food after mega colon surgery

[lorax8]

Hi, I recently adopted a 6 year old cat from the humane society.  Before I adopted her, she had surgery to remove her colon due to a serious problem with mega colon.  I got her several months after the surgery, but now she seems very happy, has no problem using the litter box, and has a healthy appetite.  She does use the litter box often and her stools are runny, which is to be expected if she has no colon.  My only real issue is that her stools smell absolutely terrible.  Does anybody have any recommendations for food that my cut back on the smell?  

[lorax8]

Thanks guys,

Unfortunately, she is not into wet food.  She absolutely loves the gravy, and will lick all of that off, but then leave all the food.  Apparently she did this with her previous owners as well.  I have only found flavor of canned food that she will eat, but she doesn't have it often enough for me to know if that makes a difference.  

I suppose I should mention that another family adopted her before I did, where she ended up being anorexic for over a month because of the stress of living with kids, dogs and other cats.  So I am just happy that she is eating and is happy, but I probably do need to be careful about changing up the food too much.

Another option is if people know of a good litter that is good at controlling odors.  I just got the arm and hammer double duty, which seems to be working pretty well.  Does anyone else have recommendations?

[opus88]

I too congratulate you on taking on this poor kitty and her problems, good for you!!!

If the food is working with the consistency I don't think I would change it at this time....I am wondering if its canned and if its FISH??? fish tends to make poop very smelly.

however I really do think its due to the fast transit time of the food b/c of the colon removal, as will people and colostomies this does lend itself to very smelly poops....the next time you are talking to your Vet confirm this with them...again I believe its due to the surgery she had.

I do hope you are feeding a canned diet? to help with the consistency...runny problem and perhaps less smell, I would try adding a small amount of canned pumpkin....PURE, not the pie filling...this is very good fiber and should help produce a more solid stool..thus less smell as well. just add a very small amount to start with, say 1/4 teasp. to be sure it doesn't make matters worse rather than better, I know how careful you have to be with her type of condition....but its sure worth a try.
best to you both, please continue to post and update us....we will continue to try and make suggestions.

btw. the probiotic Jade mentioned is also a possibility for good bowel health. I will give you a link to a good/safe one for cats..just a sprinkle of this on her food.

http://www.iherb.com/Garden-of-Life-Primal-Defense-Powder-HSO-Probiotic-Formula-81-g/3159

[lorax8]

I currently have her on the purina one for sensitive systems, which has helped with the consistency of her stools, but hasn't done much for the smell.

[Jade59]

Hi & Welcome....Aw, Bless you for taking in this special needs kitty.  I can't help but wonder how that works though w/o a colon???  

What are you currently feeding your girl?  I don't know alot about probiotics, but others do, so that might be an idea along with changing her food.  

At least my comment will bump up your question. :)