The cat's stomach is swollen: causes of bloating and treatment

Representatives of the cat family are animals of extraordinary beauty, attracting the eye with their grace and plasticity. However, owners often begin to notice that their pet is losing most of its grace, its tummy looks like a ball, and because of the pungent odor that the pet emits, it is impossible to be in the same room with it.

Breed characteristics

Some breeds have a fold in the abdominal area their entire life. And, by the way, there is nothing reprehensible in this, since natural affiliation simply obliges you to “possess” a fat tail.

Do not be upset if the skin hangs on the belly of a cat of the following breeds: Canadian Sphynx, Pixie-Bob, Bengal, Scottish Straight, Scottish Shorthair. The reasons for the presence of loose skin in pets of these breeds are unknown. Probably, the fat layer should protect short-haired and hairless individuals from the cold, and for others, the fat tail should protect the abdominal organs from injury during fights.

Important! You should not try to reduce a saggy belly by starving your pet. With such a diet, the skin will not go anywhere, but, on the contrary, will become even more noticeable on a body that is too thin

In those cats that, by their breed vocation, are forced to “wear” a fat tail, the stomach decreases during the lactation period. As soon as the feeding of the kittens stops, the size of the saggy tummy returns to normal.

Feeding cheap foods

Veterinarians strongly recommend analyzing your pet’s diet. After all, unhealthy food from economy class (Whiskas, Felix, Kitekat) will sooner or later cause disruption of the digestive tract. Along with the indicated nutrition, the foods that people love to feast on are harmful. Sausages, dairy products, soups and main courses from the human table are not suitable for consumption by animals. Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract can easily lead to the death of a cat. High-quality industrial food that will not harm your pet - Akana, Hills, Perfect Fit, Purina Van and other branded products from the premium, superpremium segment. If the owner’s choice is made in favor of natural nutrition, then among the healthy foods for the mustachioed pet can be noted: cereals (rice and oatmeal), meat (beef, turkey, rabbit), stewed vegetables (carrots, cabbage, beets). It is necessary to remember the basic rule: mixing natural food and ready-made food is prohibited.

If your cat has sagging skin on its belly despite a well-thought-out diet, then you should slightly reconsider its diet.

It is important to reduce the calorie content of dishes by reducing the amount of meat component to 50-70%

Causes of bloating in adult cats

If your cat has a swollen belly and sides, possible causes may include:

• disturbances of intestinal microflora;
• inflammation;
• swelling;
• internal bleeding;
• tumors;
• parasites.

Bloating in a cat does not bode well.

Important! Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after taking blood, urine and stool tests. If necessary, ultrasound is performed

Accumulations of air and gas

Aerophagy is the swallowing of air during food consumption. If your pet eats food particularly greedily, air gets in, forming bubbles inside.

Another common cause is excess gas production in the intestines. Most often it is associated with an incorrect or unbalanced diet. Foods that can cause bloating:

• fat and other meat waste;
• bread;
• milk;
• dairy products;
• feed with high soy content;
• wheat;
• corn.

The first three products are prohibited from being given to kittens and adult cats. Most dairy products cause flatulence in a kitten. The consumption of the rest should be halved. The accumulation of gases is caused by any spoiled food. Within the normal range, increased gas formation continues for 1-2 hours after eating, and then goes away.

Note! Bloating can be a sign of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular intestinal diseases. If an enlarged tummy is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat, apathy and weakness, you should immediately take the animal to a veterinarian

Fluid in the abdominal cavity

If your cat's stomach is bloated and his health is rapidly deteriorating, the problem may be fluid accumulation:

• urine;
• blood (internal bleeding);
• pus and exudate.

Stagnation can be triggered by injury, severe infection, or organ disease in the acute stage.

Overweight

Excess weight alone cannot cause bloating in a cat. The reason is a disruption in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Often, abundant or unhealthy nutrition causes an imbalance of microflora.

As in people, it manifests itself as heaviness in the stomach, flatulence, and the intestines begin to growl. The number of good bacteria responsible for fermentation and digestion of food is reduced, and the bad bacteria that provoke putrefactive processes in the intestines increases.

Obesity itself is not the cause of a bloated belly.

Enlargement of any abdominal organ

In the presence of an inflammatory process, organ tissues can swell 2-3 times. Your pet's belly may swell due to inflammation or swelling of the liver, spleen, or kidneys.

Helminthiasis

A hard, distended belly is one of the signs of helminthiasis (infection with worms). In especially advanced cases, the number of parasites can be in the hundreds, which means additional weight and volume in the abdominal area. Prevention of infestation with medications should be carried out once a season, especially if the cat is often outdoors and in contact with other animals.

Important! Kittens born on the street become infected with helminths from the first days of life. Due to a ball of parasites, the animal's stomach is swollen

Enlargement of the uterus during pregnancy

Bloating in a pregnant cat causes the uterus to become enlarged. In most cases, changes in organ size occur within the normal range. A veterinarian can determine whether the size of the uterus corresponds to the animal’s gestational age.

Tumor

Malignant and benign tumors partially displace organs. In addition, tumors reduce the overall immunity of the body. Only a specialist can diagnose them using ultrasound and other techniques.

For your information! A condition when an animal can only lie down and sleep indicates the last stages of oncology.

Peritonitis

Another reason why a cat's stomach is swollen is peritonitis. This is a dangerous inflammation in the abdominal cavity. It is characterized by purulent and bloody discharge, as well as the outflow of fluid into the abdomen. The area becomes swollen and inflamed. Most often, the cat cannot even walk, eat or drink.

Peritonitis is common among older and recently born cats. In the second case, sterilization is recommended to prevent recurrent peritonitis. An advanced disease leads to irreversible inflammatory processes, internal bleeding, severe swelling, and organ ruptures.

Ascites

If a sick cat has a distended belly, ascites may be the cause. This is the release and accumulation of fluids in the abdominal cavity. Ascites occurs when any disease reaches an incurable stage. Most often, fluid accumulation occurs due to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system. Modern medicine is not yet able to treat ascites. To alleviate the animal’s condition, the organ that caused the ascites is removed.

Diagnostics and therapy

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

Help with non-dangerous causes of bloating

Flatulence caused by poor nutrition can be eliminated by adjusting the diet. A ban is imposed on any products that increase gas formation (legumes, flour, fresh vegetables). Remember that milk is contraindicated for adult animals, as they develop lactose intolerance. To normalize intestinal function, your veterinarian may recommend a course of probiotics.

Excessive weight can be eliminated by reviewing your diet. The animal is prescribed less high-calorie food and the usual portions are reduced. Daily physical activity is complemented by joint games.

A big belly in a scared cat can be healed with time. Do not impose your affection and let your pet get used to the unfamiliar environment.

Treatment of the underlying disease

Surgery will be required to eliminate pyometra. During the operation, the veterinarian cuts out the uterus, that is, performs sterilization. Surgeries are also necessary to remove a tumor, intestinal obstruction, foreign object, or the consequences of severe trauma.

All infectious diseases are treated with antibiotics and antiviral drugs, and helminthiasis with anthelmintics. Intoxication with poisons is eliminated by administering an antidote and gastric lavage. In case of ascites, excess fluid is pumped out of the animal and a course of diuretics is prescribed.

To treat constipation, use Vaseline oil or laxatives. Such therapy is permissible only in the absence of intestinal obstruction. Otherwise, taking these drugs may cause intestinal rupture.

Treatment for an abscess depends on its complexity. Most often, drug therapy, which involves taking antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, is sufficient. In case of extensive inflammation, the ulcers are removed by a surgeon.

Cholecystitis is treated with antibiotics and proper nutrition. The animal is transferred to a veterinary food that fights gallstones.

Any therapy must be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian, with dosages clearly specified by him.

Probability of death

The likelihood of death depends on the situation. The exact indicator is determined only by diagnostic results.

Remember that complications are possible even with non-hazardous factors. The bloating puts pressure on the chest, preventing normal breathing. There is also a high risk of gastric volvulus, intestinal rupture, tissue necrosis and sepsis. To avoid unpleasant consequences, contact your veterinarian if you have any alarming symptoms.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of bloating must be comprehensive and include blood tests (general and biochemical), urine, abdominal ultrasound and x-rays. In some cases, especially if neoplasms are suspected, a CT scan is recommended.

The following are the primary diagnostic methods, depending on the suspicion of various causes of bloating:

• Obesity – weighing the pet, analyzing the diet, palpation;
• Pregnancy - ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• Flatulence - diet analysis, abdominal ultrasound;
• Viral disease - specific virological tests (PCR test of blood and effusion);
• Neoplasm – ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, plain X-ray in three projections, CT in the “oncology search” mode;
• Heart diseases – cardiac ECHO;
• Liver diseases - general and biochemical blood tests, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• Kidney diseases - general and biochemical blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, urinalysis;
• Coprostasis – abdominal x-ray;
• Injuries – ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• Pyometra - ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• Helminthic infestation - stool analysis.

Signs of pathology

A cat's enlarged belly should be the reason for an unscheduled visit to the veterinarian. Sometimes, if the outflow of urine is disrupted or the intestines are blocked, a timely operation can save the life of a pet.

Why do certain pathologies develop if, in the opinion of the owners, the animal is well cared for? The causes of the development of diseases accompanied by enlargement of the peritoneum are:

• poor nutrition, lack of animal access to water;
• non-compliance with the schedule of vaccination and anthelmintic measures;
• peritoneal injuries;
• development of chronic diseases of internal organs.

There are a number of symptoms, the occurrence of which requires urgent consultation with a veterinarian. These include:

• diarrhea;
• vomit;
• apathy;
• increase in body temperature (hot, dry nose and ears);
• lack of appetite;
• the presence of blood, parasites and their eggs in the stool or urine.

Prevention

Prevention of a bloated abdomen in a cat, as well as any other serious pet disease, comes down to following the rules for keeping cats in an apartment:

1. It is necessary to regularly treat worms: kittens - once a month, adult cats - once every 3 months throughout their lives.
2. Follow the principles of proper animal nutrition. If you are not sure about the chosen feeding tactics, make an appointment with a veterinary nutritionist: the doctor will be able to select not only ready-made food, but also a balanced homemade diet.
3. It is advisable not to allow pets to walk outside to avoid infection with the feline infectious peritonitis virus, for which there is currently no vaccination.
4. It is necessary to install special “anti-cat” nets on the windows, which prevent not only falling out of the window, but also getting stuck in windows open for ventilation.

What is a cat's fat tail?

A cat's fat tail is scientifically called a “primordial pouch,” which means a genetic tendency in some cat breeds to form a fold of skin on the abdomen, between the hind legs.

A small hanging tail is considered normal for cats if it is elastic, soft to the touch, does not cause pain and its size does not exceed 5 cm.

In felinology, there are several theories that explain this anatomical feature in cats:

1. The inguinal skin fold is a “depot” for fat deposits, which are consumed during prolonged fasting of a cat, which allows animals to survive in the most difficult circumstances. Fat deposits in cats are especially noticeable during the winter cold.
2. The fat tail acts as a repository of excess elastic skin, which is actively used when jumping high, long, while climbing trees or when entering narrow crevices, when the cat needs to stretch out “in line” to get to the desired place.
3. A hanging belly in cats is an additional means of protecting internal organs during fights and fights with relatives. Cats tend to deliver powerful blows to the enemy with their hind legs, and an additional layer of skin will protect the vulnerable belly from damage to internal organs.

All domestic and wild cats have a fat tail, but in some it is more pronounced due to breed or physiological characteristics, in others it is less pronounced.

In spring and summer, the size of the saggy tummy in cats is significantly reduced, and in late autumn and winter the fat tail grows again.

What to do:

- in all cases of abdominal enlargement, it is necessary to consult a doctor, regardless of the age of the animal - there are no options for “it will resolve on its own”!

– the faster the belly enlarges, the more urgent it should be to see a doctor. If there is a simultaneous significant deterioration in your health, you must go immediately to the clinic, where an ultrasound/X-ray and, if necessary, surgery can be performed.

– to independently monitor the amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity, you can use weighing + measuring the volume of the abdomen with a centimeter tape. Nevertheless, primary importance when choosing treatment tactics is given to the general condition of the animal and the degree of tension in the abdominal wall, and not to weight/volume.

Video

Ascites in cats is a dangerous syndrome accompanied by the release of fluid into the abdominal cavity of the animal. In cats, it manifests itself mainly in adulthood and old age. Many internal diseases can provoke the symptom, ranging from kidney disease to bladder rupture. The etiology and manifestations of pathology will be discussed in this article.

Ascites in cats: symptoms and treatment

Ascites does not belong to the category of independent diseases. This alarming symptom signals excess fluid in the abdominal area.

Exceeding the norm is fraught with malfunctions in the functioning of organs and systems that arise as a result of compression. In most cases, ascites is not characterized by sudden manifestations. With the exception of peritonitis, the substance accumulates in the body gradually.

Pathogenesis of the syndrome

Ascites appears as a result of many diseases. At the molecular level, the main cause of its occurrence is considered to be low levels of albumin in the blood. If we consider the pathology from a symptomatic point of view, it accompanies the following diseases:

• hepatitis;
• diabetes;
• cirrhosis;
• peritonitis;
• right ventricular failure;
• malignant neoplasms;
• hypoalbuminemia;
• bladder rupture.

Table 1. The main culprits of the pathology

Symptoms of ascites

The most typical sign of the syndrome is an increase in abdominal volume. Symptoms develop gradually, depending on the rate of accumulation of the substance. With an excessive amount of transudate, the peritoneum becomes large and tight.

After the animal returns to its original position, after a few minutes the abdomen takes on its previous shape. A similar effect occurs as a result of liquid flowing down. In cats with long undercoat, the enlargement of the peritoneum inherent in ascites will not be noticeable. Symptoms are determined by the severity of the disease and the rate of accumulation of transudate.

The following symptoms are observed in pets:

• decreased activity;
• flatulence;
• change in the color of urine or feces;
• labored breathing;
• fever;
• decreased appetite;
• cough;
• bowel disorders;
• vomit.

Sometimes the animal breathes through its mouth, resembling a dog. This is caused by compression of the diaphragm by the abdominal cavity. As a result, shortness of breath appears. Even loss of consciousness is possible.

Treatment prognosis

Veterinarians in many cases upset cat owners with disappointing statistics. However, with timely detection of the disease that provoked ascites, a complete cure is possible.

The animal's recovery depends on the following factors:

• degree of neglect of the disease;
• the duration of the period of fluid accumulation in the body;
• accuracy of diagnosis;
• the correctness of the selected treatment regimen.

If the disease is in the acute stage, death is possible.

Can ascites in cats be treated or not?

Treatment of ascites is carried out comprehensively. Therapy is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease, alleviating pain symptoms and strengthening the immune system.

To reduce the amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity, laxatives and diuretics (Furosemide, Temisal) are indicated.

To stabilize the functioning of the cardiovascular system, drugs such as Olitorizide, Strophanthin, Digitoxin, Cardiovalen are necessarily prescribed.

If there is an infection in the body, antibiotic therapy using drugs from a number of cephalosporins is indicated.

To strengthen the walls of blood vessels and reduce their permeability, the veterinarian prescribes intravenous solutions of calcium chloride (10%).

To pump out the fluid, a puncture is done when the veterinarian pierces the abdominal wall. The procedure is performed at least twice a week. In this case, the removal of ascitic fluid must be compensated by reinfusion of ascitic transudate or administration of an albumin solution. These procedures provide a chance for additional remission and prolongation of the animal’s life.

The course of treatment depends on the condition of the animal and the amount of fluid. This is a long process that must continue until the clinical signs of dropsy completely disappear.

As for the prognosis, with adequate and, most importantly, timely therapy, it is favorable. If you do not seek help from a specialist in time, the volume of fluid will continue to increase, and this is fraught with pressure on the internal organs and disruption of their functions.

Treatment

Flatulence can be cured by eliminating from the diet a product that causes fermentation in the stomach. At home, it is recommended to use drugs such as Hilak Forte, Bifiform, Espumisan, Smecta, Enterosgel and others. Select the dosage taking into account the size and age of the cat.

Helminths are eliminated using special medications: tablets (Drontal, Pratel, Trontsil), Prazicide suspensions, Polyvercan sugar cubes, Profender drops. They must be given again after 2 weeks during treatment. Treatment of peritonitis is only symptomatic. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs must be prescribed. At the same time, the doctor will determine the true cause of the inflammatory process. For ascites, there are 2 options:

1. transferring the animal to maintenance treatment (continuous injections, droppers, diuretics);
2. euthanasia.

Tumors of any nature require removal. For cancerous tumors - chemotherapy, radiation. After these procedures, restorative therapy is carried out aimed at increasing immunity. For plague in cats, an antiviral agent is given and symptomatic and immunostimulating treatment is carried out. A universal treatment has not been invented to date.

Methods for treating constipation: massaging the abdomen, giving laxatives (Duphalac, Microlax enema, Normaze) and probiotics - homemade yogurt or kefir, Linex, Hilak Forte and others. If you want a long life for your pet, try to regularly examine it and pay attention to minor deviations in behavior and appetite. These simple measures will help save the life of your beloved cat.

Do cats have flatulence?

Your affectionate pet is curled up in your arms, by the way, in the body language of cats - this is a signal of trust and disposition towards you (find out here about other interpretations of cat body movements that will help owners better understand their pet), and you are in a similar relaxed state state, when suddenly your idyll is disturbed by an unpleasant fetid smell. Where could it come from?

This often happens when cats have flatulence, and about the reasons for this phenomenon, about foods that can cause flatulence in cats, and of course about how to treat and prevent excess accumulation of gases and their release with a terrible odor - we talk about all this Today we will talk in our new article...

What is flatulence

If we turn to veterinary and human medical reference books, for comparison, flatulence is the process of bloating in an animal as a result of the accumulation of gases in the intestines.

This can not be seen often, despite the fact that the release of gases for the body of animals is a completely natural process, but sometimes you can still observe an excessive accumulation of gases and their release with a terrible odor.

In addition to all this, the accumulated gases in the animal’s intestines put pressure on the diaphragm and complicate the breathing process, and if in such a situation you do not try to help it, then this can even cause the development of shock and death of the pet.

There are no age limits for such a disorder, but still, most often, flatulence is observed both in small kittens if they have a helminthic infestation, and in old animals whose metabolic processes in the body are disrupted as a result of old age - find out how a cat’s body ages and about the duration of her life.

Bloating in a cat due to flatulence

So that you have no doubt that your cat really has flatulence and not some other disease, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the characteristic symptoms of this disorder.

So, the cat behaves restlessly, meows pitifully and tries to attract your attention, or, on the contrary, hides in a dark corner and sits there, showing no signs of life.

When you pick her up, she behaves restlessly, her stomach feels swollen, hard and painful, the cat has a poor appetite or refuses to eat at all.

The processes of defecation and release of gases at the initial stage of the disease are quite frequent, but then they become less frequent until they disappear completely. This stage of the asymptomatic course of the disease is very dangerous, because if the animal is not helped in time, it may die.↑

What can cause such symptoms? The answer to this question, first of all, should be sought in the animal’s diet. So, it turns out that there are a number of products that can provoke the occurrence of such a disorder, and you yourself, without meaning to, can become the culprit of your pet’s illness.

Despite the fact that many of us think that milk is a real cat product, you and I are still mistaken. Moreover, the cat's body is lactose intolerant. And, the older the cat gets, the higher the percentage of the likelihood of developing intolerance.

No, of course, there are exceptions to the rules, but most cats still do not like milk, and those that drink it later suffer from it, paying with flatulence, indigestion and other unpleasant symptoms.

So, limit your pet’s consumption of milk - it’s for his benefit.↑

Dairy products may cause flatulence

It happens that cats tolerate milk well, but their bodies react poorly to other dairy products.

We suggest you read: The cat has diarrhea with blood, what happened?

Therefore, you just need to be patient and observant in order to determine which of the dairy products - cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt, the cat digests without problems, and which one causes him/her bloating with all the ensuing consequences .

When you identify a product that catalyzes the flatulence reaction, you should exclude it from your pet’s diet completely, or at least limit its use and reduce it to a minimum - after all, cats, like people, simply adore what they shouldn’t and causes harm to them. health.↑

There are meat cats, and there are fish cats. By the way, according to the owners of mustachioed striped ones, there are more of the latter. However,

No matter how much your cat loves fish, no matter what type of fish you offer him - sea or river, in no case should fish products form the basis of a cat's diet.

If you ignore these recommendations and constantly feed your cat fish, then prepare to have serious problems with your pet’s health in the future, against the background of which flatulence will seem not the worst thing that could happen to him.

You should not believe that garlic is a folk remedy for worms and can be used to treat helminthic infestations in cats. While this folk remedy helps people, it is forbidden to give garlic to cats in any form. So, avoid this food additive if you do not want to encounter flatulence in your pet and other problems related to its health.↑

Many cat owners are ready to brag for hours about the fact that their cat is absolutely omnivorous, and even eats grain products. But there are few reasons and reasons for joy in this.

We should not forget that cats, by their primitive nature, are still predators, and nature, when creating them, provided that they should eat meat.

Therefore, a diet high in soy, corn, and wheat irritates the digestive system of your purring friend and becomes a serious burden for it.↑

In order to save money, do not try to replace meat in your cat’s diet with fat or meat trimmings. Fatty foods, and in particular fat itself, can cause not only stomach upset in a cat, but also flatulence. And, if such a diet is constant, then the pet can subsequently develop serious problems with the gastrointestinal tract.↑

Yeast is dangerous for cats' health

Cats are not people. We will not tire of repeating this once again, especially when the question concerns creating the right diet for your pets.

Therefore, you should not give cats bread and bakery products, no matter how much they love them and no matter how pitifully they beg for them.

The fact is that yeast, which according to the recipe is included in baked goods, is very dangerous for the health of representatives of the cat family, since it causes fermentation processes, and excessive gas production begins to stretch the cat’s stomach... ↑

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for owners to feed animals something that they themselves can no longer eat due to the product’s expiration date and its unpleasant odor. But who said that such products can be given to your cat? Make it a rule for yourself

If you don't eat spoiled foods, then you shouldn't feed them to your cat.

With such a fundamentally incorrect diet, you can not only undermine your pet’s health, but also destroy it, since the cat can even die as a result of severe food poisoning.↑

If, after analyzing the symptoms and diet of your pet, you realize that there is every reason for the development of flatulence, you should not wait until the situation becomes critical - the animal should be shown to a veterinarian for first aid. If it is not possible to show the animal to a specialist, you will have to provide first aid yourself.

So, in order to relieve spasms in the stomach and intestines, you will need to give the cat an anesthetic - traumeel, baralgin or antipyrine, the dosage depends on the animal’s body weight and its age. Afterwards, in order to remove gases, the cat will need to be given an activated carbon tablet or polysorb diluted in water.

After a few hours, you will be able to give a cleansing enema.

In order to increase the processes of salivation and belching - in this situation they help eliminate intestinal bloating, you can carefully insert a wooden stick, which is lubricated with salt or ichthyol, into the cat's mouth and secure it with a bandage on the back of the animal's head.

To prevent putrefactive microflora from developing in your pet’s intestines, be sure to give your “patient” 1 tablet of lactoferon.

Symptoms of ascites

The first and most obvious signs of ascites are the following symptoms:

• swollen, tight stomach (“bulging” sides);
• poor appetite (sometimes complete refusal to eat);
• flatulence, constipation, diarrhea;
• vomiting (most often with saliva);
• depressed mood (anxiety, sadness, apathy, etc.) due to abdominal pain;
• heavy breathing (rapid breathing, with wheezing, groaning, coughing, etc.);
• the cat tries to lie on its side;
• caution in movements (slow gait, uncertain steps, etc.);
• refusal to play and fatigue;
• weakness (fainting is also possible).

Some owners may mistake dropsy for the first signs of pregnancy (in cats), helminthic infestation, or flatulence. To make sure that it is definitely not gases or a fetus, it is enough to take the sick cat in your arms. In an animal in an upright position, the fluid will flow into the lower abdomen. As soon as you place the cat on the floor, the water will again be distributed throughout the abdomen.

Photo gallery: some signs of ascites in cats

With ascites, the cat's stomach "swells" A sick cat may become apathetic or aggressive If ascites, a cat may have diarrhea or, conversely, constipation Cats with dropsy do not eat well, sometimes completely refuse to eat A sick cat may cough or have difficulty breathing

It is important to recognize dropsy immediately and contact a veterinarian, because time may not be in your favor. For example, in cats with diabetes, the volume of fluid can reach 2-3 liters (the larger the cat, the more fluid) in just 2-3 days.

Causes of the problem

Flatulence has no age limits, but is more often observed in early and old age (due to helminthiasis and slow metabolism, respectively). In cats, due to their short digestive tract, bloating is rare.

Most often, the cause of flatulence should be sought in unbalanced feeding. There are a number of products that can provoke it, these include:

1. Milk, since the cat's body reacts poorly to lactose, and the older the cat gets, the higher the likelihood of stomach upset from drinking this drink.
2. Fermented milk products. This includes cheese, yoghurt, sour cream, cottage cheese. They are allowed in small quantities, but strictly dosed.
3. Fish. If river or sea fish form the basis of the diet, the smell of your pet's excrement becomes unbearable.
4. Garlic. With its help, some owners try to treat their cat for worms. However, you should not give garlic to an animal, and flatulence is not the only problem that can arise from its use.
5. Cereals. Feeds high in wheat, corn, and soy irritate the digestive system and become a serious burden for it.
6. Fat and meat trimmings are not a complete substitute for meat and can cause not only flatulence, but also liver dysfunction, intestinal disorders, and diarrhea.
7. Bread. Contains yeast, which provokes the fermentation process in the intestines and, as a result, distension of the stomach.

We invite you to read: False pregnancy in cats: symptoms, treatment, how to identify and what to do

However, not only an incorrect diet can contribute to the development of flatulence. This can lead to:

• viral, parasitic diseases;
• inflammatory bowel diseases;
• hair stones that accumulate in the stomach (most common in cats with long hair);
• oncology;
• obstruction or partial obstruction of the intestine;
• dysbacteriosis in cats due to improper treatment (especially antibiotics).

You should contact your veterinarian if, in addition to frequent passing of gas, your pet experiences borborygmas (rumbling in the abdomen), drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, mucus in the stool, poor appetite, weight loss, bloated abdomen, or abdominal tension. Most likely, these are symptoms of inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.

How to determine the cause of a bloated belly

In most cases, an increase in the size of a kitten's belly is not a sign of serious pathologies. You can try to determine the cause of a bloated belly yourself:

• When the problem is related to errors in nutrition, namely overeating or feeding age-inappropriate food, the kitten experiences bloating.
  This occurs due to pressure on the walls of the intestines and peritoneum of gases that were formed due to malfunctions in the baby’s digestive system. In other words, the kitten is worried about flatulence. It's very easy to check - just lightly tap your stomach with your fingertips. If at the same time a dull sound occurs (as if from a “barrel”), then this indicates flatulence. You can also often feel and hear a rumbling sound when you put your hand on the kitten’s tummy. Most often, a kitten's bloated belly is caused by errors in nutrition.
• With constipation, you can note that the kitten does not go to the toilet for a long time to empty its intestines (more than a day), meows pitifully and is worried.
• Worm infestations accompanying a pet's swollen tummy cannot be determined without an appropriate analysis performed by a veterinarian (except for cases where worms are visible to the naked eye in the animal's excrement, which indicates a massive infection). Therefore, in cases where the kitten’s nutrition is organized at the proper level and there is no reason to believe that flatulence is the cause of the illness, the animal should be shown to a veterinarian.
• Internal diseases, which, among other things, lead to bloating in kittens, have a whole range of other symptoms by which they can be diagnosed. However, this should be done by a professional - a veterinarian.

Bloating in kittens is often accompanied by the following conditions:

• diarrhea - observed with poor nutrition and helminth infection;
• vomiting - one-time can be associated with overeating, repeated - with a wide range of diseases of the digestive tract, including helminthic infestations;
• unpleasant color and smell of feces - may indicate infectious diseases or helminthic infestations;
• changes in taste preferences and feeding habits - eating inedible objects, an unusually strong appetite may indicate that the kitten is not getting the vitamins and microelements it needs from food;
• elevated body temperature, lethargy, apathy - as a rule, indicate food toxic infections or inflammatory diseases of internal organs, for example, peritonitis.

Flatulence in a pet

Gas in a cat is a common occurrence in veterinary practice. If she passes a small amount of gas 2-4 hours after eating food, this is part of the digestive process and is considered normal. About 90% of the gases released are methane, which has no odor. But if a pet farts more often than usual, and the passage of gas is accompanied by a terrible “amber” and some other signs, this already indicates that he has flatulence.

Flatulence in cats is the process of distension and bloating of the abdomen due to the accumulation of gases and air in the stomach or intestines, which the animal swallows while eating food. The unpleasant odor is the result of the release of hydrogen sulfide and other substances, and the excretion of the resulting excess through the anus is considered a normal physiological phenomenon inherent in all mammals.

Excessive gas production does not mean that a disease is developing in the cat’s body. It is likely that the four-legged pet simply ate food that was unusual for him, and his intestines did not have time to produce enzymes to digest it.

But if flatulence takes a chronic form, this indicates diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, accumulated gases put pressure on the diaphragm and make breathing difficult. This can cause shock in your pet and even death.

Clinical picture

The initial stage of the pathological condition is virtually asymptomatic, since the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity is a gradual process. Characteristic signs can only be noticed when the volume of fluid significantly exceeds normal levels. Ascites can be suspected by a noticeably swollen abdomen and stretching of the sides when the animal is active.

Symptoms:

• the abdominal cavity is swollen, hard to the touch;
• fluctuation - when pressing on the abdomen, you can feel the liquid inside it swaying;
• the belly takes on the shape of a pear when the cat stands on its hind legs, and inflates and rounds when taking a sitting position;
• dullness and disheveled fur;
• yellowish tint of mucous membranes;
• paws, ears, crotch, sternum swell;
• vomiting, nausea;
• lack of appetite;
• constipation or diarrhea;
• breathing problems, hoarseness, shortness of breath;
• weakness, apathy.

It is very important to distinguish ascites from ordinary overeating.

How insidious kidney diseases are:

• Late detection Many kidney diseases can proceed for a long time in a latent or erased form and make themselves known late, no, very late, and sometimes too late... Disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys do not cause pain in the animal (probably in vain!) and do not give anything away itself, since the healthy part can easily withstand the additional load. Until a certain point.

It often happens like this: 10% of nephrons die - nothing happens, 20% die - nothing happens, 40% - again nothing, 50% - the cat is a little “sad”, didn’t eat well, well, it happens, 60% - the cat is a few days old lethargic, barely ate my favorite food, vomited once, loose stools - perhaps I should see a doctor.

Thus, kidney diseases often make themselves felt only when a significant part of them has already died irrevocably!

• Vague symptoms Symptoms of kidney disease are also typical for other diseases, which makes diagnosis difficult.

In what cases should you contact a veterinarian?

The most dangerous causes of an enlarged abdomen in a kitten are peritonitis and ascites. Without timely veterinary care, the pet may even die. How to recognize these dangerous pathologies:

• Peritonitis is an inflammation of the abdominal cavity of an animal. It is necessarily accompanied by the following symptoms: elevated body temperature;
• vomiting;
• refusal of food;
• weakness;
• apathy.

Peritonitis and ascites are life-threatening conditions, so you need to take the kitten to the vet as soon as possible. Only a specialist can treat these pathologies, and sometimes even minutes count.

Why does deviation occur?

The development of the deviation is influenced by pathological and physiological factors. The first are dangerous to health and require the intervention of a veterinarian. The latter are natural, so they are easy to figure out on your own.

Hazardous factors

The presence of pathology is indicated when the abdominal muscles do not relax for more than a day, and the pet’s condition gradually worsens.

This is due to the following reasons:

• Constipation
  . It occurs due to intestinal spasms, improper feeding, ingestion of a foreign object, helminthiasis and the accumulation of hair in the intestines during heavy shedding. Without prompt treatment, constipation can lead to intestinal obstruction and death.
• Peritonitis
  . The peritoneal mucosa becomes inflamed upon contact with gastric or intestinal contents. The penetration of foreign microflora is fraught with epithelial detachment and necrosis.
• Poisoning
  . Against the background of acute intoxication, painful spasms occur in the lower part of the stomach.
• Abscess
  . The danger of purulent formation in the abdominal organs lies in its rupture and subsequent blood poisoning.
• Trauma
  . When internal organs are damaged, their contents leak into the peritoneum. The further reaction is similar to peritonitis.
• Cholecystitis (biliary colic)
  . Inflammation of the gallbladder occurs when there is excessive production of bile or the formation of stones. The patient's peritoneum hardens and excruciating pain occurs.
• Pyometra
  . Purulent inflammation in the uterus appears with frequent mating, hormonal disorders and infections.
• Ascites (abdominal dropsy)
  . With this disease, free fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity. Most often this occurs as a result of poor circulation.
• Neoplasms
  . The growth of the tumor is reflected in the size of the peritoneum. Most often, neoplasms occur in older animals.
• Panleukopenia (distemper)
  . Infection with the virus occurs in utero, during a bite by a blood-sucking insect, or through contact with an infected animal or its biological fluids.

All these causes can be eliminated with medication. Without timely help, even simple constipation becomes dangerous.

Non-hazardous factors

An enlarged and dense belly in a cat also appears for natural reasons.

These include:

• Flatulence
  . A tight stomach appears when there is an excess accumulation of digestive gases. Usually this condition goes away with dietary adjustments, but sometimes it is a sign of helminthiasis, dysbacteriosis, intestinal obstruction and other diseases.
• Pregnancy
  . Shortly before childbirth, the size of the uterus increases greatly. The abdominal muscles become harder to protect the kittens inside the womb. The condition returns to normal a few hours after the birth of the offspring.
• Stress
  . By tensing the abdominal muscles, the pet tries to protect itself from the source of fear or unpleasant touches. This behavior is typical for animals that have suffered physical abuse.
• Obesity
  . If the pet is neutered and inactive, then it quickly gains weight. This situation can be easily managed with diet and increased activity. Remember that the lack of response threatens premature death from fatty degeneration of the myocardium, that is, obesity of the heart.

Associated symptoms will help distinguish pathological factors from physiological ones. If they are detected, you must immediately contact a veterinary clinic.