Abdominal Distension in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 11/09/2016Updated: 12/22/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Abdominal Distension in Cats - Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Abdominal Distension?
The organs themselves can swell, causing visual enlargement of the abdomen. Benign or malignant tumor growths on organs or glands can also lead to an expanded belly. Older cats or unwell cats can lose muscle mass which can make the abdomen look enlarged. During pregnancy, a female cat’s uterus will expand rapidly. Determining the reason for abdominal distention is something that needs to be done by a veterinary professional, as certain issues can be life-threatening.
The abdominal cavity houses many of a cat’s vital internal organs. It is a large cavity that is lined with a special membrane. This cavity can become enlarged or swollen when various substances build up within it. This distention can be due to excess fluids such as blood, water, urine or pus that have leaked from organs in the body. The abdomen can also swell from air, gas, fat or an internal obstruction.
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From 537 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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Symptoms of Abdominal Distension in Cats
While the most obvious sign for abdominal distension is a visibly swollen belly area, noting all other signs may help to diagnose the underlying cause of the enlargement. Signs that commonly occur with abdominal distension include:
  • Sudden or gradual visibly larger abdomen
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Flatulence
  • Change in frequency of urination
  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Collapse
  • Loss of appetite
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Hair loss
  • Foul vaginal discharge
  • Increased vocalization
Causes of Abdominal Distension in Cats
Because there are so many organs present within the abdominal cavity, many different conditions can cause an enlarged abdomen. The underlying cause can be narrowed down by the abnormal substance filling and expanding the abdomen. Probable causes include:
  • Viral infection (such as feline infectious peritonitis)
  • Bacterial infection
  • Parasitic infection (often worms)
  • Pyometra (uterine infection)
  • Pregnancy
  • Cancerous or benign tumors
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • Foreign body consumption (leading to tear or obstruction)
  • Traumatic injury (such as a car accident)
  • Failure to form blood clots
  • Heart failure
  • Congenital heart defect
  • Cushing's disease
  • Food intolerance
  • Obesity
Diagnosis of Abdominal Distension in Cats
Bring your cat’s full medical history to your veterinary appointment. The veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination to determine whether the abdomen is filled with fluids, air, or solids. You will be asked about the onset of signs along with your cat's diet and urination patterns. An X-ray may be needed to identify enlarged organs or tumorous growths within the abdomen. A chest X-ray can evaluate heart issues if they have been suspected as the cause of distension. If too much fluid is present for clear X-rays, an ultrasound may be performed instead.
Abdominocentesis may be performed to remove a sample of abdominal fluid or air for further microscopic testing. This can reveal what type of fluid exists and can identify any bacteria present. Full blood work might be recommended, to run a biochemical analysis, including complete blood count, packed cell volume, and total protein test. The CBC can show anemia, infection or malignancy within the cat. Urinalysis may be performed to find abnormal substances in the urine. If a tumor has been found or enlarged organs are present, a tissue biopsy may be collected for histopathological examination. 
The function of internal abdominal organs should be tested. Urine may need to be collected over the course of 24 hours to measure protein leakage and determine if the kidneys are failing. An echocardiogram may be run to examine the function of heart valves. Fecal examination may be needed to identify parasites and worms inside the cat. Tests should be run to see if the cat is FIP, FIV or FeLV positive.
Treatment of Abdominal Distension in Cats
Appropriate treatment will vary depending on the individual diagnosis of the cat. If distension has been caused by bleeding, emergency care will need to be administered to stop the blood loss. 
Abdominocentesis 
As a treatment, abdominocentesis can be used to drain fluid or air causing breathing difficulties within the cat. This draining relieves pressure on the lungs and diaphragm.
Diuretics 
Administering diuretic medication can help drain excess fluid.
Surgical Repair 
If a rupture has been found in any of the organs, surgery may be needed to repair the organ to stop leakage of blood or urine into the abdominal cavity. General anesthesia is needed for this procedure.
Surgical Removal 
The surgical removal of tumorous growths, diseased adrenal glands or of the entire uterus in the case of pyometra may be necessary to restore function to the cat’s body. Success of this surgery depends on whether progressed cancer or infection is present. If cancer exists, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be needed.
Antibiotics 
If a bacterial infection has been identified, an appropriate antibiotic can be administered to rid the body of the harmful bacteria. Antibiotics are also prescribed after operations to prevent infection from developing. Prescriptions generally last from one to four weeks.
Deworming Medication If parasites have been discovered in the cat, deworming medicine will be prescribed to eliminate the infestation.
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Recovery of Abdominal Distension in Cats
If your cat has undergone surgery, follow all at-home care instructions given by the veterinarian. Monitor the incision site daily to ensure it is clean and free of infection. Do not allow your cat to lick or bite at its stitches. Limit activity until the healing process is complete. If surgical repair or benign tumor removal is successful, a cat may make a full recovery if it survives the surgery and healing process.
Bacterial infections and parasite infestation often resolve completely with appropriate medication. Pregnancy will resolve on its own within 63 days when kittens are born. If your cat suffers from obesity or food intolerances, your vet may create a specialized diet to follow. This diet should contain no fillers or chemicals. Increase your cat's activity to promote weight loss. If your cat has been diagnosed with FIP or gastrointestinal cancer, prognosis is much more guarded.
Abdominal distension can be symptomatic of a serious medical condition. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Abdominal Distension Average Cost
From 537 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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Abdominal Distension Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Domestic Shorthair
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Four Months
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28 found this helpful

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28 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Bloating
How long does it take for bloating to reduce once given a deworming medication (cestex)? It has been nearly 24 hours and I haven’t seen any improvement. Wondering when I should take him back to the vet.
Dec. 3, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
28 Recommendations
Hi there, you are through to Dr Linda. Bloating can be secondary to a heavy worm burden but can also be a sign of something else such as fluid in the abdomen If there were a lot of worms, you may start to see them passing (dead) in the stool. In this case, we can be reassured the cause was parasites. The kitten should remain well with a normal appetite and no other symptoms. We would expect the bloating to resolve within a few days.
Dec. 4, 2020
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Tabby Cat
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dog-age-icon
Two Years
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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Urinating Outside Litterbox
He started this yesterday evening. He was peeing everywhere. Nothing has drastically changed in his life. He is always around me but last night he didnt want me to touch him. Hes has trickled pee everywhere and when I picked him up he peed on me. I dont know what's going on or why he dont want me to touch him not even pet him. If you need photos let me know.
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
2 Recommendations
Hello- Thank you for your question. From your description it sounds like he is in need of an examination by a veterinarian. I am unsure exactly why he is urinating inappropriately and leaking urine. It could be a case of cystitis, a urethral obstruction, a bladder stone or a UTI. The best thing for him is going to be an exam by your veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope he feels better soon.
Sept. 29, 2020
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Aidi
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dog-age-icon
Two Months
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Bloated Belly
He has a bloated belly and yellow loose stool
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Puppies are very commonly affected by parasites, and your pup may need to be dewormed. There are many different intestinal parasites, and your veterinarian will be able to look at a fecal sample under a microscope and see what treatment your pup might need.
Oct. 11, 2020
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Calico Cat
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dog-age-icon
Sixteen Years
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31 found this helpful

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31 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Distended Abdomen
Distended belly, mid section is wide when looking at her walking, resting resp. 30-40 per min, eats fine, bathroom fine, no worms, rests way more, walking fine, she’s fixed, no weight loss, it’s not more right then left it’s perfectly round. I pick her up she’s fine with it.
Aug. 3, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
31 Recommendations
Hello- Differentials for a distended abdomen are numerous. A couple of possibilities could be fluid accumulation in the abdomen which could be due to heart or G.I. disease, or there could be a growth in the abdomen causing the swelling. I would recommend taking her to your veterinarian to have a full examination performed as well as x-rays of the abdomen and some blood work. This will help determine the cause of her distended abdomen. I hope that it is nothing serious. Take care!
Aug. 3, 2020
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Short hair tabby
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Unsure possibly under 3
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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Yodeling, Stomach Swelling And Hardness, Hunched Posture, Straining To Poop, Hard Stool, Stool Stuck Half Way, Constant Meowing
I saved a stray cat about 3 days ago, he sprayed me while I was in bed twice, he has a cut ear indicating spay and release, he’s fixed. He has no tartar on teeth, slim figure not large or too skinny, he strained to poop and it got stuck half way, he hissed at me while pacing the room trying to get it out, his butt hole seems large but not red or swollen, he yodels a lot almost as if he’s in pain and his stomach feels hard and a little swollen, I’m feeding him wet food. He likes it when I rub his stomach as well.
July 31, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Without being able to see this cat, I don't have any way of knowing what is going on with him, but common problems with stray Cats include parasites and infectious diseases. It would probably be best to have this cat examined by a veterinarian, as they can do a fecal analysis, look at the cats, and see what might be going on. I hope that all goes well for this cat and for you.
Aug. 1, 2020
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American Longhair
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Unname kitten #6
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14 Days
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Crying
Large Lump
Intestines
I just notice that my one of the kittens has a swollen lump on it upper right thigh next to the belly , when looked closer it seems to look like the intestines through the skin. the area is like a large lump. It is not red nor seem to look angry but I know it isn't right. What is it and what should be done ?
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Short hair tabby
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Alfie
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1 Year
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Abdominal Distension
We adopted a 1-year-old from the Humane Society. She has tested negative for everything and is spayed. However, her abdomen looks like it has a grapefruit inside. It sometimes gets smaller, then gets bigger again. She eats well and is active, with no apparent symptoms other than occasional vomiting. Should I be worried?
Abdominal Distension Average Cost
From 537 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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