I remember one night lying in my cozy bed at night, gently drifting off to sleep … when all of a sudden I became fully awake due to an absolutely rancid smell coming from our bathroom.
Yup, one of cat’s had just made a fresh one, and the smell was unbearable. I got up, took care of it, opened the windows for a few minutes, and finally was able to go back to sleep.
Yes, we all love our kitties and will do absolutely anything for them, but we don’t love it when their smelly poop affects the aroma of the whole house. Yes, we all know that poop is not the best smelling thing, but when it gets especially smelly, there may just be an underlining reason for it.
Unbearably smelly cat poop can be caused by bacterial infection, intestinal parasites, a disagreeable diet, or digestive issues. Luckily, cat food manufacturers have created cat food specifically formulated to improve your cat’s digestive health, and we have selected eight of the best for you!
If you are concerned about what is causing your cat to have smelly stools, you have come to the right place. Not only will you discover some of the best cat foods available on the market for cats with smelly poop, but you’ll learn about why you’re cat’s poop might be stinking to high heaven, and when it’s time to bring your kitty to the vet.
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✅ Royal Canin Digestive Care Dry Cat Food
Royal Canin Digestive Care Dry Cat Food
Royal Canin recognizes that digestive issues or food sensitivities can cause smelly poop, and they’ve formulated a recipe with prebiotics and easy-to-digest fibers to promote digestive health for cats with smelly poop.
They guarantee that this formula effectively improves your cat’s stool quality up to 95% after 10 days. Pet nutritionists and vets have created this cat food to meet your cat’s specific dietary needs.
This Amazon reviewer said that Royal Canin Digestive Care immediately solved a huge, smelly problem at the house:
This product is a miracle. Our cat has always had the most vile disgusting diarrhea. I’m talking paint the litter box, up the wall liquid poop about 7 times a day. It also stunk so bad you could smell it 2 stories up. I have had and worked with animals my whole life and she was by far the nastiest creature I have ever crossed paths with …
That being said we had tried multiple foods ranging from low end all the way to holistic foods and everything labeled “sensitive” in between. Nothing touched the frequency or smell.
I bought this one night in a whim … It worked instantly. From that day forward our issues have been 100% solved.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein (min)
36.0% - Crude Fat (min)
13.0% - Crude Fiber (max)
3.7% - Moisture (max)
8.0%
First Five Ingredients: Brewer’s rice, wheat gluten, chicken meal, chicken fat, soy protein isolate
Special Diet Features:
• Proven results – over 95% healthy stool quality
• Supports healthy digestion
• Contains highly digestible proteins
• Contains prebiotics, psyllium seed husk, and dietary fiber to help regulate intestinal transit and promote a balanced intestinal flora
• Specialized ring-shaped kibble promotes slow eating and chewing for optimal digestion
• Precisely balanced nutritional care
• No peas
✅ Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain Free Dry Cat Food
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain Free Dry Cat Food
If your cat’s stools smell more pungent than usual, it could be that their stomachs are unable to digest their food properly. For cats with digestive issues and sensitive stomachs, eating a limited ingredient diet could be the change your cat needs.
Thankfully, Blue Buffalo Basics have done exactly that by creating a single protein cat food with potatoes and pumpkin to improve and maintain your cat’s digestive health. This product is gluten-free for cats with gluten intolerance and is free of beef, known to be a sensitivity trigger for cats.
Reviewers reported a definite decrease in litter box odor after they switched their cats to this food. As one reviewer said:
“Seriously, he wen’t from ‘clear the room stink bombs’ to scentless little lumps that surprise me when I see them. In a small apartment, that is a god-send.”
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein (min)
30.0% - Crude Fat (min)
14.0% - Crude Fiber (max)
6.0% - Moisture (max)
9.0%
First Five Ingredients: Deboned duck, duck meal, pea protein, tapioca starch, peas
Special Diet Features:
• Received a score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2249 global ratings
• Contains LifeSource Bits (vitamins, minerals, & antioxidants)
• Contains limited ingredients for cats with sensitive stomachs
• Contains pea fiber and pumpkin to promote gentle digestion
• Features duck as the first ingredient
• Contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat
• No grains
• No soy
• No chicken/poultry by-product meals
• No corn
• No wheat
• No artificial flavor or preservatives
Just Add Water!
One quick tip that may help your cat’s poops to stink less is just to add a few spoonfuls of warm water to their dry cat food (which tends to have a lot of carbohydrates and very little water content.)
✅ Nature’s Variety Limited Ingredient Grain Free Wet Canned Cat Food
Nature’s Variety Limited Ingredient Grain Free Wet Canned Cat Food by
It can be worrisome when our cats have tummy issues. It is also unpleasant to deal with their smelly poop due to their digestion. Nature’s Variety Instinct Grain-Free Limited Diet Turkey Formula Canned Cat Food is the perfect diet for cats.
This recipe is specially formulated for felines with certain food sensitivities or allergies; this recipe has all the essential nutrition he needs to support his gut and digestive health and overall health. This diet will have your cat’s odorous feces back to normal in no time!
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein (min)
11.5% - Crude Fat (min)
7.0% - Crude Fiber (max)
2.0% - Moisture (max)
76.0%
First Five Ingredients: Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, pea protein
Special Diet Features:
• Received a score of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon from852 global ratings
• Features cage-free turkey as the first ingredient
• Specially formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional standards
• 100% Balanced & complete nutrition
• No dairy
• No eggs
• No grain
• No potato
• No corn
• No wheat
• No soy
• No carrageenan
• No artificial colors or preservatives
✅ Tiki Cat Luau Grain-Free, Low-Carbohydrate Wet Cat Food
Tiki Cat Luau Grain-Free, Low-Carbohydrate Wet Cat Food
This wonderful cat food by Tiki Cat Luau is very popular amongst cats. Firstly, they adore the taste of the tender, shredded chicken (raised without any added hormones), which features as the first ingredient, and the food has a high protein and moisture content to keep your kitty strong and hydrated.
This recipe is perfect for cats with smelly poop because it is made with non-GMO ingredients only, which is easy on your cat’s digestive system.
Amazon reviewer Pretty Lady raved about this cat food:
… I began researching what is the best canned food to feed [our cats] and came across Tiki cat food. It only contains what cats need – protein (in this case, chicken, and the necessary vitamins and minerals).
I began feeding one cat this food a couple of months ago and it has made such a difference in her coat. Her fur is silky soft and so shiny. Her poop is also smaller and doesn’t smell. She loves this food! It looks and smells just like the canned chicken I buy for myself. I am happy to be able to feed her a quality food that she needs and likes …
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein (min)
16.0% - Crude Fat (min)
2.6% - Crude Fiber (max)
0.0% - Moisture (max)
80.0%
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Taurine,
Special Diet Features:
• Received a score of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon from 2840 global ratings
• Made with human-quality meat
• Packed with flavor
• 100% non-GMO ingredients
• No grain
• No potato
• No carrageenan
• No added gluten
• No fillers
• No by-products
• Features chicken raised without added hormones as the first ingredient
• Made with 80% protein
• High in moisture
• Low to no carbohydrates
• Even loved by finicky eaters
✅ Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Cat Food
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Cat Food
Hill’s has managed to uphold its reputation for formulating cat food that is 100% beneficial to a cat’s overall health. So, when your cat has been producing smelly poop for a while, it would be a great idea to turn to the Hill’s family for help.
This recipe has been specially formulated for cats with sensitive stomachs to provide optimal digestive health. The prebiotic fiber promotes improved digestion, fuels beneficial gut bacteria, and supports a balanced microbiome for excellent lifelong health.
The ingredients in this recipe allow your cat to process nutrients quickly, which ultimately leads to easier stool pickup and a less unpleasant poop odor.
This Amazon reviewer said this dry cat food was a lifesaver:
Okay – I am not a person who would ever think of spending this much money on a cat food but this stuff works!
Let me set the stage – we invested in low-allergen kittens (Siberians) and after a few weeks, one started to show signs of, um, stomach distress. Well, it was distressing to all of us because the smell could CLEAR a room. It was AWFUL!
While she was still gaining weight, I was forced to live with the terrible smell. After testing for parasites and other things, she came back with a clean bill of health but the smell and consistency (sorry) was still a problem.
Our vet recommended we try this diet. I was willing to do ANYTHING. Let me tell you, after a few days, her poop resembled her sister’s (NORMAL) with hardly any smell!!! Our noses thank Science Diet. Oh, and the cats LOVE the taste – we have had to be careful because they wolf it down and tend to eat more than their other food. If you have a cat with REALLY smelly poop – you may want to give this a try!!!
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, brewer’s rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, chicken fat
Special Diet Features:
• Received a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon from 9597 global ratings
• Contains added FOS (a nourishing prebiotic fiber)
• A highly digestive recipe that is gentle on the stomach
• Contains omega-6 fatty acids & vitamin E for fur and skin nourishment
• Contains added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
• No chicken by-product meal
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
• Clinically proven antioxidants & vitamin C to support a healthy immune system
• US Veterinarian’s #1 recommended cat food
✅ Hill’s Science Diet Adult Cat Dry Food Perfect Digestion
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Cat Dry Food Perfect Digestion
If your cat suffers from smelly poop, you will be delighted to know that Hill’s has formulated a recipe that contains their exclusive ActivBiome+ Technology blend of whole grain oats, prebiotics, and pumpkin.
The recipe is jam-packed full of essential nutrients that support a cat’s immune system and digestive well-being, and the succulent and tasty salmon flavor makes the kitties come back for more. Hill’s guarantees that your cat will have healthier, better-smelling stools in as little as 7 days.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein (min)
29.0% - Crude Fat (min)
14.0% - Crude Fiber (max)
4.0% - Moisture (max)
8.0%
First Five Ingredients: Salmon, brown rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain oats, potato protein
Special Diet Features:
• Received a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Chewy
• Supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
• Contains Activbiome+ (an exclusive blend of pumpkin, prebiotics, and wholegrain oats)
• Promotes healthy stools & regularity
• Clinically proven antioxidants, vitamin C & E to support a healthy immune system
• Contains added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
• # 1 Veterinarian recommended
• Contains real, high-quality salmon as the first ingredient
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• No chicken by-product meal
• Guaranteed perfect poop in 7 days!
✅ Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food
Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food
We’ve been using this food for one of our cats for the past few months, for the simple fact that it has a premium ingredients at a not-so-premium price.
Its formula has the perfect combination of meaty, tender morsels, and crunchy bites. It is made with real salmon as the first ingredient and contains no fillers.
The prebiotic fibers help improve your kitty’s gut and digestive health — and a healthy digestive system in your cat leads to less stink in your litter box. This recipe is balanced and complete to promote healthy muscles, a strong immune system, and healthy skin and coat.
Amazon Vine Reviewer Cupcake said:
We have a young cat who just graduated from kitten food, and I’ve been trying her on various formulas. She likes this food and she looks great eating it–her black fur is very glossy, and she’s pleasantly filled out without getting fat.
The best part is that her poops are not unspeakably stinky on this food (I mean, they don’t smell like roses, but they’re not full of untold horror, either). Since she’s semi-confined (the old cats hate her) and her litter box is in my office, the stink factor is key. We had some bad luck in the smell department when feeding a couple supermarket foods …
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein (min)
34.0% - Crude Fat (min)
15.0% - Crude Fiber (max)
2.0% - Moisture (max)
12.0%
First Five Ingredients: Salmon, rice flour, corn gluten meal, chicken by-product meal, beef fat (naturally preserved with mixed-tocopherols
Special Diet Features:
• Received a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon from 18 252 global ratings
• Features real salmon as the first ingredient
• High protein content to promote strong muscles
• 100% Balanced & complete nutrition
• No artificial flavors or preservatives
• No fillers
• Contains prebiotic fiber for a healthy digestive system and excellent gut health
• Veterinarian recommended
• Contains added vitamins and minerals
• Contains tender meaty morsels
• Promotes healthy skin and coat
✅ Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Cat Food
Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Cat Food
Years ago I enjoyed watching Rachael Ray’s TV show, 30 Minute Meals, and I can’t help but find the fact that she now makes cat food somewhat … amusing.
Buy hey, she’s created a delicious cat food recipe with real US farm-raised chicken & brown rice in Rachael Ray Nutrish.
The company believes that cat food family believes that the more natural the ingredient, the better your cat’s digestion, heart, and all-over health will be — so that formula is made with natural, high-quality ingredients combined with taurine, vegetables, brown rice, essential vitamins, and minerals.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein (min)
34.0% - Crude Fat (min)
14.0% - Crude Fiber (max)
4.0% - Moisture (max)
9.0%
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, corn gluten meal, brown rice, brewers rice
Special Diet Features:
• Received a score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12 915 global ratings
• No artificial flavors or preservatives
• No poultry by-product meals
• No fillers
• No ground corns
• No wheat
• No soy
• Contains added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
• Features farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient
• 100% Balanced & complete nutrition
• Contains only high-quality ingredients
• Contains beet pulp that naturally provides prebiotics to support healthy digestion
✅ What Causes Foul Smelling Poop In Cats?
To treat your cat’s smelly poop production, we must understand what is causing it. Only then can we take appropriate action to fix the problem. Below are some common causes of smelly poop in cats:
Bacterial Infection Causes Smelly Poop In Cats
Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli could result in inflammation and infections in your cat’s digestive tract and cause digestive systems such as smelly feces and diarrhea.
Intestinal Parasites Causes Smelly Poop In Cats
Intestinal parasites can also cause diarrhea, inflammation, bad stool odor, and gas. These parasites include coccidia, giardia, and trichomonas.
A Disagreeable Diet Causes Smelly Poop In Cats
Smelly feces can also indicate food sensitivity, food allergy, and difficult digestion. A grain-based, low-quality food could be the main cause of your cat having smelly poop. If these symptoms persist, it may be best if you take your cat to the vet for an expert opinion.
Digestive Issues Causes Smelly Poop In Cats
Many digestive issues and disorders can impact your kitty’s ability to absorb nutrients and digest food, leading to increased feces odor, diarrhea, and gas.
✅ Does Wet Cat Food Make Their Poop Smell Worse?
You might be wondering if it’s that smelly canned cat food that’s making your cat’s poops so rancid.
But actually, the opposite is true: Poop will generally smell better when cats eat wet food.
However, as you can tell from reading this post, the real issue is not wet food vs. dry food, but rather the quality of the ingredients and the lack of fillers.
✅ How Can I Make My Cat’s Poop Less Smelly?
There are a few ways to minimize your cat’s litter box odor, such as;
• Clean the litter box once a day
• Bath your cat to eliminate bugs or fleas that can cause infections that ultimately lead to digestive complications and smelly cat feces.
• Install an air freshener near your cat’s litter box
• Sprinkle a small amount (a handful or two) of baking soda on the floor of the litter box before you add the kitty litter. Baking soda helps to kill germs, bad bacteria, and foul odors.
Prevention is better than cure, so when purchasing cat food, make sure to check the label to ensure the food contains the following important qualities and ingredients to minimize your cat’s smelly poop;
• Healthy animal-based fats
• High-quality animal protein
• A limited number of ingredients
• No artificial additives
• Digestible carbohydrates
• Rich in fiber and moisture
Even though these suggestions could improve or even fix your cat’s smelly poop problem, sometimes it is a better idea to take your cat to the vet for a full health check-up and an expert opinion. With their knowledge and experience, a vet can pinpoint the exact cause of the problem and give your furry feline friend exactly what he needs to get better. After all, our animals are at our mercy, and it is important to do what is best for them.
Can Cat Food Make Your Cat Stink?
Your cat’s diet can directly affect the smell of their feces, especially high-protein diets or cat food brands that use soy, corn, and other fillers in their recipes.
These ingredients can cause an upset stomach and can lead to diarrhea and smelly poop. To reduce the smelliness of your cat’s poop, opt for food that lists meat meal or meat as the first ingredient.
References:
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