Discharge from my cat with horrible smell

Question
My cat sometimes releases some sort of discharge and it smells horrible.  It is a very strong horrible smell.  It's only happened twice in the last few months... but it happened twice more within days.  We can't figure out what it is.  It happens at the most random times, sometimes when she's just laying there.  Maybe it's urine, but the litter box smells fine.  She's about 10 months old, she is spayed, she's seems to be healthy overall ... expect for this horrible liquid that comes out of here at times.  There's not that much of it, but enough to stink up an entire half of the house.  Is this normal?  What could it be?

Thanks for your help,

Concerned Family Member

Answer
Most likely it is her anal glands, which are scent glands located inside the rectum.  Often they may release some liquid with a bowel movement but more commonly they will release their glands when stressed, scared or nervous.  This is normal, but I would investigate and try to eliminate any source of stress in the house.