Symptoms of Bloating in Cats
- Repeated attempts to vomit or belch.
- Swollen abdomen and stomach.
- Drooling.
- Lethargy.
- Pale gums.
- Lowered body temperature.
- Shortness of breath.
- Rapid heartbeat.
How should a cat’s belly feel?
A cat’s stomach should feel soft and tender, and if you are giving it a gentle rub, they shouldn’t flinch or suddenly attempt to move away. If you suspect your cat may be bloated, take care when examining them.
What does a distended abdomen look like in cats?
While the most obvious sign for abdominal distension is a visibly swollen belly area, noting all other signs may help to diagnose the underlying cause of the enlargement. Signs that commonly occur with abdominal distension include: Sudden or gradual visibly larger abdomen. Vomiting.
Why does my cat’s belly look bloated?
Potential causes for a cat or kitten swollen belly include organ enlargement, fluid or a mass in their belly, intestinal parasites and weight gain. In some cases, your veterinarian might be able to identify the cause of your pet’s swollen belly through a physical exam alone.
What does bloating look like in cats?
The most obvious sign that your cat is bloated will be a swollen belly. You may also notice your cat trying to vomit or belch, but being unable to do so. As a result, they may retch a lot, and seem restless.
Signs that commonly occur with abdominal distension include:
- Sudden or gradual visibly larger abdomen.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Flatulence.
- Change in frequency of urination.
- Weakness.
- Lethargy.
- Collapse.
How can I reduce my cats bloating?
“If your kitten is simply bloated from gas with no other problems, then the bloating should subside with time,” Matejka says. “Feed your kitten small meals of high-quality kitten food until the belly returns to normal.” Also, avoid feeding your kitten table scraps or giving your kitten mil.
What does it mean if your cat looks bloated?
Bloat in cats occurs when an excess amount of gas becomes trapped in a cat’s stomach, causing it to expand to a larger than normal size. An extended stomach can put added pressure on the other organs, it can cause your cat’s stomach to appear larger than usual, and it can be rather uncomfortable for the cat.
How long can cats be bloated for?
Bloat happens very rapidly and can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes, when it is severe. If your pet’s abdomen is distended and/or you notice nausea, vomiting, attempts to vomit, sudden weakness, or collapse, contact your veterinarian immediately! Bloat is a life-threatening condition.
What can I give my cat for a bloated stomach?
If you suspect your cat is suffering from bloat, you should keep them calm and contact the vet immediately. Assuming you have some specialist pet insurance for senior cats in place, an appointment with the vet should not be a financial worry.CLINICAL SIGNS
- Distension or bloating of the abdomen.
- Abdominal pain – usually severe.
- Tense abdomen.
- Hypersalivation.
- Nausea (lip smacking, retching)
- Vomiting or attempting to vomit (may not be able to bring anything up)
- Vocalisation.
How Can I Cure My Cat’s Flatulence?
- Gradually change diet to a low-fiber, easily digestible food.
- Offer smaller, more frequent meals.
- Feed cats in multi-cat households separately to avoid food competition.
- Keep your cat away from spoiled food, i.e. the garbage.
- Make sure your cat gets regular exercise.
Should I be worried if my cat is bloated?
Bloating can develop very quickly and, unfortunately, can be fatal, in its most severe forms, in as little as 30 minutes. If your pet’s stomach seems distended (stretched), or they seem nauseous, are vomiting or attempting to vomit, you should contact your vet immediately.
Why is my cat’s stomach so big all of a sudden?
Obesity: Weight gain usually occurs when a cat eats too much or doesn’t exercise enough, or both. Obesity leads to accumulation of fat in the abdomen and may result in abdominal enlargement.
How do I know if my cat is bloated or just fat?
Ribs: Run your hands along your cat’s side. If you can easily feel their ribs along with a little covering of fat, your cat is a healthy weight. If you can’t easily feel the ribs, that’s a sign your cat is overweight. Abdomen: Look at your cat from the side.
How do you treat bloat in cats?
Treatment of Bloating in Cats
Treatment of a bloated stomach should begin just as soon as the veterinarian has a solid diagnosis. Although quite rare, if the cat has gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), the only cure for this condition is emergency surgery. The surgeon physically straightens the stomach out.
What can I give my cat for bloating and gas?
Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation with products like Forti-Flora®, Proviable®, and Prostora® can also help by restoring healthy microbes in the GI tract. Medications, like simethicone, that reduce the surface tension of gas bubbles to help them break down may be recommended for short-term relief of flatulence.
How do I know if my cat has a bloated stomach?
The obvious sign a cat is suffering from bloating is a change to their physical appearance. How does this look? Well, you may notice their stomach becomes more swollen, bulging beyond the normal outline of their body. It may also be harder to touch.