Bloating Can Be Fatal for Cats Too

When it comes to dogs, bloating is often discussed, mainly because it can be a precursor or symptom of one of the most dreaded conditions— gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). However, bloating can also occur in cats, sometimes for the same reasons.

Let’s take a closer look at what bloating in cats really means, what causes it, and how it can be treated.

Bloating Must Be Taken Seriously—It Can Be Life-Threatening for Cats

As we have mentioned many times, cats are masters at hiding illnesses and pain until their condition becomes severe. If a cat exhibits symptoms such as obvious pain, sudden weakness, attempts to burp or vomit, or difficulty breathing, it should be taken to a veterinarian immediately!

Bloating in cats is a potentially fatal condition. It can develop if a cat overeats, drinks too much water, or as a consequence of underlying health issues. If left unnoticed, it can be deadly, as the swelling compresses the cat’s organs, making it difficult for them to function properly. If the bloated stomach grows large enough, the cat may even experience breathing difficulties.

In case, after examination, the veterinarian suspects that an underlying disease—such as liver or kidney disease—is causing the bloating, further tests may be required to confirm or rule out these conditions. Even constipation can indicate more serious issues, such as an intestinal blockage or tumors. This highlights why bloating should never be ignored!

Symptoms and Causes of Bloating in Cats

Until the vet determines the cause of the bloating, recognizing the cat’s symptoms can help in identifying the issue. Common symptoms include:

• repeated attempts to vomit or burp;
• swollen abdominal area;
• drooling;
• lethargy;
• pale gums;
• decreased body temperature;
• shortness of breath;
• rapid heartbeat;
• sudden weakness or collapse.

Causes of a Bloated Abdomen in Cats

A swollen belly in cats can be caused by the following conditions:

• intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, protozoan parasites);
• excess fluid retention (due to liver or kidney failure);
• overeating (if chronic, it may indicate an underlying disease);
• constipation;
• digestive disorders;
• swallowing too much air while eating;
• blocked valve at the end of the stomach;
• Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (GDV);
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).

Causes of Bloating in Kittens

• Mammary or uterine infection in the mother cat, leading to toxic milk syndrome.
• Improperly mixed milk replacers.
• Spoiled milk replacer or abnormal maternal milk.
• Excessive carbohydrates in kitten dry food.
• Congenital abnormalities.
• Viral infections (feline enteric coronavirus, panleukopenia).
• Imbalance in gut microbiome.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases.

Treatment of Bloating in Cats

Treatment for a bloated abdomen should begin as soon as a veterinarian has made a reliable diagnosis. Naturally, the treatment will depend on the diagnosed condition. Below are some key treatment approaches:

Although gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) is rare in cats, emergency surgery is the only solution for this condition. If a cat has experienced GDV once, it may be prone to recurrence, so it is essential to monitor its diet and eating habits carefully.

Diseases such as panleukopenia, feline enteric coronavirus, and FIP can be treated, although the prognosis for cats with FIP is generally poor.

If bloating is due to overeating, intestinal worms, or parasites, the cat is likely to recover with proper care. Bloating caused by intestinal parasites can be treated with the appropriate deworming medication. If there is no underlying disease and bloating is caused by overeating or rapid eating, using a licking mat or slow-feeder bowl can help extend mealtime duration. However, overeating can enlarge a cat’s stomach and increase the risk of future bloating. To prevent this, cat owners should provide multiple small meals throughout the day instead of two or three large portions.

If a cat has outdoor access, it may scavenge food from other sources, such as garbage bins. These foods can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, gas buildup, and bloating. If the cat is prone to this, owners might consider keeping it indoors exclusively to prevent such issues.