Animal Welfare Professionals

Approximately 2 year old male cat passes stinky gas and has soft formed, no form and or diarrhea poo.  Does this condition have a name?  Is it a serous condition that has to be treated with medication or will a change in diet help?

He was a rescue cat from a fire and a hoarder situation with multiple cats. He has been in a shelter for at least 3 months. I'd like to adopt him but I am a bit concerned about his health.

Thank you

Soft stool can have a lot of different causes; some very temporary and some that require some management throughout their life. It might be something as simple as he's stressed out in the shelter environment (my resident cat gets diarrhea when he's stressed out - we recently moved to a new home and have been dealing with it!). He might not be getting a consistent diet (many shelters just feed whatever food is donated and the animals get a mix of brands, which can upset their stomaches). He might have worms or coccidia (though, since he's been there 3 months and had this "poo problem" for awhile, the shelter should have checked/treated for those). Otherwise, it could be colitis (cat IBS), which is a lifelong thing but very manageable - I attached some information on kitty colitis in a JPG image. 

I'm sure there's many other possibilities too, but those come to mind right away for me! I personally say.... go for it! Worst case scenario, he still gets a loving home for awhile and you'll learn more about his situation... which will be helpful to him and the shelter even if he has to be returned. You could also ask them about fostering this cat!

If your cat is passing stinky gas and has soft or smelly poop, it's usually a sign something's not sitting well in their tummy. Just like people, cats can get digestive upset from a variety of things. Here are some common reasons:

1. Diet Issues

• Sudden food changes can upset your cat's stomach. If you recently switched food brands or types (wet to dry, for example), that could be the cause.

• Poor-quality ingredients or foods high in fillers like corn, soy, or artificial stuff can lead to gas and soft stools.

• Too much dairy or table scraps? Many cats are lactose intolerant, and human food often doesn't sit well with them.

2. Food Sensitivities or Allergies

Some cats are sensitive to certain proteins (like chicken or beef) or grains. These sensitivities can cause inflammation in the gut, leading to stinky gas and loose stool.

3. Parasites or Infections

Intestinal parasites (like giardia or worms) or infections can lead to smelly poop and gas. If symptoms last more than a few days, a vet check is a smart move.

4. Stress

Big changes at home-like a move, a new pet, or even a new litter box-can stress a cat out, and that stress can affect their digestion.

What You Can Do Naturally:

• Try a high-quality, limited-ingredient cat food. Look for brands with real meat first, and avoid fillers.

• Introduce probiotics. There are natural pet-safe probiotics you can sprinkle on their food to support a healthier gut.

• Feed smaller portions more often. It can help with digestion and reduce bloating.

• Avoid giving your cat dairy or too many treats.

When to Call the Vet:
If the stinky gas and soft poop last more than a few days, or you see blood, mucus, vomiting, or your cat seems lethargic, it's time for a vet visit.

My cat went through the same thing, and I found this helpful guide that breaks it down and gives natural fixes:
👉 Is Chewy Cat Food Legit? Full Review + Digestive Help Tips

Switching food or adding probiotics can make a big difference. Hope it helps!