Sticky Kitten Poop

Question
I saw a few other questions and answers that were close, but I wasn't sure it they hit the mark. Here's the story:

I recently adopted two stray calicos (so they are females) from a healthy seeming (small colony fed and tended to by neighbors) of alley cats. None had chlamydia, and my cats came free of fleas. They are 2-3 months old. I haven't yet taken them to the vet (I will in about a week after I finish an 80 hour per week project). They are adjusting well. I play with them, as do my housemates. They were used to being handled by neighbors already. everything is going great, except that their poop smells horrible. I recently lost an 18 year old cat to old age, and I have had multiple cats over the years. Never has their poop smelled like this. Currently they are eating left over dry cat food someone game me (a good high protein dry blend). They seem to eat a lot, but I have never had kittens this young before, so that may be normal. They have been here about a week. They are now (mostly) litterbox trained. I'm wondering if they have a parasite, or an infection. They don't scratch much, or lick their butts. They seem perfectly healthy. their bowels seem maybe a tad loose (but that could just be because they opted to poop in the tub before the went for the box. Everything is normal in color, and no diarreah, or accidents. Also no farting. Any thoughts?

Answer
Elise

It more than likely is the the change from 'trash' food to a high protein food. The sudden change is hard on the digestive system. You can add Sweet Acidophilus to her food (it's in the dairy case at the supermarket). It helps digestion. Also mixing some canned pumpkin (not the mix for pies) into some canned food helps firm up stools, as does mixing in some plain boiled rice.

The kittens may also have worms, or as you correctly guessed, an intestinal parasite. There are a number of types. When you take the cat to the vet, bring in a fresh stool sample that is preferably no more than 2 hours old. They  may have coccidia or guardia and need to be treated.

Part of their problem could be the stress of everything new. New home, new people, and new smells. Their system could be reacting to that in which case it may go away when their systems acclimate.

I would speak to the vet about the issue when you take them in, and by physically seeing and testing the cats, he may be able to pinpoint the reason. Or a possible cause. It could be a combination of factors too.

I hope my answer gives you some food for thought about the possibilities. I'm sure it nothing that won't clear up with some time and possibly some medication.

Tabbi