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4 Common Causes Of Flatulence In Cats

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Flatulence In Cats

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Most cats are relatively quiet creatures.

However, they can sometimes let out some pretty stinky gas.

If your cat frequently passes gas, it could indicate an underlying health issue.

Here are some common causes of flatulence in cats.

One possible cause of flatulence in cats is dietary indiscretion.

Cats eat things they shouldn’t, such as trash, plants, or other animals.

Eating these things can cause digestive upset and lead to flatulence.

Another common cause of flatulence in cats is food intolerance or allergies.

Cats can be allergic or intolerant to certain ingredients in their food, which can lead to digestive issues and flatulence.

If you think your cat may have a food intolerance or allergy, talk to your veterinarian about changing its diet.

Finally, some medical conditions can cause excess gas in cats. 

1. Dietary causes: carbohydrates, proteins, fats

Most of the gas in a cat’s intestines is composed of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which are produced when the intestines break down proteins.

However, other gases such as methane and hydrogen can also be present.

The breakdown of carbohydrates and fats generates these latter two gases.

Aflatoxin B1 is a toxin produced by certain fungi that can contaminate food.

It is found mainly in grains and cereals but can also be present in other foods such as nuts and seeds.

Aflatoxin B1 is known to cause excessive gas in cats.

Cats’ dietary causes of flatulence include eating foods high in carbohydrates, proteins, or fats.

Eating contaminated food can also lead to excessive gas.

Some familiar sources of contamination include aflatoxin B1 (a toxin found in certain fungi), bacteria, and parasites. 

4 Common Causes Of Flatulence In Cats
The man in a gas mask holds a farting red cat

2. Intestinal causes: bacteria, parasites


One common cause of flatulence in cats is intestinal bacteria.

When these bacteria break down food in the intestines, they produce gas.

This gas can build up and escape through the rectum and anus, causing your cat to fart.

Another common cause of flatulence in cats is parasites.

These tiny creatures live in the intestines and feed off the food your cat eats.

As they do this, they produce gas.

This gas can also build up and escape through the rectum and anus, causing your cat to fart. 

3. Medical causes: food sensitivities, diabetes

A few medical conditions can cause your cat to experience flatulence.

One is food sensitivities.

If your cat is sensitive to certain food ingredients, it can accumulate gas in its digestive system.

Another possibility is diabetes.

Diabetes can cause a build-up of sugar in the blood, leading to flatulence and other symptoms like weight loss and increased urination.

If you think your cat may have either of these conditions, you must take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

4. Stress: environmental, emotional

Many different types of stress can affect cats.

Environmental stressors include changes in the home, such as a new pet or baby or a move to a new house.

Emotional stressors can be anything that causes the cat to feel fear, anxiety, or insecurity, such as loud noises or being left alone for long periods.

Physical factors like pain or illness can also cause stress.

Cats often respond to stress by becoming withdrawn and hiding.

They may stop eating and grooming themselves and even urinate outside the litter box.

If your cat shows signs of stress, it’s essential to talk to your veterinarian about possible causes and treatment options. 

4 Common Causes Of Flatulence In Cats

Final Thoughts on the most Common Causes Of Flatulence In Cats

Many different factors contribute to flatulence in cats.

Some more common causes include dietary indiscretion, food allergies, and intestinal parasites.

In some cases, flatulence may signify a more serious underlying medical condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or neoplasia.

Veterinary consultation is recommended when flatulence is accompanied by other clinical signs such as weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea. 

FAQs

How do I know my cat is struggling with flatulence?

If you notice your cat is having difficulty defecating, is lethargic, or has a loss of appetite, these could be a problem.

Additionally, if you notice your cat making frequent trips to the litter box or producing more stool than usual, this could indicate flatulence.

If you are concerned about your cat’s flatulence, please consult your veterinarian.

How do you treat flatulence in cats?

There are a few things you can do to help your cat with flatulence: 

-Feed them smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of one large meal. 

-Make sure they’re getting enough fiber in their diet- you can add a little pumpkin to their food or give them a small amount of plain, unsweetened yogurt. 

-Talk to your veterinarian about whether or not your cat needs a special diet for digestive issues.

Do cats fart?

While cats don’t fart as often as dogs, they still do fart.

Farts are caused by different things like digestion and different types of food.

Why Do Cats Fart?

One reason is that they eat a lot of grass, which can cause them to fart more than usual.

Another reason is that they have a lot of hair in their digestive system, leading to more flatulence.

Finally, some cats simply have more gas than others!

Further Reading

https://www.wsava.org/WSAVA/media/Documents/Guidelines/WSAVA-Global-Nutritional-Assessment-Guidelines-2011-final.pdf

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