Why does my cat have to stink so bad?!?

Question

I've recently gotten a cat. He's from my grandmother and he's about a year old and even though I've never cared much for cats, I really like this one.

The thing is, his poop reeks!! He goes in his litter box, which is great, but in a matter of seconds the whole house stinks, even though I get rid of his poop out of the house as soon as he finishes. Do all cats smell this bad? Is it something he's eating? Are there any ways to help out with this smell besides febreeze and arm & hammer? Yuck!!

Answer 1

Cats are very clean and they don't stink--unless they are really sick. Cat poop, unfortunately, does stink, especially when you change the cat's diet (you might be feeding him something different from your grandmother). If it's a dietary change, once the cat has adjusted, the poop will still stink, just not quite as bad. You can try some odor-absorbing litter, it'll help a little, but your best bet is to have him go outside. I recently acquired two kittens and I have the same problem with the odor. They were already litterbox-trained, they're good about covering it up, and I use odor-absorbing litter, but I can't wait until they're old enough to go in and out the pet door on their own. If it's possible, install a pet door for your cat; they prefer going outside rather than using a litterbox anyway.

Answer 2

My cats eat dry food and dry food only. Their poop isn't so bad. But here are some things that make difference:

one cat didn't seem to learn exactly how to cover the poop--so if your cat isn't quite covering his poop then it's going to smell worse and sadly, it's not going to improve.

What kind of box do you have? Is it a litter box with a cover and a filter or is it an open box? The ones with the covers allow less of the scent to travel.

What kind of litter are you using in the box? Some cats are very particular and get uptight about going in different litter so you may not want to change it. However, I recommend you buy the VERY BEST LITTER you can afford. In fact, splurge. You will thank me. If you are scooping every day, have good smelling litter in a covered box, and your cat is eating mostly dry food, this smelly situation should improve.

BTW halfway between changing the litter completely and washing the litter box I like to sprinkle a little (just a little --like 2 tablespoons) arm & hammer carpet fresh in the box. Hasn't seemed to do them any harm so far.
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wait, one more thing--another poster mentioned cats going outside. Now, of course this is up to the owner but let me tell you--I used to allow my cats into the backyard BUT they recently got FLEAS. Apparently the NY winter was so warm the fleas didn't die out and are now taking root in my home. Yes, fleas were hopping onto my ankles and biting the life out of me. I had to wash my hair in flea shampoo. That is ri-damn-diculous. So really think carefully if this is an option you want to pursue. Those fleas are heck to get rid of. And needless to say those cats don't go outdoors any more.

Answer 3

Is the stool at all soft? If it is you should probably take a sample to the vet so they can check for parasites.

Regardless, it's probably the food. You didn't say what you're feeding or whether it's dry or canned. But whatever it is, it sounds like a change is in order.

I only recommend canned foods (or raw diets but I won't go into that now). Dry food isn't good for cats - and it doesn't clean their teeth. It's merely convenient for humans to feed.

Choose a good quality canned food. Make the transition to the new food slowly (see link with helpful advice).

If things don't improve, try another brand. But I believe that if you choose a good grainless variety things will improve immensely.

You can help things along too by adding a little bit of water to the canned food. The water will help with digestion.

Worst case scenario, you might consider supplementing with something like probiotics, slippery elm or digestive enzymes.

Answer 4

What comes out is based on what goes in. Change his food if you don't like the smell that's coming out.

Stay away from fish type of cat foods, those really make things reek. And don't feed milk, the sugars in the milk can make for some awful smells too.

Stick with a chicken base in the food, or beef or some meat other than fish. You should see a difference pretty fast.

Answer 5

It will never smell good but it shouldn't smell up the entire house that quickly. It is possible that he is having a problem easily digesting his food. It could be too high in fat and not high enough in fiber and is fermenting in his gut and coming out reeking.

I would switch to another food, make sure that he gets enough water, try a teaspoon of plain yogurt for the bacteria, add in some shredded lettuce, cat grass, grated zucchini, grated carrots, etc. to bulk up his diet and get his system hydrated and working better. You might also have him checked to see if he has worms or other problems.

I would also put his litter in a ventilated room until things improve. Put a fan in the window and make sure there is plenty of circulation.

Answer 6

Never use febreez in the litter box. Your cat could have some serious allergy problems. Arm & Hammer mixed in with the litter is the best.

Answer 7

I have a cat too and wen she gos in and comes out let me tell you you do NOT what to be by her liter box!!! It is normal for it to stink! but you can git this stuff that you pout in the box wen your cat is don doing one of the things they do best!LOL!!! Or you can do baking powder on the box! I also say that lysol dos the trick!!!! Hope it works!!

Answer 8

The cheaper the cat food, the increase in STINK. Buy your food from your vet, it is worth the money and your cat will be healthier too.

Answer 9

If its his feces id say there is something offensive in his diet...so try a different cat food for a while and see if it continues

Answer 10

it has to do with the food you are feeding. get him on a holistic dry food & I bet it will stop