What Should I Do If My Cat Is Bloated?
Cat bloat can be caused by a variety of reasons, and here are some possible solutions.
I. Diet
- Adjust the amount of food
If the bloating is caused by overfeeding, you need to reduce the amount of food for your cat. You can reduce the usual feeding amount by 10% - 20% and observe whether the cat's bloating improves.
- Adjusting food types
Certain foods may cause bloating in cats due to indigestion. For example, a sudden change in cat food brand or feeding indigestible human food. If this is the case, switch back to the cat food that your cat was originally adapted to and stop feeding human food. If you suspect that the problem is the cat food, you can try to choose some cat food specifically for cats with sensitive stomachs, which usually have a higher digestibility.
II. Digestive Aids
- Probiotics
You can feed your cat the right amount of pet-specific probiotics. The dosage according to the instructions is usually based on the cat's weight, such as 1 gram of probiotics per 5 kg of body weight. Probiotics help regulate the balance of flora in your cat's intestinal tract, promote digestion and relieve bloating.

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Preparations containing digestive enzymes can also help cats digest food better. For example, compound enzyme preparations containing protease and amylase can break down the protein, starch and other components of the food and reduce the digestive burden.
III. Medical examination
- Parasite infection
If the cat has long-term bloating and is accompanied by symptoms such as lethargy and loss of appetite, it may be a parasitic infection. You need to take your cat to the pet hospital for a fecal examination to determine whether there are parasites and which kind of parasites, and then use the appropriate deworming medication according to the doctor's advice.
- Other Diseases
Cat bloat can also be a symptom of other diseases, such as liver disease, kidney disease, intestinal obstruction and so on. If the cat's bloating is severe, with symptoms such as depression, vomiting and diarrhea, it should be taken to the vet immediately, and the doctor may conduct X-rays, ultrasound and other tests to determine the cause of the disease and treat it accordingly.
How to Treat Cat Bloat?
Treatment for bloating in cats will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Some common treatments include:
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Surgery
Gastric dilatation, or bloat, is an emergency situation where the stomach fills with gas, liquid, or food and becomes distended. In severe cases, the stomach may twist (gastric torsion), cutting off blood supply to the stomach and surrounding organs, which is life-threatening.
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Surgical Decompression: The immediate treatment for gastric dilatation is decompression of the stomach. This may involve using a needle to release the gas or performing surgery to untwist the stomach if torsion is present.
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Post-Surgical Care: If surgery is required, your cat will need intensive monitoring in the days following the procedure. This may include the administration of intravenous fluids, medications to prevent infection, and possibly a feeding tube if the cat is unable to eat.
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Fluid Therapy
Ascites, or fluid buildup in the abdomen, can occur due to liver disease, heart failure, kidney disease, or cancer. The treatment for ascites depends on the underlying cause and may include:
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Diuretics: Medications such as furosemide may be prescribed to help remove excess fluid from the body by increasing urination. This treatment is particularly useful in cases of heart or kidney failure.
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Paracentesis: In cases of severe ascites, a veterinarian may perform paracentesis, which involves inserting a needle into the abdominal cavity to drain the excess fluid. This provides immediate relief from the bloating and can be repeated if necessary.
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Management of Underlying Disease: To prevent fluid from building up again, the underlying condition (such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease) must be managed. This may involve medication, dietary changes, and other interventions tailored to the specific condition.
Also Read: How to Prevent Kidney Disease in Cats
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Surgical Intervention: In some cases, surgery may be required to address the underlying cause of ascites, particularly if the issue is due to tumors or other obstructive conditions.
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Medications
If an infection, gastrointestinal issue, or pancreatitis is the cause, your vet may prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or pain relief medications.
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Dietary Changes
In cases of overeating or digestive issues, changing your cat’s diet or feeding schedule may be necessary.
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Parasite Treatment
Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms, can cause bloating in cats. Additionally, external parasites like mites can contribute to a bloated appearance, particularly in young kittens. Treatment options include:
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Deworming Medications: For internal parasites, your vet will prescribe deworming medications specific to the type of parasite. These medications typically come in oral form but may also be given as injections or topical treatments, depending on the parasite involved.
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Flea and Mite Treatment: If your cat is suffering from a mite infestation or flea-related issues, topical treatments, sprays, or medications like Revolution or Frontline may be recommended to eliminate the parasites.
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Regular Parasite Prevention: To prevent future infestations, it’s essential to keep your cat on a regular parasite prevention plan, including monthly flea, tick, and deworming treatments.
When to See the Veterinarian?
1. Observation of symptoms
If the cat's bloating is accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or behavioral changes, this may indicate a health problem that requires veterinary attention.
2. Palpation of the abdomen
Gently touch your cat's abdomen, if you feel hard lumps, fluid fluctuations or unusual swelling, this may be a sign of ascites or tumors and requires immediate medical attention.
3. Diet and weight changes
If the cat's eating habits change, such as a sudden loss of appetite or overeating, and there is a significant change in weight, this may be a sign of a health problem.
4. Duration
If your cat's bloating symptoms persist for several days without improvement or if the symptoms recur, this may indicate a chronic condition that requires professional diagnosis and treatment.
5. Emergency
If your cat develops acute bloat accompanied by severe pain, difficulty breathing or other emergency symptoms, this is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
In conclusion, if you are concerned about your cat's bloat symptoms, or if the symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended that you take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
FAQs
Why does my cat's stomach feel like a water balloon?
Causes of a cat's stomach looking like a water balloon
Disease factors: Cats with liver disease, such as cirrhosis, where liver function is impaired, can cause an imbalance in the production and absorption of fluid in the abdominal cavity, resulting in ascites. Heart disease may also cause, for example, congestive heart failure, in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, which will block blood reflux, increase the pressure of blood vessels in the abdominal cavity, and fluid seeps out to form ascites. In addition, peritonitis and kidney disease may also be contributing factors.
Infectious Factors: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by a mutation of the coronavirus, which causes a large amount of exudate in the abdominal cavity, making the stomach look like a water balloon. This disease is extremely dangerous to your cat's health.
Bladder Problems: If a cat's bladder ruptures or there is a urethral blockage, urine cannot drain properly and can accumulate in the abdominal cavity, causing the belly to swell up like a water balloon.
Related: Bladder Stones in Cats
Tumors: Abdominal organs such as the liver, spleen, and intestines that have tumors may press on the surrounding tissues or cause abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, causing the abdomen to bulge.
Why is my cat's stomach sticking out?
Pregnancy: If it is an unneutered female cat, the belly protruding may be pregnant. Usually in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, the mother cat's abdomen will gradually increase in size and may show signs such as mammary gland development.
Obesity: When cats consume too many calories and do not exercise enough, the excess energy will be stored as fat, leading to accumulation of abdominal fat and a protruding belly.
Gastrointestinal problems: for example, constipation, where a large amount of dry, clumped feces accumulates in the intestines, can make the abdomen look protruding. Or a foreign body in the intestines, such as swallowing indigestible things like toys or hair, which causes a blockage in the intestines, can also lead to a bulging belly.
Flatulence: Cats that eat food that is not easily digested, eat too quickly or are allergic to certain foods may cause excessive gas production in the gastrointestinal tract, causing the abdomen to protrude with flatulence.
How do I tell if my cat is bloated or just fat?
- Obese cats look rounded overall, with relatively uniformly enlarged proportions of all parts of the body, such as the neck, abdomen, limbs and other parts of the body with obvious fat accumulation. And if the bloat is caused by disease (such as ascites), the abdomen will be abnormally enlarged and out of proportion with the rest of the body, and it may look like the abdomen is like a round ball, while the limbs are relatively thin.
- When touching the body of an obese cat, you will feel a uniform layer of fat under the skin, which is soft and elastic. If the bloat is caused by disease, you may feel fluid fluctuations (in the case of ascites) or hard lumps (in the case of tumors, etc.) when touching the abdomen.
- Obesity is usually a gradual process and cats will continue to gain weight. You can record your cat's weight regularly. If the weight increases steadily over a period of time and there are no other abnormal symptoms, it may be obese. And if the weight increases suddenly and the abdomen expands rapidly, accompanied by other symptoms such as depression and loss of appetite, it is likely to be bloated due to disease.
- Obese cats may move more slowly and be less willing to be active, but are generally in better spirits. If the bloat is caused by disease, the cat may show uncomfortable behaviors, such as frequent crouching, yowling when the abdomen is in pain, or showing aggression.
Conclusion
Bloating in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, from simple digestive issues to more severe conditions like organ failure or cancer. If you notice that your cat’s belly is swollen, it’s essential to seek veterinary attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for ensuring the best outcome for your feline companion.
By being aware of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for bloating in cats, you can provide the best care and support for your pet’s health. Always consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure or concerned about your cat’s health, as they can offer expert guidance and a proper diagnosis.