A cat has a bloated abdomen what to do?

If no abnormalities are found in the diet and on examination, all attention is concentrated on the examination of blood, urine and feces. The latter analysis is used to detect helminths. The condition of internal organs and the presence of neoplasms are diagnosed by ultrasound and X-rays.

Bloating in a cat's abdomen – what may be the cause.

Flatulence or increased gas is a problem familiar not only to humans, but also to animals.

Under normal conditions, a little gas occurs 3-4 hours after a meal.

If the process of flatulence is accompanied by strong distension or bloating of the abdomen, as well as accompanied by the release of repulsive smelling gases with an admixture of hydrogen sulfide, this indicates the beginning of a pathological process.

Basically, the cause of flatulence in cats is considered to be a disorder of enzymatic activity as a result of consumption of unfamiliar food.

But if bloating becomes chronic, you need to ask your veterinarian for help.

Severe bloating negatively affects the diaphragm, making breathing difficult. In some cases, the cat may develop shock, provoking a fatal outcome.

Reasons why a cat has a bloated abdomen

Abdominal bloating in a cat can be observed at any age, but is more often diagnosed in young and old animals. Kittens suffer from flatulence due to worm infestations, and older cats suffer from increased gas formation, provoked by a slowing of metabolic processes. More often the causes of flatulence are hidden in the wrong diet. There are a number of products that provoke flatulence. The main ones are:

• Dairy products . Milk, strange as it may seem, is poorly digested by the cat's body and the older the pet, the more likely it is that lactose cannot be digested. Consumption of milk and dairy products (cheese, sour cream, yogurt) cause digestive tract disorders.
• Fish . Cats regularly eating freshwater or saltwater fish more often suffer from flatulence than their counterparts on dry food.
• Cereal crops and yeast. The large amount of cereals in a cat's diet irritates the walls of the digestive tract, causing increased distension and flatulence. It is generally not recommended to give bread to domestic cats, because of the presence of yeast in it, which provokes fermentation processes and overstretching of the stomach walls.

In addition to food, bloating in the cat's stomach provoke various pathological processes, among which the leading positions are:

• Inflammation of the walls of the small and large intestine;
• benign and malignant tumors in the digestive tract;
• parasitic and viral diseases;
• Trichobezoars (clumps of hair formed in the stomach during licking and swallowing);
• Partial or complete obstruction of the intestines;
• Dysbacteriosis caused by taking medications.

Lack of exercise and overeating lead to loosening of the abdominal muscles that stimulate the intestinal motility, causing flatulence. With vigorous exercise, the abdominal muscles accelerate peristalsis, pushing the food lump through the intestines. Restricting mobility complicates the mechanism, provoking flatulence.

Abdominal bloating in a cat

Causes of bloating in the cat's stomach.

Meteorism. Bloating is the bloating of the abdomen resulting from the accumulation of excess gases formed during digestion in the cat's intestines. At the same time flatulence in the cat may be accompanied by a rumbling in the stomach, the appearance of the hiccups, intermittent discharge of gas through the anus, and sometimes may even be accompanied by an explosive discharge of gas through the rectum.

Causes of flatulence in cats. One of the causes of flatulence is aerophagia (devouring air), which occurs when a cat hurriedly and greedily eats the food given to it. In the process of greedy eating, the cat swallows large amounts of atmospheric air, which accumulates in the alimentary canal. Aerophagia in a cat can be caused by psychogenic factors. For example, the cat has suffered severe stress and in this state it may eat very quickly, with large chunks of food, it swallows air. If the cat is very nervous, it may swallow air without even taking the food.

Gastrointestinal diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diseases accompanied by impaired nasal breathing (cat's runny nose), increased saliva production (cat's stomatitis), gastritis, etc. may cause the cat to swallow large amounts of air while eating. The cause of flatulence in cats may be an improper diet, feeding poor-quality food, food that can cause fermentation in the digestive tract (bread, sweets, soy, dairy products). Being carnivores by nature, these foods are not healthy for cats and lead to various digestive disorders, food allergies, flatulence, bad breath in the cat and other symptoms. The presence of parasites (cat worms) in the intestines may lead to flatulence in the cat.

Treatment of bloating at home

At home, bloating can only be treated if there is simple bowel flatulence due to aerophagia or poor quality food.

It is necessary to exclude from the diet the products that led to increased gas. From medications the cat is given – children Espumezan, Smecta, Lactobacillus.

If after taking these measures bloating in the cat persists, you must urgently contact your veterinary clinic. The veterinary clinic will conduct a thorough clinical examination, and if necessary prescribe additional tests. And according to the diagnosis will carry out appropriate treatment.

What to look out for if the cat has a bloated abdomen

Sudden increase in the abdomen to an unnatural size in the cat may indicate the presence of dangerous pathologies that require the correct therapy. Therefore, pet owners need to know the main causes of abdominal bloating in pets and seek help from a veterinarian when a cat's abdomen is unexpectedly bloated.

If the cat has a large abdomen and no signs of malaise, he may be overweight. In this case, the owner needs to adjust the diet of the consumed products and increase the level of physical activity of the animal. In females, an inflated belly may indicate an impending heat.

Improper nutrition and gas

It is not uncommon for a puffy belly in kittens and adult cats to be caused by improper nutrition or a build-up of gas in the stomach. Unbalanced feeding, improperly chosen food, and poorly digested foods can cause various digestive problems.

Often an unhealthy diet leads to fermentation in the digestive tract, food allergies, and excessive salivation.

Constipation

Feeding pets the wrong amount of food can cause coprostasis, which is characterized by obstruction of the large intestine due to a build-up of feces. A healthy stool in cats involves regular emptying of the intestinal tract. If the defecation process does not occur once every 2-3 days, the animal develops constipation and abdominal bloating. Causes of coprostasis may also include:

Bloated intestines from worms.

A large number of parasites can cause severe intoxication.

Meteorism

Excessive accumulation of gas in the intestines can cause bloating of the abdomen and restlessness in the pet. The following symptoms are observed in flatulence:

Gas accumulation occurs due to improper nutrition, the process of fermentation in the stomach, and the cat swallowing large amounts of air when eating.

Diagnosis of possible diseases

Diagnosis of diseases that cause bloating in cats includes a medical examination of the animal by a veterinarian, collection of medical history, palpation of the abdomen. If there are symptoms of abnormalities, the specialist prescribes:

If you do not know what to do when a sharp bloating of the abdomen in the pet, first, with the help of a veterinarian, establish the cause of the appearance of this pathology. The recommended treatments depend on the exact diagnosis.

To normalize the cat's stomach function, a specialist may recommend adjusting the cat's diet, increasing physical activity, and proper daily care. In case of constipation, the animal is given enemas with warm water. If the cat suffers from helminths, anthelmintic medications are used in therapy. Preventive deworming should be performed regularly to prevent the recurrence of helminthiasis.

In cases where the animal has an accumulation of fluid in the body, it is necessary to increase the frequency of urination. To do this, cats are given diuretics. When severe forms of ascites develop, fluid is pumped out of the peritoneum using a syringe and a special needle. A number of pathologies that cause an increase in the abdominal cavity can only be eliminated by surgery.

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Treatment options

If a kitten is found to have an inflated belly, it is best to make an appointment with a veterinarian to rule out the possibility of serious problems. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination, refer to the necessary diagnostic procedures and choose the appropriate treatment to help get rid of the disease.

Treating bloating in pets with medications

At home

What to do if a kitten's tummy is bloated – a question that worries all pet owners. Self-treatment for acute and stabbing pain is not recommended. It can have unpleasant consequences.

Home therapy methods can be used in the early stages of pathology development, to alleviate the condition of the pet before going to the doctor. The first thing to do is to remove harmful and fatty foods that may irritate the intestines from the cat's diet. These can include potatoes, corn or dough.

If a small kitten has a bloated and painful abdomen – what to do, how to treat the pathology:

Important! You should not massage the abdomen on your own and do a general massage. This can lead to a worsening of the negative symptoms.

When to go to the veterinarian

If after 1-3 days of self-treatment the animal is not getting better, it is worth seeking medical help to prevent the development of complications.

• Kitten's abdomen is swollen and does not go away for 2 days;
• Vomiting and diarrhea does not stop;
• The cat is losing a lot of weight and is not eating anything;
• the cat's fever is not brought down;
• general intoxication and fever syndromes appear.

In the above cases, an urgent diagnosis is needed to rule out serious pathologies that could be life-threatening for the cat. To do this, the doctor sends for blood tests, ultrasound or X-rays.

Prevention of the disease

To avoid an enlarged abdomen and cramps, it is worth using the following rules:

• Purchase quality food for kittens made of natural ingredients. It is unacceptable to feed small pets canned food, as well as food that is consumed by humans. For a newborn cat, it is better to give special mixes for a certain age, which can be found in pet stores.
• Do not forget about water intake, every meal should be washed down with enough liquid. It is therefore recommended to provide the pet with constant access to clean water.
• Do days off with minimal carbohydrate and fiber intake.
• Gradually switch from baby food to adult food in consultation with your veterinarian.
• Examine the cat every six months to rule out any serious pathology.
• Take care of the quality of your cat's fur.
• Provide timely water procedures for your kitten.
• Take care of the sleeping place for the pet, clean and ventilate it in time.

Important! To prevent kitten's large belly from appearing again, regular deworming is recommended.

Kitten's bloated belly is an unpleasant symptom that appears as a result of infectious and eating disorders. If the problem is detected, it is necessary to urgently contact the veterinarian and undergo an examination. The results of diagnostic procedures will determine the further tactic of treatment and prescribe all the necessary recommendations.

Methods of treatment

If the cat has a bloated stomach, what to do at home to the owner:

If the animal remains active, can go to the toilet without problems and has no problems with stool, he may not be taken to the clinic immediately. However, in the following days the general condition of the cat and the degree of bloating of its abdomen should be closely monitored.

Important! When a cat has a bloated belly, many owners try to help and massage, but this is forbidden. If the cause is inflammation or fluid effusion, tummy massage will make the condition much worse.

Nutritional correction

A bloated belly in a domestic cat can be treated with proper nutrition. The number and portion size is calculated by the veterinarian based on the weight and age of the pet. If the pet is on a ready-made cat food, consideration should be given to options for cats with GI diseases or sensitive intestines.

Cats eating home-cooked food need to introduce boiled or baked vegetables (zucchini, peppers, tomatoes), fat-free meat and plenty of fresh water into their diet. You can add dietary supplements with natural fiber, which normalizes the work of the digestive organs.

Pay attention! If the pet has a habit of eating food, you need to block access to the trash can and hide all the food from the table.

Drainage of fluids from the abdomen

If the cat's condition is severe, it will need a drainage system, which is installed at the veterinary clinic. Drainage tubes are inserted into the abdominal cavity and excess fluid or blood is drained out through them. The system is installed for several days. As a result, the amount of fluid collected per day should not exceed 50-100 ml. After this, the drainage is removed.

Diuretic

Diuretics remove excess fluid from the body through the urine. Such treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. First, it is a heavy load on the kidneys. Secondly, with prolonged use, diuretics wash out potassium and other elements, as well as increase blood pressure.

Symptoms

In most cases, abdominal bloating in a domestic cat signals the passage of disease. To determine the nature of the bloating, you need to track other symptoms as well, as the veterinarian will need this information.

Abdominal bloating

A sudden and severe enlargement of the abdomen indicates that it is not a matter of nutrition. Urgent hospitalization of the animal is required if the skin in the abdominal area is extremely tight and the lower ribs are spread apart.

Inflammatory processes in the mouth

Inflammation in the mouth or other mucous membranes is a sign of exacerbation of the disease. Inflammations with pus or severe swelling are especially dangerous.

Weight Loss

If a cat's bloated abdomen is accompanied by weight loss, you should immediately take the animal for examination. The most innocuous cause of weight loss is worms. If the pet refuses to eat or loses weight, cancer may be the cause.

Vomiting or diarrhea

Most often diarrhea is a manifestation of problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Fluid stools are formed due to weakened intestinal functions (reduced immunity, infections, etc.). Frequent trips to the bathroom can be the result of poisoning or inflammation of the digestive organs.

Vomiting is a clear signal that the pet's body is fighting the disease. At the same time, they need to be accompanied by vomiting. Urges without vomiting indicate serious problems.

Decreased activity

An unusual decrease in activity is almost always a bad sign. The exception may be particularly hot days. At other times, apathy in a cat is a sign of ill health. Often in such cases, cats seek solitude and begin to growl if approached.

Excessive salivation

Constant swallowing, wet neck and chin are a sign that the salivary glands have become particularly active. Through saliva, the body is trying to get the infection out. In addition, strong salivation provokes dehydration. Therefore, if the cat began to breathe frequently, secrete a lot of saliva, it is necessary to immediately go to the veterinary clinic.

Treatment methods

If a cat has a bloated abdomen, what to do at home to the owner:

If the animal remains active, can go to the toilet without problems and has no problems with stool, he may not be taken to the clinic immediately. However, in the following days the general condition of the cat and the degree of bloating of its abdomen should be closely monitored.

Important! When a cat has a bloated abdomen, many owners try to help and massage, but this is not allowed. If the cause is inflammation or fluid effusion, massaging the tummy will repeatedly aggravate the condition.

Nutritional correction

A bloated belly in a pet cat can be treated with proper nutrition. The number and portion size is calculated by the veterinarian based on the weight and age of the pet. If the pet eats ready-made food, you should pay attention to options for cats with GI diseases or sensitive intestines.

Cats eating home-cooked food need to introduce boiled or baked vegetables (zucchini, peppers, tomatoes), fat-free meat and plenty of fresh water into their diet. You can add dietary supplements with natural fiber, which normalizes the work of the digestive organs.

Pay attention! If the pet has a habit of eating food, you need to cut off access to the trash can and hide all the food from the table.

Drainage of fluids from the abdominal cavity

If the cat's condition is severe, it will need a drainage system, which is fitted at the veterinary clinic. Drainage tubes are inserted into the abdominal cavity and excess fluid or blood is drained through them. The system is installed for several days. As a result, the amount of fluid collected per day should not exceed 50-100 ml. After this, the drainage is removed.

Diuretic

Diuretics remove excess fluid from the body through the urine. Such treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. First, it is a heavy load on the kidneys. Second, with long-term use, diuretics wash out potassium and other elements, as well as raising blood pressure.

Symptoms that indicate disease

In addition to the duration of the bloating, it is important to consider any alarming symptoms. Possible pathology is indicated by:

• Inflammation, yellowing or blueing of the mucous membranes;
• Peritoneal enlargement too rapidly or sudden weight loss;
• Frequent vomiting, diarrhea, or absence of defecation for more than 2 consecutive days;
• apathy and fever;
• pain when emptying the bowels or bladder;
• Dulling and loss of hair;
• froth, blood or parasites found in vomit and feces;
• increased thirst and loss of appetite;
• copious salivation;
• severe abdominal pain on palpation.

If bloated abdomen in a pregnant cat does not return to normal within 1.5 days after delivery – call the veterinarian. This condition is characteristic of incomplete labor. The stuck fetus will have to be removed surgically.

Abdominal bloat in kittens

When buying a kitten, always examine her tummy. A healthy kitten should have a soft and small belly. Temporary enlargement may occur after a recent feeding or shortly before going to the bathroom. If a healthy baby has a balloon or pear-sized tummy, be sure to priglichastivate the pet and take him to the vet. Pills from parasites are given at intervals of 2 weeks. The first intake kills all adults, and the second – the remaining eggs that have evolved to adult worms.

To make a diagnosis, blood, urine and feces are examined, ultrasound and X-rays are taken. During the examination, the veterinarian palpates and listens to the peritoneum. Depending on the results explaining why the cat has a hard abdomen, the doctor decides what to do to normalize his condition.

Help for non-hazardous causes of bloating

Meteorism caused by an incorrect diet is corrected by adjusting the diet. Any foods that increase gas (legumes, cereals, fresh vegetables) are prohibited. Remember that adult animals are contraindicated milk, as they develop lactose intolerance. The veterinarian may recommend a course of probiotics to normalize intestinal function.

Excessive weight is eliminated by revising the diet. The animal is prescribed less caloric food and the usual portions are reduced. Daily physical activity is supplemented with joint games.

A large belly in a frightened cat is treated with time. Do not impose your affection and let the pet get used to an unfamiliar environment.

Treating the disease-first cause

To eliminate pyometra, surgical intervention will be required. During surgery, the veterinarian will cut out the uterus, which means spaying. Surgery is also needed to remove a tumor, intestinal obstruction, foreign object, or the effects of severe trauma.

Basic and additional symptoms

Behavioral changes in flatulence depend on the character of the pet. An affectionate pet shows anxiety and tries to attract the attention of the owner with a pitiful meow. More shy kittens seek solitude and hide in dark places. In addition to a hard tummy, Symptoms of of a bloated kitten's tummy include:

It can be a trivial indigestion or accumulation of gas – then the owner is able to help the pet himself.

But don't delay an examination if the listed symptoms and kitty's large belly added:

If left untreated, diarrhea changes to constipation and then a complete lack of defecation. Because of the gradual accumulation of toxins, the animal may die of poisoning.

Causes of bloating and their consequences

An enlarged belly immediately after a meal is a natural reaction of the body. In the absence of abnormalities, a large kitten's belly becomes small after feeding or after a full digestion of what you have eaten. If the tummy resembles a balloon and refuses to return to its normal state – start to worry – perhaps there is a place of pathology.

Helminthiasis

Infection with helminths (worms) is accompanied by a sharp loss of weight against the background of increased abdomen and sides, discharge from the eyes, itching in the anus area and loss of the natural shine of the coat. If the kitten has a hard belly, observe the kitten. If there are too many parasites, you may see them moving under the skin or find worms in the feces.

Improper nutrition

Animals found on the street do not know how to control their appetite. Excessive food intake puts strain on the stomach and intestines. In addition to overfeeding, the quality of the diet should not be forgotten. It is forbidden to feed a small pet with food from the human table or adult pet food – coarse pellets are poorly digested by the baby's body, so the tummy quickly becomes dense and painful.

Food allergies

Bloating in a kitten's tummy is a typical allergic reaction. If you recently switched him to a new food or treated him to an unfamiliar product – check for food intolerance.

Infectious peritonitis

Extremely dangerous illness, the leading infectious cause of death in cats. A mutated coronavirus is responsible for infection. The pathology is accompanied by formation of nodular neoplasms and increased permeability of blood vessels. Associated symptoms include fever, urinary incontinence, seizures, and ascites, that is, fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. If in the upright position the kitten's bloated belly shifts downward slightly and resembles a pear – put off all urgent matters and go to the clinic.

Diagnosis and treatment

When a kitten has a large belly, you can not put off a visit to the veterinarian, because some diseases can lead to the death of the baby. The doctor will make a diagnosis, establish the exact cause of the appearance of a large belly and prescribe treatment.

Typically, cats are prescribed blood tests, ultrasound and X-rays. Further treatment will depend on what caused the appearance of a large belly.

When infected with parasites, the doctor will prescribe special antihelmintic drugs according to the age and weight of the kitten. You must remember that some anthelmintic drugs are allowed to take only from 2-3 months of age.

If constipation will have to take Vaseline oil 3 times a day at a dose of 0.1 ml per 100 grams of weight of the animal, as well as do enemas. Massaging the tummy with your thumb in a clockwise direction also gives good results.

Lactobacillin, Hilac Forte or Acipol can help to normalize the gastrointestinal tract and relieve bloating in case of regular overeating or improper nutrition. You will also need to change the food to a better quality and observe the feeding regime.

In all other cases, the kitten needs immediate surgical intervention to save her life.

Prevention

To avoid abdominal bloating and the development of serious diseases, the following recommendations should be followed:

1. Feed the pet only quality food that is suitable for its age.
2. Observe the diet and do not increase the portion size.
3. Keep an eye on the cat's weight.
4. Introduce complementary foods gradually.
5. Provide unobstructed access to clean drinking water for your kitten. The less you drink the more likely you are to become constipated.
6. Make sure that the baby goes to the toilet regularly.
7. Wash and disinfect kitten's bedding and grooming accessories with disinfectant solutions.
8. Periodically organize days of rest, when the amount of fiber and carbohydrates consumed by the kitten will be minimal.
9. Visit the veterinarian twice a year to detect and treat illnesses that might occur.
10. Monitor your kitten's coat and mucous membranes.
11. Every six months to carry out deworming and treatment of external parasites.
12. Regularly play with your pet to stimulate physical activity.

With proper care and careful monitoring of your kitten's health, there is no risk of bloating. If the baby does have this unpleasant symptom, it is best not to put off going to the veterinarian for long. After all, the cause of the appearance of a large belly should be established only by a doctor, so that, if necessary, to begin urgent treatment and possibly save the baby from death.

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