We just got this nine-month old female cat. She seems fine except for very foul smelling feces. What causes this? Is she sick?
Feces are often malodorous without any underlying disease. Diet may have a lot to do with this problem. Meat protein has a relatively high amount of sulfur-containing amino acids. After ingestion the meat protein is broken down and absorbed into the blood stream of the stomach and small intestine. Subsequently, bacteria in the intestines break down excess sulfur-containing amino acids. The end products of this bacterial decomposition include hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and short-chain fatty acids, which contribute to the intense smell. Therefore, diets containing a lot of meat protein consistently produce smellier feces. If the diet is changed to include more digestible and absorbable carbohydrates or milk proteins, there is usually less smell produced. (Some cats may have difficulty digesting lactose, or milk sugar, in regular milk, so caution is advised in choosing a source of milk protein.)
Certain malabsorptive diseases, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (in which fats are not absorbed and remain in fecal matter), can change the odor of feces when short-chain fatty acids or fermented acids and unabsorbed carbohydrates are liberated. Certain intestinal infections with bacteria, parasites, or viruses can cause this as well.
I encourage you to speak with your veterinarian about your concerns. If the kitty is indeed otherwise healthy, with no signs of weight loss or diarrhea, you may be advised to monitor for changes and perhaps change her diet. If the problem is found to be associated with a particular disease, the veterinarian will prescribe appropriate treatment.
01/29/09
