Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

All cats will leave a stinky litter box on occasion. It can, of course, start to get bothersome if it becomes a regular occurrence.

Thankfully, smelly poos aren’t necessarily a sign for concern on their own. 

If they are accompanied by other clinical signs, however, your cat may need to see a veterinarian.

Here are some tips to choose a diet for a cat with smelly poos.

1) Choose a diet that contains prebiotic ingredients

Prebiotics are ingredients in the diet which feed the healthy bacteria of the gut. Examples of prebiotic-containing ingredients include cranberries, apples, and carrots.

Remember that these ingredients have been incorporated into the diet in a balanced way- don’t simply add them to your cat’s diet without checking with a veterinarian.

2) Choose a diet that has a source of insoluble fiber

One type of fiber, called “insoluble fiber”, will help keep things moving in the gut. It increases fecal bulk and speeds up movement of food through the gut. Examples of insoluble fiber sources include pea fiber, soybean hulls, beet pulp, and rice hulls.

3) Choose a diet that has a lower total crude fiber content

In general, as the crude fiber content of a diet increases, the digestibility decreases. A highly digestible food will allow for more of the nutrients to be absorbed in the gut with less waste to come out the other end. That can certainly be of benefit to a cat with smelly poos who may be able to visit the litter box less frequently!

4) Try a hydrolyzed or single-protein diet

Some cats may get a gut upset when they eat certain ingredients, leading to a smellier litter box.  If you suspect your cat has an allergy or sensitivity, choose a food that uses a protein source they have not eaten previously. The best choice, however, is to use a hydrolyzed protein diet.

These diets use proteins that are broken down into smaller pieces that are unlikely to trigger a reaction but will still provide all the amino acids that your cat needs from the diet.

5) Don’t change diet too quickly or too frequently

When you are choosing a food for your cat, one important thing to keep in mind is to not switch diets too quickly or frequently. The gut of a cat and healthy gut bacteria need time to adjust to changes in composition and texture of new foods.

The transition should happen over a minimum of 7 days, increasing the proportion of the new food in the bowl each day.

6) Consider the energy needs of your cat

Obesity can have an impact on gastrointestinal health in cats. If your vet advises that your cat is overweight, you might want to find a less ‘calorie dense’ diet to help her slim down.

Your veterinarian can help you determine how much to feed each day for your cat to meet her ideal bodyweight. You should measure out your cat’s daily portion using a scale, as cups are inaccurate.

What is the Best Cat Food for Smelly Poop?

Author:
Last updated June 21, 2021
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Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 422 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 32%
Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein
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  • Calories: 351 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 24%
Hill's Prescription Diet Dry Cat Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 498 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 35%
Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%
Hill's Prescription Diet Wet Cat Food
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 71 kcal/2.9 oz can
  • Protein: 37.9%

Cat Food for Smelly Poop Reviews

Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Deboned Chicken
  2. Chicken Meal
  3. Brown Rice
  4. Oatmeal
  5. Barley
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 422 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
16%
16%
Protein
32%
32%
Fiber
3.5%
3.5%
REVIEW

Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food Review

The Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food is formulated specifically to keep your cat’s digestive system healthy. The formula only contains 3.5% crude fiber, which helps prevent unpleasant litter box odors. It also contains FOS prebiotics, which are primed to support efficient digestion.

This limited ingredient formula is made with real deboned chicken, which is an excellent source of protein and creates a delicious taste that your cat will love. It also contains essential fruits and vegetables, which contain antioxidants, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat. This formula also contains Blue Buffalo’s signature LifeSource Bits, a blend of essential vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s overall health. If you’re looking for the best cat food for smelly poop on the market, this formula from Blue Buffalo is a good option.

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Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food

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  1. Brewers Rice
  2. Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
  3. Chicken Fat
  4. Powdered Cellulose
  5. Natural Flavors
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 351 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
18%
18%
Protein
24%
24%
Fiber
5.7%
5.7%
REVIEW

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food Review

The Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is formulated with an optimal balance of ingredients for a healthy digestive system. It’s made with hydrolyzed soy proteins, which are easy for your cat to digest but still provide them with the energy they need. This formula also contains prebiotics to keep your cat regular.

Additionally, this diet is enriched with B vitamins and other antioxidants to support a healthy immune system. It also contains two essential omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, which keep the skin and coat healthy. Overall, this formula gives your cat all the essential nutrients they need without irritating their delicate digestive system. Anyone looking for the best cat food to prevent smelly poop should check out this option from Royal Canin.

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Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food

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  1. Chicken
  2. Cracked Pearled Barley
  3. Corn Gluten Meal
  4. Brewers Rice
  5. Pork Fat
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 498 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
17%
17%
Protein
35%
35%
Fiber
4%
4%
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Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food Review

The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Cat Food is specifically formulated with powerhouse ingredients that won’t irritate your cat’s digestive system or cause unpleasant odors. It’s made with insoluble natural fibers and has a very low total crude fiber content of 4%. It also contains prebiotic fibers to keep your cat regular.

This formula is fortified with essential antioxidants, which help protect your cat’s immune system. It also contains Hill’s Prescription Diet’s signature S+OXSHIELD seal, which means this diet is also designed with urinary health in mind. This dry chicken formula from Hill’s Prescription can help prevent smelly poop and maintain your cat’s overall health.

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Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food

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  1. Rice Starch
  2. Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate
  3. Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with Tbhq
  4. Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver
  5. Tricalcium Phosphate
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
9%
9%
Protein
30%
30%
Fiber
4%
4%
REVIEW

Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food Review

The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is created specifically for optimal digestive health. It uses a single source of hydrolyzed protein, which is much easier for your cat’s stomach to absorb. The formula also has a low crude fiber content of 4%, which helps to prevent stinky litter box odors.

Additionally, the carbohydrate source in this formula is designed to prevent allergic reactions, so it’s safe for cats with very sensitive stomachs or unique dietary restrictions. This formula from Purina is a reliable option for anyone looking for the best cat food for less smelly poop.

BUY HERE →

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Veg Wet Cat Food

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Water
  2. Chicken
  3. Pork Liver
  4. Carrots
  5. Wheat Gluten
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  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 71 kcal/2.9 oz can
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
23.2%
23.2%
Protein
37.9%
37.9%
Fiber
2.7%
2.7%
REVIEW

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Veg Wet Cat Food Review

The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Wet Cat Food is an excellent formula for cats that prefer wet food, but have sensitive digestive systems. It has a very low crude fiber content of 2.1%, and is also made with insoluble natural fibers. It’s specifically formulated to prevent ongoing gastrointestinal problems.

Additionally, this formula contains an optimal balance of protein and fat to keep your cat feeling healthy and energetic. The formula is fortified with essential antioxidants to boost their overall health, and it has an appealing chicken and vegetable taste that cats are drawn to. This formula from Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d is a great wet food option for preventing smelly poop.

BUY HERE →