=Watch Taylor Swift Sing 'Smelly Cat' With Lisa Kudrow at L.A. Show|last=Spanos|first=Brittany |date=August 27, 2015|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526064242/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-taylor-swift-sing-smelly-cat-with-lisa-kudrow-at-l-a-show-70104/|archive-date=May 26, 2019|access-date=May 26, 2019}} Referencing her duet with Hynde, Kudrow ultimately assured Swift that she master the song eventually. The performance was widely reported and positively received by media outlets.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2015/08/27/entertainment/taylor-swift-lisa-kudrow-smelly-cat-feat/index.html|title=Taylor Swift invites Lisa Kudrow onstage for 'Smelly Cat'|last=Griggs|first=Brandon|date=August 27, 2015|website=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607025902/https://www.cnn.com/2015/08/27/entertainment/taylor-swift-lisa-kudrow-smelly-cat-feat/index.html|archive-date=June 7, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=June 6, 2019|quote=it was her ode to an odoriferous cat that had everybody talking.}} Yvonne Villarreal of the Los Angeles Times found the rendition superior to "Smelly Cat's" "over-produced music video" from "The One Where Eddie Moves In". The Daily Telegraph
Michel Serra of Closer reviewed that Kudrow "has not lost any of Phoebe's intonations", despite being performed 10 years after the actress had last played the role. Business Insider
To commemorate the show's 25th anniversary in September 2019, a flash mob of 25 women dressed as Phoebe assembled in New York's Union Square and performed "Smelly Cat".{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2019 |title=A Bunch of Phoebes Sang 'Smelly Cat' to Celebrate 'Friends' Anniversary |url=https://www.insideedition.com/a-bunch-of-phoebes-sang-smelly-cat-to-celebrate-friends-anniversary-56149 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008174145/https://www.insideedition.com/a-bunch-of-phoebes-sang-smelly-cat-to-celebrate-friends-anniversary-56149 |archive-date=October 8, 2019 |access-date=October 8, 2019 |website=Inside Edition}} In tribute to the character, each woman donned a suede fringe jacket, blonde wig, and guitar,{{Cite web|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/09/8453830/phoebe-impersonator-interview-friends-25-anniversary|title=The One With 25 Phoebe Buffays: This Is How NYC Celebrated Friends' 25th Anniversary|last=Lindsay|first=Kathryn|date=September 20, 2019|website=Refinery29|access-date=October 8, 2019}} replicating one of Phoebe's outfits from the series.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/english/friends-25th-anniversary-25-women-dressed-as-phoebe-buffay-sing-smelly-cat/articleshow/71237360.cms|title=Friends 25th anniversary: 25 women dressed as Phoebe Buffay sing 'Smelly Cat'|date=September 21, 2019|website=The Times of India|access-date=October 8, 2019}} The impersonators also sang the song at each location they stopped, including The Today Show, WPIX TV and Grand Central Station. The performers used the occasion to raise awareness for pet rescue and encourage witnesses to adopt a cat,{{Cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/2019/09/21/friends-25th-anniversary-dozens-of-phoebe-look-alikes-perform-in-new-york|title=Friends 25th anniversary: Dozens of Phoebe look-alikes perform in New York|date=2019|website=Euronews|access-date=October 8, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.haidagwaiiobserver.com/trending-now/iconic-90s-tv-show-friends-celebrates-25th-anniversary/|title=Iconic 90s TV show 'Friends' celebrates 25th anniversary|last=Clarke|first=Paul|date=September 22, 2019|website=Haida Gwaii Observer|access-date=October 9, 2019}} on behalf of the Best Friends Animal Society. During Friends{{'}} 2021 reunion television special, Kudrow performed a special rendition of "Smelly Cat" with Lady Gaga.{{cite magazine|last=Chan|first=Anna|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/9578881/lady-gaga-lisa-kudrow-sing-smelly-cat-friends-reunion|title=Lady Gaga & Lisa Kudrow Offer a Fragrant Duet For 'Friends: The Reunion'|magazine=Billboard|date=May 27, 2021|access-date=May 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527150026/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/9578881/lady-gaga-lisa-kudrow-sing-smelly-cat-friends-reunion|archive-date=May 27, 2021|url-status=live}}
Legacy
"Smelly Cat" has since been established as a fan and cult favorite.{{Cite magazine |last=Olson |first=Cathy Applefeld |date=February 12, 2000 |title=Soundtracks and Film Score News |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2000/BB-2000-02-12.pdf |access-date=September 9, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |pages=17}} Although Phoebe performs nearly 40 original songs over Friends
NDTV recognized "Smelly Cat" as one of Friends
In addition to ranking "Smelly Cat" first on BuzzFeed's "Definitive Ranking Of Phoebe Buffay's Top 40 Songs", author Tasmai Uppin called it "the ultimate Phoebe Buffay song" against which all of her songs are compared.{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/tasmaiuppin/phoebe-buffay-musical-stylings|title=The Definitive Ranking Of Phoebe Buffay's Top 40 Songs|last=Uppin|first=Tasmai|date=September 5, 2014|website=BuzzFeed|access-date=June 9, 2019}} Entertainment Weekly ranked "Smelly Cat" Phoebe's fifth greatest song, with author Hillary Busis calling it "iconic and charming and ready-made for merchandise" but questioned its popularity, considering it less funny than some of her other songs. Busis also praised its music video. The Irish Independent included "Smelly Cat" as one of Friends
Ranking "Smelly Cat" among Friends
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Friends}}
Category:Friends (1994 TV series)