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Gas in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 09/13/2016Updated: 10/15/2021
What are Gas?
In spite of gas being a normal bodily experience for a pet, an excessive amount of it may be due to some underlying cause such as poor diet or a disease. If your cat's gas appears to be a continuous problem, then it may be time to discover the exact cause behind it.
Flatulence, or what is commonly known as 'gas', is a natural digestive process. It occurs when the stomach or intestines expands with air or gas, and that accumulation is then released from the body. Although an unfortunate odor can sometimes accompany it, gas is something that your pet should experience on a regular basis.
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Symptoms of Gas in Cats
Gas is certainly a typical digestive response, but, regrettably, it can also be an indicator of a more serious issue. There are a few obvious signs your cat can exhibit, so be on the lookout for one or more of the following:
  • Excessive flatulence
  • Foul/strong odor
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Protruding stomach
  • Borborygmus (low rumbling sounds from lower abdominal region)
Causes of Gas in Cats
There are a variety of reasons why your cat is experiencing too much gas. Common causes are listed below:
  • Infection within intestines (both bacterial and viral)
  • Intestinal parasites (e.g. roundworms, hookworms)
  • Overeating or eating too quickly (swallowing a lot of air)
  • Consuming spoiled food
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Malabsorptive disorders (body has difficulty absorbing nutrients)
  • Maldigestive disorders (difficulty digesting food)
  • Intolerance/allergy (e.g. milk)
  • Diet (e.g. high in fiber or soy)
  • Constipation
Diagnosis of Gas in Cats
Once you have become aware of a difference in your cat's natural flatulence, then having them examined by a veterinarian is the next important step. Initially, your vet will want a full health history. Eating patterns and specific foods can help reveal an immediate cause to your cat's gas. As such, it is important to keep record of exactly what your cat is eating, the time they eat, and how much. Furthermore, your vet may order a hypoallergenic food trial in order to determine if food allergies are to blame.
If the problem appears to be caused by a more serious complication such as a disease of some sort, then your vet will recommend further diagnostic tests. For instance, if parasites are believed to be a culprit, then your vet will order stool samples as they are highly useful in exposing any worms. If your vet suspects IBD, they will order a gastric biopsy, a procedure that can be done either through abdominal surgery or with an endoscope. An endoscope is far less invasive, but both procedures pose certain risks that should be taken into consideration with your vet.
There are a handful of other tests your vet may recommend completing. Some include a urinalysis, a complete blood count (CBC), a biochemical profile, and abdominal X-rays.
Treatment of Gas in Cats
Treating your cat's flatulence can be simple or more complicated, depending on the cause.
Diet Management
Perhaps the most obvious treatment plan (if food alone is to blame) is changing up your cat's diet. One possible change is lowering the amount of fiber or soy. This can be helped by switching brands of food. If you switch, do not change out all the food at once. The process should occur gradually over the course of a few weeks in order for your cat's digestive system to properly adjust. As such, mix some of the new food with the old, and continue increasing that substitution until your cat is fully ingesting the new brand.
It is helpful to also deter your cat from overeating or consuming their meal too quickly. You can help in this by giving them smaller meals, yet give them more frequently. Making use of an automatic food dispenser, if possible, can assist in this matter. Also, when you have more than one cat, consider feeding them alone as to not bring about any competition which can make them eat faster and overeat.
If a food allergy has been discovered, then it is best to try to eliminate the culprit from the diet completely. A hypoallergenic food diet can serve you best in this case.
Medical Treatment
Specific treatment is necessary in the event that a larger medical issue has been discovered, such as disease or an infection of some sort. In the case of IBD, the condition can be helped by managing the diet. If not, then your vet may place your cat on a course of corticosteroids, which have immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. Antibiotics may also be useful in treating IBD if other treatment plans have failed.
Antibiotics, are also prescribed in the treatment of an infection. If your vet has placed your cat on antibiotics, be certain to follow the exact care plan in order to properly treat the infection. If these medications are not given correctly, your cat may develop drug-resistant bacteria, and their initial infection may not go away. There are risks when taking antibiotics such as fever, diarrhea, and other side effects. However, your vet should conduct the necessary tests to determine the exact antibiotic that can best treat the infection while offering minimal side effects.
If parasites are found, then your vet will begin treatment immediately. The exact medication is determined once a positive fecal exam has been performed. Just as the case with antibiotics, it is important to give the medicine to your cat per your vet's instructions as your cat become re-infected with the same parasite.

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Recovery of Gas in Cats
Once you understand the cause of your cat’s excessive gas and have made use of the treatment plan laid out by your vet, it should be simple enough to ensure your cat's flatulence remains normal. If your cat was placed on medication, then it is important to follow up with your vet. Frequent check-ups can ensure that the underlying issue has been fully managed.
It can take up to several weeks after a change in diet for there to be any noticeable reduction of  gas, but it is essential to stick to the plan laid out so your cat's system can adapt. Further changes around the home may be necessary. For instance, be sure to dispose of garbage properly and keep it covered to minimize the chance of your cat consuming any spoiled food. If the cat was infected with a parasite, then be sure to remove fecal matter daily, and disinfect the litter box regularly. Additionally, think about including light exercise in your cat's everyday habits as that can aid in the digestive process.
Gas in cats can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of developing a health condition due to excess gas, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Gas Average Cost
From 334 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
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Top
Gas Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Russian Blue
1 year

24 found this helpful

24 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Gas
Lately, my cat has been having a lot of foul smelling gas
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
24 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is possible that your pet has some GI upset, or that the food you are feeding does not agree with him or her. You can try feeding a bland diet of boiled white chicken and boiled white rice for a few days, and see if that helps. If the problem continues, it may be best to mention it to your veterinarian, as there may be different foods that they can try. I hope that all goes well.
Oct. 1, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Blue irish but not certain
6-9 months

6 found this helpful

6 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Gas Crying Hiding
How can I help him
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in response, there is a delay in receiving these emails sometimes. There are many causes for gas and intestinal pain, including parasites, dietary indiscretion, or infectious disease. If the problem is still occurring, it would be best to have your cat seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine him and see what might be causing this. I hope that all goes well for him and he feels better soon!
Oct. 6, 2020
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Short hair cat
Ten Years

3 found this helpful

3 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating Or Drinking, Labored Breathing, Drooling, Ulcers In Mouth, Intestines Full Of Gas, Regurgitation, Severe Dehydration, Anorexic, Not Going To The Bathroom
Do these meds help with intestines full of gas,Can he have kitten milk since he won't eat,he keeps getting in the tub or laundry sink
Aug. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
3 Recommendations
Hello, Yes these medications will help with GI issues. If she is dehydrated, it may be best for her to have IV fluids and stay in the vet hospital. I would not give her any milk as it can make the GI issues worse. Good Luck.
Aug. 1, 2020
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I don’t know
Amira
7 Weeks

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Gas
Bloating
My cat Amira is seven weeks old. From the time we got her at four weeks, she has had bloating. I took her to the vet and she was treated for a single cell parasite. She seemed to be doing better but she is still extremely bloated especially when she eats. When she’s walking around you can feel her kidneys and intestines barely touching her. She is playful and eats a good amount. She acts like a normal kitten but her stomach begs to differ.
Sept. 12, 2018
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Bombay
Lego
4 Months

8 found this helpful

8 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating
My cat stopped eating 2 days ago, went to vet did X-rays she has gas, they said I sould do surgery for mor examination. What??? They offered resistance in keeping my cat home. The first X-ray was scratched, they want to sedate her again in the morning for another X-ray.
Aug. 7, 2018
8 Recommendations
There are many causes for gas in cats and if a cat has a loss of appetite it is expected that more gas will be found; without examining Lego and seeing the x-ray I cannot say whether or not surgery is indicated as your Veterinarian may have felt something or seen something on the x-ray. If you’re having doubts about the exploratory surgery you should think about visiting another Veterinarian for a second opinion. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 8, 2018
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Unknown
Cuddles
12 Years

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
My cat has been having very gassy and loose, almost watery, poops. When she goes to the bathroom she goes where ever she is at. Sometimes in the litter box, mostly on the floor. We had a test done for worms but came back negative. When she poops you can hear the gas from about 20-30 feet away. I've tried 3 types of food and diarrhea supplements and digestive supplements. I am worried that she has something worse than a blockage and dont know what else to do.
TORTOISE shell
Sugar
16 Years

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Gas, Loose Stool
Sugar has been an her hyperthyroidism medication and her stool has always been a bit soft since then. Now 2 1/2 years later she still has soft stool and now with gas. She is an indoor only kitty. She refuses to eat dry food so we have been feeding her wet food. But even then she will get tired of the same wet can flavor so we have to change the flavor. Is there a way to still feed her what she eats and have her stool be less loose and less flatulence.
Norwegian forest cat
Jezebelle
1 Year

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Gas
We adopted a kitten last December and she has always had the worst gas. There is nothing wrong with her from a vet standpoint just that she has the worst gas. She’s super playful still and eats and drinks fine. It doesn’t seem to bother her in anyway but man does it stink!
half siemase
lulu
9 Years

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Parasites In Gut
i have had my cat for three years she was 6 when i got her and i recused her from a bad home she was half starved and drink 3 dishes of water just skin and bones. I have had her spade and she is in good heath but she has had bad gas and poos herself. I have had blood test and poo teased three times in the lest year and half and she has a parasites that we have treated her for but it keeps coming back.It has cost me £389 pounds each time and cannot afford this anymore. Cannot find anything ales wrong with her. what can i do next. I wish her bedding and every where she go's and keeps her dirt box clean. She dos go out side but dos not go over the fence. Just likes to set out side as she was locked in a room
Calico
Ygritte
8 Months

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Aggression
Bloating
Possible Constipation
I have a female cat, Ygritte, who I just rescued from a shelter. She was only there for a day before we adopted her and we've had her for about two weeks now. When we adopted her, she was the sweetest cat you'd ever seen. But, having handled cats my whole life, I immediately noticed she was a bit bloated in her stomach area. I thought maybe she'd been overfed but coming from the shelter, I watched closely for symptoms. She was having diarrhea for the first two days, but now seems to be constipated. After about two days, she went from being loving and sweet to completely and utterly mean, sometimes borderline hateful. Mostly she gets mad when handled, even more so if you pick her up by anything other than her front paws. She sometimes growls even when unprovoked, sometimes just looking at her makes her growl. I'm wondering if she isn't being aggressive because she's afraid she'll be picked up? I want to take her to a vet but ican't afford it right now because the other stray cat i just rescued (by the way, Ygritte is nicer to the stray than to her owners) has far too many problems to go ignored right now. Skittles (the stray) is currently on the brink of death and I am doing what I can for both of my cats. I want Ygritte to be healthy as well, so any advice would help. I am caught between three theories. 1: Ygritte is experiencing either fear, status aggression, or a mix of both. 2: She is in pain, either from gastro issues or some kind of muscle strain. 3: She is experiencing redirection aggression (I REALLY hope not!!) Thoughts?????
Gas Average Cost
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Average Cost
$400

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