Cleaning up after your pet comes with the territory of having animals in the house, but if you’ve ever had a cat before then you’ll know just how terrible the smell of cat poop can be.
They might be well-trained enough to use their litter box instead of going wherever they choose, but where are these litter trays kept?
That’s right – inside the house. This means the delightful stench of your cat’s latest defecation is bound to waft through your home and let me tell you, it’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked goods.
Even if you keep your litter tray in an area of the house that’s less frequently in use, it can still be unpleasant if you catch a whiff as you walk by, or for the unlucky person who ends up having to change the litter tray.
But have no fear! Diet is often the culprit behind particularly foul-smelling cat poop, and these days there are multiple brands that make food specifically tailored to improving the smell when it comes back out of the other end.
To help you find the best cat food to control fecal odor, we’ve scoured the internet and found 5 of the best available options currently available for you to consider.
Our buyer’s guide contains more information on what you should look out for, to help you make an informed choice.
However, if you have concerns or if a change in diet doesn’t seem to make any difference, it’s worth visiting your vet to make sure there isn’t an underlying problem.
About to pass out from holding your breath to guard against the smell of your cat’s poop? Check out our top pick to see how it can help!
Your cat (and your nose) will be sure to thank you.
1. Blue Buffalo Cat Food
It includes a mix of high-quality ingredients, such as real, deboned chicken and brown rice. The protein in the chicken will benefit your cat’s muscles to keep them strong, where whole grains and vegetables are great for bowel movements.
This food is designed to help improve your cat’s digestive system and is formulated with FOS prebiotics to encourage higher absorption of nutrients. For example, it contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are great for improving the shine of their fur and healthier skin.
Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are all combined in a precise mixture, exclusively formulated by Blue Buffalo with the approval of holistic veterinarians as well as animal nutritionists, in order to provide a healthy oxidative balance and an improved immune system.
Free from chicken or poultry by-products, this food contains no preservatives or ingredients such as corn, wheat, or soy, which could be potential allergens for your cat or cause unpleasant fecal odor.
It does contain Fructooligosaccharides, which is a plant sugar prebiotic that improves your cat’s digestive system for better overall health by increasing the level of good bacteria in their intestines.
Additionally, it contains the essential acid Taurine which cats are unable to produce themselves, which is beneficial for eye and heart health.
Pros
- Approved by vets and animal nutritionists
- Real, deboned chicken
- Contains high-quality ingredients which aim to increase healthy bacteria in your cat’s gut
- No harmful byproducts
Cons
- One customer reported that their cat developed UTI
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2. Hill’s Science Sensitive Stomach and Skin Cat Food
Available in various sizes ranging from 3.5 lbs to 15.5 lbs in a tasty chicken and rice flavor, this dry food contains real meat which provides an incredible source of protein that is essential for muscle growth in cats.
It’s a great source of prebiotic fiber so it also helps to fuel the good type of bacteria in your cat’s gut, supporting their microbiome which is especially important for the health of adult cats. It’s gentle on your cat’s digestive system whilst also being packed full of nutrients.
All this goodness is easily absorbed thanks to a specific formula, which makes changing your kitty’s litter tray less of a chore as their fecal matter is easier to pick up.
Plus, thanks to increased amounts of Vitamin E and Omega 6 your cat will look as good as their poop smells… or better, as these nutrients help to improve the shininess of their fur and the condition of their skin.
Pros
- Number 1 cat food as recommended by vets
- No artificial colorings, flavorings, or preservatives
- Natural, great tasting ingredients packed full of nutrients
- Nutritionally designed to improve skin health, coat, and stool
Cons
- The formula has changed to include more chicken so it’s less suitable for cats who are sensitive to poultry
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3. Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin and Stomach Cat Food
Real lamb is listed as the first ingredient and there are multiple flavors available, so there’s something for even the fussiest of eaters. The overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest that even cats who are picky about what they eat love the taste of this Purina cat food.
Formulated to help with sensitive stomachs, this cat food is cheaper than other brands yet is still effective at ensuring your cat is getting the required amount of nutrients, without causing any stomach irritation or a bad bowel reaction.
Customers report that this food does improve the smell of their cat’s poop, and can relieve bowel issues such as diarrhea. By helping to solidify their feces, it’ll be easier to change your cat’s litter box which will reduce the unpleasant odor that can build up if left to linger.
Not only this, but the Omega 6 fatty acids, Vitamin A, and Zinc that are included in this formula are incredibly nourishing for your cat’s coat and skin, promoting a silkier shine to their fur and overall improved health.
Pros
- Less expensive option
- Great for sensitive stomachs
- Loved by fussy eaters
- Added vitamins and minerals to improve the appearance of your cat’s coat and skin
Cons
- We couldn’t find any!
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4. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Sensitive Digestion Cat Food
It also has the benefit of added nutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals, and more, to ensure your cat is receiving everything it needs for a balanced diet. The natural fiber alone is perfect for cats with dodgy digestion, and it’s made with non-GMO ingredients.
Your cat’s coat will also be silkier and shinier thanks to Omega 6 fatty acids, plus, the food is free from corn, wheat, soy protein, or other potential allergens that could irritate their stomach lining resulting in smellier, more unpleasant poops.
All the ingredients that are included have been carefully and responsibly sourced from reputable farmers and the best suppliers, so you know you’re only giving your cat the best.
Pros
- Real meat as their number 1 ingredient
- Natural ingredients sourced from trusted farmers
- Non-GMO and free from corn, wheat, and soy protein
- Added nutrients for a balanced diet
- Natural fiber helps with digestion
Cons
- Some variation between batches
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5. Royal Canin Digestive Care Cat Food
Formulated for cats who are at least 1 year or older, this dry cat food is perfect for cats who suffer from a sensitive stomach.
Digestive health is aided by a precise blend of prebiotics and dietary fibers that aim to improve your cat’s stool, which is proven to be reduced by up to 42% after 10 days of switching to using this Royal Canin food exclusively.
The innovative ring-shaped kibble actively encourages your cat to eat their food at a more measured pace, forcing them to slow down which supports healthy digestion.
Specially developed by vets and nutritionists, the Feline Care Nutrition range provides complete and balanced nutrition, especially when paired with the Royal Canin Digest Sensitive wet food which complements this dry food.
Pros
- Highly digestible proteins
- Trusted brand
- Formulated by vets and nutritionists
- Proven to reduce stool up to 42% in just 10 days
- Clever shape effectively slows your cat down while they’re eating for improved digestion
Cons
- Slightly more expensive option
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Buyer’s Guide
At the end of the day, poop is poop. It’s never going to smell of roses, but if you notice a change in odor or it begins to get worse, it could be an indication of a bacterial infection or other health problems, so it’s worth consulting your veterinarian if you’re concerned.
However, something as simple as a change in diet could seriously improve your cat’s fecal odor in as little as 12 weeks.
Whilst there are some basic nutritional requirements that all cats need, they’re just like humans in that they have their own unique digestive systems, and stinky stool is more often than not the result of sensitive stomach issues.
With so many brands advertising as the best option for your furry family member, it can be difficult to figure out which type of cat food is going to provide them with the best nutritional benefits whilst also minimizing the odor their feces emits, which is where our handy buyer’s guide comes in.
Read on to find out which factors you should consider when deciding what’s for dinner for your cat.
Ingredients
All cats require a balanced diet, which should include proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Good digestion results in more regular bowel movements, so it’s a hugely important factor to consider when trying to find a new cat food that will improve the smell of your cat’s feces.
One of the best things about cat food that is specifically designed to help with controlling fecal odor is that they tend to include ingredients that are gentler on the stomach, making it easier for your cat to digest them.
As a general rule, the first ingredient listed should be some type of animal protein, as this is essential for your cat’s overall health.
Always check to see what else your cat food contains, and avoid brands with a list of ingredients as long as your arm that include unpronounceable names or numbers.
It’s always important to know what you’re putting into your cat’s body, as that’s what will be coming out the other end.
Even more importantly, knowing what ingredients are used in their food will help you ensure there’s nothing that’s going to pose a risk to your cat’s health.
Allergies
Even if you think the food you’re giving to your cat is premium-quality, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s packed full of the right nutrients.
Cats are just as prone to allergies or sensitivities to certain foods as humans are, so the most extensive research into the ingredients of your cat’s food can’t guarantee that it won’t disagree with your cat.
You might be surprised to find out that gluten allergies are rarer in cats than adverts for their food would have you believe, whereas chicken, dairy, beef, and egg are among some of the most common allergens.
The best way to figure out if it’s a particular ingredient that’s worsening the smell of your cat’s feces is to try out a diet with limited ingredients to isolate the problem. This should allow you to more easily detect a trigger or irritant that’s affecting your cat’s stool.
Once you’ve successfully isolated and determined the cause of your cat’s allergies, it’ll be much easier to avoid foods containing this (or these, as you may find there’s more than one thing your cat’s reacting to) which will hopefully improve your cat’s fecal odor.
Flavors and Preferences
When choosing the best cat food to help with the smell of their poop, it’s important to keep in mind that your cat will have to actually like what you’re putting in front of them.
Just like a fussy toddler, if they don’t like it, they won’t eat it, which will render all the nutritional benefits of the cat food you’ve chosen pointless.
Luckily, there are so many different brands and types of cat food that with some trial and error, you’re bound to find a cat food that’s both tasty and beneficial.
The two main categories of cat food are wet and dry, and some brands offer options for both so you can alternate or feed your cat a mixture of the two, depending on their preferences.
Brand
Just because you’ve seen a type of cat food advertised on your television, it doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your cat.
With that being said, some trusted brands are well known for making high-quality food that you can’t go far wrong with choosing.
There’s definitely no harm in sticking to a favorite brand if your cat seems to enjoy their food, and as long as they’re providing the necessary nutrients and health benefits then it’s a win-win situation for you and your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do cats cover their poop?
Although cats are generally known to be particular about cleanliness, the reason cats bury their poop is believed to be a natural feline instinct.
Before they became domesticated animals, cats would use the scent of their feces to mark their territory, and burying it is a sign of submission so as not to challenge a more dominant cat.
What can cause diarrhea in cats?
Diarrhea can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from minor to serious.
Some common causes include a change in diet – which can be mitigated by slowly introducing the new cat food and phasing out their previous food – inflamed bowels, worms or parasites, pancreatic disease, or even cancer.
Visit your vet if you’re ever concerned.
Why does my cat choose to not poop in their litter box?
There are a few different reasons why your cat could be choosing to poop outside of their litter box.
It could be a case of your cat believing they have dominance over you, which they’re asserting by pooping wherever they please.
However, it could also be a sign of illness or health issues, such as a UTI (urinary tract infection) or digestive problems, so if you’ve noticed a change in your cat’s behavior it’s worth consulting your vet for advice.
