Kitty w/tummy troubles

Our cat has the worst sewer like smelling gas. If he can he will spend hours outside. Like most cats he sleeps continuously. He appears to have almost diarrhea but it is not runny when he has a bowel movement. His anus seems like it hurts or burns because he licks it constantly and it seems to soothe him when we put a cool wash cloth on it. There is no change to his appetite or drinking habits. We've seen on other sites that triple antibiotics, neosporin or vaseline might help. Any assistance or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Since your cat spends a lot of time outside he probably has gastrointestinal parasites.  Licking at the anus can be due to a anal gland impaction or abscess, parasites, or even an undiagnosed urinary tract infection since the urethra and anus are in fairly close proximity anatomically in the cat.

Please bring your cat to the vet for an exam.  Bring a fresh fecal sample and a fresh urine sample, if possible.  

If it is an anal gland impaction, expressing the anal glands will relieve the problem.  Parasites are usually easily treated with the appropriate anti-parasitic medication.