A cat’s digestive system has features similar to a human’s. The process of digestion is the same for the cats which begin from the mouth by chewing the food and ends with the absorption of nutrients and excretion of the waste products.
Like many other animals, cats also have gases stored inside the digestive tract for which the rectum is the outlet. It usually does not produce any sound or bad smell. Occasional farting is normal but doing it more than usual can be a sign of some digestive problem.
In this article, you will learn about the reasons for cat farts and what to do about them.
Contents
Why Do Cats Fart?
Just like humans, cats also have a proper digestion process and gas may be produced during the process. When this gas is stored inside the tract, it causes bloating and discomfort. Releasing it, gets cats rid of this problem.
This gas may be produced from foods such as dairy, beans, certain gas-producing vegetables, and others. It may also be caused due to an infection or an allergy. Swallowing excess air can also cause belching.
Infection by gas-producing microorganisms can also lead to other problems such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. They contribute to excessive gas and flatulence. So, it may be a part of the normal process or an infection.
Treatment of Cat Farts
Farting is common but if your cat is farting more than usual, it may be indicative of a gastrointestinal issue. The problem beneath the issue determines the treatment which may be any of the following-
1. Check On Your Cat’s Diet
The first and foremost thing to do is to take into account what your pet has been ingesting. Different cats are sensitive to all sorts of foods to a variable extent.
Some tolerate gas-producing foods like dairy, legumes, grains and better than others. You should give your cat diet and snacks depending upon what kind of food suits it the most. They may help in solving the problem of flatulence and gas to a great extent.
2. Removal Of Parasites
Apart from the normal flora of the intestine, it may be occupied by some damaging parasites or bacteria. Many medications are available both in topical and pill form.
You should consult your vet before giving any medicine. Many dewormers are available. You must also keep your pet away from anything it is allergic to like pollen or dust to avoid gas caused by allergies.
3. Treatment Of Intestinal Diseases
Sometimes, the excessive gas passed is an indication of some underlying problem. It should be diagnosed and solved as soon as possible to avoid worsening of the condition.
If it is also associated with vomiting, diarrhea, pain, or other issues, there surely is some deeper problem. In such cases, you should consult the vet and begin the treatment. There are situations in which there is no increase in harmful parasites but a decrease in important and healthy gut flora which consumes the gas.
These cases require the use of probiotics. Your pet’s vet will recommend medications and diet plans to heal the issue or the problem may also require a surgical procedure.
Diagnosing The Problem
You should try changing the diet of your cat if it is farting too much. This might work but if it does not, book an appointment with the veterinarian before the situation becomes worse.
If there are other symptoms along with it, it suggests some other problem which may be diagnosed by methods such as-
- Blood Test
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- Biopsy
- Exploratory surgery
- Urinalysis
- Biochemistry Profile and more.
You may also need to take a fecal sample of your cat to the vet for diagnosis of any damaging parasites like roundworms or hookworms. For proper diagnosis, these procedures are required but you can detect an ongoing problem if you see in your cat-
- mood changes
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- rapid or shallow breathing
- changes in weight
How To Prevent Cat Farts?
Measures you can take to prevent your cat from excess farting include-
> routinely check-ups with a veterinarian
> proper diet
> reducing foods that cause excessive gas and belching
> Administration of probiotics
Conclusion
Farting is normal as a part of the digestive process of the cat’s body but when in excess, it should not be ignored. It may arise from an unsuitable diet, infection, invasion by parasites, or allergies. If your cat has other symptoms as well, it signifies some intestinal disease. You should get it checked without waiting.
Diagnosis of the problem can be done by procedures such as blood tests, ultrasound, X-rays, and others. Treatment includes changing the diet, administering probiotics, medications, or surgery for diseases. You can prevent such situations by taking precautions like regular check-ups, diet plans, and more.
