Excessively Stinky Feces

[hntsignif]

Hi,

I am new to this board and I have a small problem with the newest kitty in my home.... his poop stinks to high heaven!

My two other cats have always been fed purina one cat brand and have never had this problem. Sabby (Sabastian 2yr old male) has been with us for just over a month and was weened from the science diet the first week.

Is there something I should be looking for at this point? I adopted him from the Cat Adoption Team (CAT) and all of his paperwork was up to date and he had received full treatments from the vet prior to the adoption.

I wouldn't be worried except that my other cats are not stinky like this at all.

Help!

[Traci]

and all of his paperwork was up to date and he had received full treatments from the vet prior to the adoption.

What treatments? Dewormed? Was a fecal exam performed to rule out parasites, giardia, coccidia, etc? Tested for FELV/FIV and vaccinated? If none of the above, get your new kitty to your primary vet ASAP to get this done. A new fecal exam might reveal something you'll need to treat.

Why did you wean him from the science diet (assuming kitten food)? Science Diet maintenance is a quality food, moreso than Purina One, but if cost is an issue, Purina One is fine, except it obviously is not suited for your kitty. I'd switch back to the Science Diet or Iams. If he's still a kitten, feed a quality kitten food until about 6-8 months of age, at which time you can graduate him onto an adult maintenance diet.

[hntsignif]

What treatments? Dewormed? Was a fecal exam performed to rule out parasites, giardia, coccidia, etc? Tested for FELV/FIV and vaccinated? If none of the above, get your new kitty to your primary vet ASAP to get this done. A new fecal exam might reveal something you'll need to treat.

Snip

Sorry, I should have listed: earmite treatment, dewormed, (yes on the exam, that was how they determined he needed dewormed), tested negative on Feline aids and lukemia, full vaccinations.

Snip

Why did you wean him from the science diet (assuming kitten food)? Science Diet maintenance is a quality food, moreso than Purina One, but if cost is an issue, Purina One is fine, except it obviously is not suited for your kitty. I'd switch back to the Science Diet or Iams. If he's still a kitten, feed a quality kitten food until about 6-8 months of age, at which time you can graduate him onto an adult maintenance diet.

Snip

Yes, cost is an issue for the food, but if that is the problem we will make room in the budget. He is two years old and seems to be quite comfortable in his new environment. He sleeps with us, uses the box with the others and there are no fights going on. He also shares my lap without complaint with the others.

What I need to know, is there anything, other than diet, I should be keeping an eye out for?

[Traci]

Your vet is the only one who can answer that. Diet could be the culprit, but as well, so could gastrointestinal overgrowth of bacteria, salmonella, e-coli, campylobacter, clostridium, giardia, coccidia, other parasites. This is why I suggest a fecal, it's the only way to rule out bacteria or parasites. If by chance he has intermittent bouts of soft stools or diarrhea, the fecal is imperative, not to mention dehydration that results from diarrhea. If the fecal turns out negative, then your next approach may be to initiate a new diet (like the science diet)....your vet can help recommend one for you that is geared to your kitty's age, nutritional requirements, individual needs.

Another possible problem..if you're feeding canned only, try incorporating dry food into the diet.

[Guest]

Thank you Traci,

I will keep a closer eye on him. I only feed them dry food (better on the teeth according to my vet) with wet food being a special treat.

Part of my response ended up in the snipped quote section.

Yes a fecal was done as part of the CAT work up. He did have worms and was dewormed prior to adoption. It is posible that they missed something, but I will try upgrading the food first and see if that fixes the issue. Better a blown budget than an unhappy furkin!