Really smelly stools – should I change his diet?

Mathieu75020
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Hi everyone,

I have two cats, one of whom is nearly 2 years old and has always produced a really foul, strong smell after using the litter tray.

I've been thinking it might be down to his food and I'd love some advice.

Basically, I’d like to know if it’s worth changing his diet.

I feed him dry food (Virbac Neutered) and a small portion of wet food (Almo Nature) daily. He's been on the same food and brands since he was 3 months old.

Does anyone know what could be causing these smells? And is there anything I should change in his diet?

Thanks a lot!

Translated from French
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15 answers
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    • Pooky3d
    Pooky3d Icon representing the flag French
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    My cat’s poo smells like Chernobyl whenever I give him tinned wet food. But when I give him those Edgard & Cooper trays, the smell is actually bearable. The thing is, he digests both of them perfectly well.
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    Doudou229
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    Hi Mathieu, What about trying a different diet? Something more natural rather than processed food... Just to see if it makes a difference? You could try switching to a raw diet... it’s much better suited to the digestive system of an obligate carnivore. https://www.pinterest.fr/Doudou229/barf-chat/ Kind regards
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    Mathieu75020
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    Hi, the main thing is that your cats enjoy the brand in question and aren't having any issues with being sick or diarrhoea. The smell of the poo is just a minor detail. Just clear it away quickly once they've been. For info, my three cats eat exactly the same thing and my Siamese cat's poo is smellier than the others. It’s probably just down to their gut flora; it's nothing to worry about. Thanks to both of you. Yes, the smells are unpleasant but I don't really mind. I just wanted to know if it was anything unusual for the cat. On the other hand, one of them does occasionally vomit, but he's always been like that (he’s a long-haired cat) and I've always been told not to worry about it.
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    Blue_Cat
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    Hi there,

    The main thing is that your cats like the brand and aren't having any issues with vomiting or diarrhoea. The smell of their poo is a minor detail, really. Just scoop it out quickly once they've been.

    For what it's worth, my three cats all eat exactly the same food and my Siamese's poo is much smellier than the others'. It's likely just down to their gut flora; it's nothing to worry about.

    Translated from French
    ProvetoJuniorConseil
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    Hi there,

    Smelly stools can indeed sometimes be a sign of poor digestion. If the smell is the only issue but the food otherwise suits your cat, you can stick with this diet.

    However, a change in diet can certainly change the smell of their stools and might be more pleasant for you. Try other brands of dry food, but make sure you take about two weeks to transition them over properly. Keep giving them wet food as well, as it's very beneficial for cats.

    Best regards,

    Lucie

    Translated from French

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