A cat has a swollen, soft, sore belly. Big belly in a kitten: causes and treatment. Diseases of internal organs

Not all owners of cats, kittens and female cats manage to cope with the health difficulties that arise, but with the right approach, this does not pose any particular difficulties at home.

It is mandatory to show your pet to a doctor, since only a veterinarian can make the correct diagnosis and help prescribe home treatment. This introductory article contains the most common questions from pet owners and answers to them, which allows you to familiarize yourself with the most common cases of such problems.

The cat has a swollen belly and sides and has lost weight, what should I do?

If a cat's tummy is swollen and she has lost weight, she must definitely be taken to the veterinarian, he must order tests, an ultrasound, a sonogram, and take a puncture. It could be peritonitis or ascites, or it could be a liver problem or cancer. Your veterinarian will give you a more accurate diagnosis.

Peritonitis is a severe inflammation of the abdominal cavity, which is accompanied by the release of pus, blood, or fluid effusion. Fluid effusion is when tissues become inflamed, swollen, and due to impaired water-salt metabolism, moisture does not leave the body with urine, but seeps through the connective tissues.

Why does the cat have a very swollen stomach and pain, does not eat, what to do?

A swollen belly may indicate that there is a more serious disease, it could be: - Obesity; — Infectious peritonitis; - Pyometra; - Tumor; — Failure in the immune system; — The thyroid gland secretes too many hormones. You should immediately contact a veterinarian, as delay can lead to big problems.

The cat has a swollen belly and a soft, hard, constipation (does not go to the toilet), diarrhea, vomiting

If a cat is constipated, perhaps it is an intestinal obstruction, an ultrasound and a biochemical blood test are urgently needed. Perhaps give a paste that dissolves fur in the stomach.

What to do if the cat’s stomach is swollen and it hurts if you touch it, what is the reason

Cats do not really like to experience new taste sensations, although if the smell attracts them, they may try it.

Products that contain instant carbohydrates such as dough, potatoes, corn, sugar, interact with gastric juice and the fermentation process begins.

At this time, bacteria intensively produce gas, which enters the stomach and intestines - and the name of this disease is flatulence. Cats can have it too. At the very beginning, swelling of the abdominal cavity occurs, and when palpated, cats feel discomfort.

In this case, it is necessary to put the cat on a diet, eliminating foods from the diet that cause strong fermentation. You can treat at home with the following medications: - Hilak Forte, or analogues - five drops (per 5 kg of the cat's live weight) dissolved in a small amount of water, give once a day; - Espumisan for children - take based on weight in the same way as for children; — Smecta or Enterosgel.

If positive dynamics are not noticed, be sure to see a doctor. So that he can make a more accurate diagnosis, or rule out more serious diseases. Be sure to carry out worm prevention.

Complications include a painful stomach, vomiting, and excessive salivation. Here you need close attention to the condition, since gastric volvulus may occur, as a result of which the blood vessels are pinched, and all organs located below this place can quickly die, as necrosis, shock and death occur.

The cat has a swollen belly with ascites

Ascites is the last stage of any pathology. There is no cure for this. Fluid constantly accumulates in the abdominal cavity, which needs to be pumped out periodically. Ascites can be diagnosed by taking a blood sample through a puncture of the animal's abdomen.

After making such a diagnosis, the owner himself must decide what to do: either try to support its life (with droppers, injections, diuretics, support for the kidneys, liver and heart) or no longer torture the animal and euthanize it.

In a cat, bloating can be a consequence of poor nutrition or a symptom of a large number of diseases, including fatal ones. The most common causes of this phenomenon are discussed below.

Reasons why a cat's tummy is swollen

Bloat can happen for many reasons, and some of them can be life-threatening for your pet.

Poor nutrition and gases

A kitten's belly may become bloated due to certain foods. Often, flatulence (accumulation of gases in the intestines) results from feeding your pet milk and dairy products (especially for adult animals).

The cause of bloating may be the high content of carbohydrates in the menu: wheat, corn, etc.

Constipation

Constipation is an accumulation of stool that becomes dry and hard and cannot be passed out on its own. This leads to intoxication of the body, and gases begin to accumulate in the intestines, which cause bloating.

Constipation occurs for many reasons:

incorrectly composed diet;
intestinal obstruction;
accumulation of wool in the stomach;
congenital anomalies;
obesity and inactivity.

Constipation may cause bloating in cats

Swollen intestines from worms

Severe infestation of a cat with worms is another cause of flatulence or bloating.

Parasites actively multiply in the pet’s intestines and cause intoxication. Along with bloating, the cat also experiences other symptoms: vomiting, bowel irregularities, and the presence of worms in the feces. Moreover, the cat may be thin, but with a bloated intestine.

The animal eats a lot

Cats that eat very greedily and eat a lot often suffer from flatulence. At the same time, they swallow food without chewing it, which leads to large amounts of air entering the intestines and stomach. As a result, the intestines can swell to incredible sizes. Usually the animals themselves who live in shelters or nurseries eat so greedily.

Overeating leads to bloating in animals

Diseases of internal organs

Enlarged intestines can be a symptom of serious diseases of the internal organs:

Pyometra. With this disease, pus accumulates in the cat's uterus, which is accompanied by an enlargement of the abdominal cavity. Associated symptoms: depression, fever (not always present), discharge from the loop.
Peritonitis. An enlarged abdomen or ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity) accompanies the wet form of coronavirus infection (FIP).
Tumors. The volume of the abdomen may increase significantly due to a malignant tumor in the abdominal cavity.

Bloating can occur with intestinal obstruction. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate surgical intervention.

Some diseases can cause bloating

Should I be concerned if my cat has a hard and swollen belly?

Most often, bloating in a cat occurs due to poor nutrition. Overeating or using cheap food leads to problems with the digestive system. In other cases, the appearance of an enlarged abdominal cavity is a serious cause for concern. Some causes are so dangerous that they can be fatal.

How to eliminate bloating in cats and kittens

Now let's talk about what to do to eliminate a bloated belly in your pet. The method of eliminating bloating depends on the root cause of this condition:

If flatulence was caused by poor nutrition, it is necessary to exclude all gas-forming products (primarily milk) from the pet’s diet. You can also give your pet Espumisan, Lactobacterin or Acipol.
In case of constipation, it is necessary to exclude obstruction. If it is not there, the pet is first given Vaseline oil, and if it does not give an effect, then you can use laxatives (Lactusan, Duphalac, etc.).
If the bloating was caused by helminths, you should give your pet a drug against these parasites. The following drugs are most effective: Milbemax, Kanikvantel, Prazitel, Drontal. In case of severe infestation, the medicine is given twice, with a break of 10 days.
If the bloating was caused by overeating or the cat greedily swallowing air while eating, you can first fill the dry food with warm water. It is also recommended to provide your pet with constant access to food (in this case, a strictly daily amount is poured into the bowl per day).

In the event that an enlarged abdomen is the result of diseases of the internal organs, it is necessary to show the pet to a veterinarian.

Treatment of a cat should depend on the diagnosis

How to help an animal?

The answer to the question of what to do if your cat has a swollen belly depends on the root cause of the problem. In some cases, treatment can only be prescribed by a veterinarian, in others the owner of the animal is able to provide first aid to the pet (it is worth visiting a specialist in any case).

Disease	Characteristic symptoms	Treatment
Coprostasis	You can feel oblong-shaped lumps in the abdomen	Enemas, sealing the animal with Vaseline oil and magnesium sulfate solution
Helminthiasis	Traces of parasites or their eggs in stool and vomit	Taking anthelmintic drugs
Panleukopenia (or other similar virus)	High body temperature (up to 41 degrees)	Diet, taking antiviral and immunostimulating drugs, symptomatic treatment with antiemetics and painkillers, as well as electrolyte solutions
Wet peritonitis	Soft belly	Often the disease is incurable and the animal must be euthanized
Ascites	Yellowness of the mucous membranes	Diet, taking diuretics, pumping out fluids

Causes of abdominal enlargement in kittens

The most common reason for an enlarged belly in a kitten is feeding rough food. Remember that food intended for adult animals is not suitable for small ones. As a result, the kitten will suffer from colic and his health will worsen.

Constipation is another reason for an enlarged belly in an animal. You may notice that it has become hard. This happens due to the accumulation of feces. You can check whether a kitten's belly is enlarged by lightly palpating it. Seals in some places indicate that a huge amount of feces has accumulated in the animal’s intestines.

When you overeat, a seal also forms in the intestines. Systematic overfeeding of the animal leads to the fact that it moves with difficulty and sleeps most of the time. And reduced physical activity, in turn, leads to constipation.

And one more danger that cannot be ignored is worms. If you do not know whether your pet has these parasites, it should be taken to the veterinarian. Massive infestation with worms leads to very unfavorable consequences and can even cause the death of the animal.

Symptoms that should alert you

Any of the above violations does not arise out of the blue. A number of factors that have a negative impact on a cat’s health lead to the development of pathologies:

poor nutrition and insufficient drinking;
ignoring regular vaccination and anthelmintic schedule;
mechanical damage to internal organs due to trauma (for example, rupture of the bladder wall when falling from a height);
the pet has advanced chronic diseases of the heart, kidneys and other internal organs.

So, if a cat has a bloated stomach, its owner should pay attention to the general condition of the pet. An alarming signal and a reason to immediately show your pet to a veterinarian may be:

diarrhea;
vomit;
increased body temperature;
apathetic state;
refusal of food;
the presence of blood particles or traces of parasites and their eggs in the animal’s waste products.

Signs of an enlarged abdomen in cats

A kitten may overeat and after eating a portion of tasty food, his stomach feels like his stomach is about to burst. Or he ate very little, and his tummy is swollen.

A kitten's bloated belly can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

Vomit. When overeating, as well as in order to free the digestive tract from foreign objects, it is usually one-time use.
Diarrhea. Often in young animals it appears as a result of incorrectly chosen food. Diarrhea is a dangerous symptom, as it may indicate a parasitic infection.
The appearance of dead helminths in the feces indicates a massive parasitic infection. This condition is also dangerous, since parasites poison the body with waste products.
Perversion in appetite indicates the desire of kittens to eat inedible or difficult to digest foods. This phenomenon often indicates that the animal lacks vitamins and microelements.
Inflammatory processes in the oral cavity indicate irritation of the digestive tract. As a result of irritating chemicals entering the stomach, the tummy becomes enlarged and causes severe pain.
Flatulence is observed very often in kittens. The kitten's intestines are swollen. The kitten is often restless, he runs and rushes about.

How to determine the cause of a bloated belly

In most cases, an increase in the size of a kitten's belly is not a sign of serious pathologies. You can try to determine the cause of a bloated belly yourself:

When the problem is related to errors in nutrition, namely overeating or feeding age-inappropriate food, the kitten experiences bloating.
This occurs due to pressure on the walls of the intestines and peritoneum of gases that were formed due to malfunctions in the baby’s digestive system. In other words, the kitten is worried about flatulence. It's very easy to check - just lightly tap your stomach with your fingertips. If at the same time a dull sound occurs (as if from a “barrel”), then this indicates flatulence. You can also often feel and hear a rumbling sound when you put your hand on the kitten’s tummy. Most often, a kitten's bloated belly is caused by errors in nutrition.
With constipation, you can note that the kitten does not go to the toilet for a long time to empty its intestines (more than a day), meows pitifully and is worried.
Worm infestations accompanying a pet's swollen tummy cannot be determined without an appropriate analysis performed by a veterinarian (except for cases where worms are visible to the naked eye in the animal's excrement, which indicates a massive infection). Therefore, in cases where the kitten’s nutrition is organized at the proper level and there is no reason to believe that flatulence is the cause of the illness, the animal should be shown to a veterinarian.
Internal diseases, which, among other things, lead to bloating in kittens, have a whole range of other symptoms by which they can be diagnosed. However, this should be done by a professional - a veterinarian.

Bloating in kittens is often accompanied by the following conditions:

diarrhea - observed with poor nutrition and helminth infection;
vomiting - one-time can be associated with overeating, repeated - with a wide range of diseases of the digestive tract, including helminthic infestations;
unpleasant color and smell of feces - may indicate infectious diseases or helminthic infestations;
changes in taste preferences and feeding habits - eating inedible objects, an unusually strong appetite may indicate that the kitten is not getting the vitamins and microelements it needs from food;
elevated body temperature, lethargy, apathy - as a rule, indicate food toxic infections or inflammatory diseases of internal organs, for example, peritonitis.

Big belly treatment

Cat owners need to know what to do if their cat has a swollen belly. First of all, this is a visit to the doctor and full compliance with his recommendations. There is no need to try to perform any procedures on him without the recommendation of a veterinarian.

Treatment of ascites is carried out only if the underlying disease is diagnosed. Diuretics are prescribed, fluid intake is limited, and the diet is enriched with protein foods. If the amount of liquid has not decreased, it is pumped out with a special syringe.

When infected with worms, the kitten is dewormed. This is done with the help of anthelmintic drugs.

If a kitten’s belly is swollen as a result of poor nutrition, then corrective measures are taken:

use of special feeds;
diet restriction;
fight against constipation;
introducing a sufficient amount of microelements and vitamins into the diet;
sufficient physical activity.

Prevention of the disease comes down to proper nutrition, physical activity and timely detection of helminthiases. It is important to combat obesity and impaired water-salt metabolism to prevent ascites.

When can you not do without a doctor?

If there is any suspicion of health problems, it is advisable to take the kitten to the veterinarian. But there are symptoms in which this must be done without delay.

If, in addition to a swollen belly, the kitten has:

weakness, apathy;
refusal to eat;
increased body temperature;
vomit;
repeated diarrhea.

The combination of these signs means there is a high probability that the pet has inflammation of the abdominal cavity (infectious peritonitis), accompanied by bloody discharge or an outpouring of pus.

If the kitten is thin and the belly sticks out a lot, you can do the following - lift the animal, holding it under the front paws and look at the belly. If the bulge falls off, taking the shape of a pear, and returns to its place after the kitten is put on its feet, most likely fluid has accumulated in the abdominal cavity. This disease is called ascites.

Both peritonitis and ascites threaten not only the health, but also the life of the pet. Therefore, you cannot do without an urgent visit to the doctor.

The cat's stomach is swollen

Not all owners of cats, kittens and female cats manage to cope with the health difficulties that arise, but with the right approach, this does not pose any particular difficulties at home.
It is mandatory to show your pet to a doctor, since only a veterinarian can make the correct diagnosis and help prescribe home treatment. This introductory article contains the most common questions from pet owners and answers to them, which allows you to familiarize yourself with the most common cases of such problems.

The cat has a swollen belly and sides and has lost weight, what should I do?

Why does the cat have a very swollen stomach and pain, does not eat, what to do?

The cat has a swollen belly and a soft, hard, constipation (does not go to the toilet), diarrhea, vomiting

A cat that has not been dewormed for more than three months may be infected with parasites, which multiply well inside her, huddling together in a large ball, causing her stomach to become very bloated. There can be hundreds of parasites, they begin to take up more and more space, stretching the stomach and intestines.

You should immediately give your cat anti-parasite medications and repeat the procedure after 10 days.

If a cat is constipated, perhaps it is an intestinal obstruction, an ultrasound and a biochemical blood test are urgently needed. Perhaps give a paste that dissolves fur in the stomach.

What to do if the cat’s stomach is swollen and it hurts if you touch it, what is the reason

Cats do not really like to experience new taste sensations, although if the smell attracts them, they may try it.

Products that contain instant carbohydrates such as dough, potatoes, corn, sugar, interact with gastric juice and the fermentation process begins.

If positive dynamics are not noticed, be sure to see a doctor. So that he can make a more accurate diagnosis, or rule out more serious diseases. Be sure to carry out worm prevention.

The cat has a swollen belly with ascites

What to do?

The best thing to do if your cat has a swollen belly is to contact a veterinarian. Only a doctor, after examination and testing, will be able to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

But if your pet generally feels fine and there are no aggravating symptoms, then you can try to alleviate his condition:

exclude gas-forming products from the menu;
restore the balance of intestinal microflora with Hilak Forte (you can also use Lactobacterin, Espumisan or Acipol);
Smecta or Enterosgel will help normalize the gastrointestinal tract.

Many diseases accompanied by bloating are treated only with surgery. Delay can cost your pet's life.

Causes of bloating

Flatulence has no age limits, but is more often observed in early and old age (due to helminthiasis and slow metabolism, respectively). In cats, due to their short digestive tract, bloating is rare.

Most often, the cause of flatulence should be sought in unbalanced feeding. There are a number of products that can provoke it, these include:

Milk, since the cat's body reacts poorly to lactose, and the older the cat gets, the higher the likelihood of stomach upset from drinking this drink.
Fermented milk products. This includes cheese, yoghurt, sour cream, cottage cheese. They are allowed in small quantities, but strictly dosed.
Fish. If river or sea fish form the basis of the diet, the smell of your pet's excrement becomes unbearable.
Garlic. With its help, some owners try to treat their cat for worms. However, you should not give garlic to an animal, and flatulence is not the only problem that can arise from its use.
Cereals. Feeds high in wheat, corn, and soy irritate the digestive system and become a serious burden for it.
Fat and meat trimmings are not a complete substitute for meat and can cause not only flatulence, but also liver dysfunction, intestinal disorders, and diarrhea.
Bread. Contains yeast, which provokes the fermentation process in the intestines and, as a result, distension of the stomach.

However, not only an incorrect diet can contribute to the development of flatulence. This can lead to:

viral, parasitic diseases;
inflammatory bowel diseases;
hair stones that accumulate in the stomach (most common in cats with long hair);
oncology;
obstruction or partial obstruction of the intestine;
dysbacteriosis in cats due to improper treatment (especially antibiotics).

You should contact your veterinarian if, in addition to frequent passing of gas, your pet experiences borborygmas (rumbling in the abdomen), drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, mucus in the stool, poor appetite, weight loss, bloated abdomen, or abdominal tension. Most likely, these are symptoms of inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.

The culprits of a bloated belly are overeating, flatulence, constipation and other factors in the life of a pet. Let's talk about each in more detail.

Poor nutrition

Kittens are like newborn babies. They need special nutrition that will be well digested. It is not recommended to feed 3-month-old animals food for adult cats. The stomach is not able to digest it. Food accumulates inside and the tummy swells. Problems with bowel movements, flatulence, and vitamin deficiency begin.

Constipation

If the belly is hard, dense, and the kitten squeaks when it tries to empty its bowels, then the cause of the bloating is constipation. It is easy to eliminate it - use laxatives, massage the abdomen in a circular motion with light pressure, give kefir and sour cream. Accumulations of feces can cause intoxication.

To get rid of hard feces, adjust your diet and diet. Introduce liquid food, milk, and vegetables to your pet’s menu. Do not feed fatty meat or dry food.

Binge eating

Usually small animals are very voracious and active. They need energy for growth, development of bones and muscles. Sedentary kittens that consume a lot of food are at risk for obesity. Make portions rationally, play with your pet, make him move more, and the round belly will go away.

Worms

Worms are dangerous for the general somatic health of animals. Ignoring the problem in rare cases leads to the death of the pet. Antiparasitic drugs are prescribed by a veterinarian. You cannot treat your baby on your own, because you need to know the dosage of drops, tablets, and treatment regimen.

You can spot helminths by examining your pet's stool and observing its behavior. If your baby is worried about bowel movements, his anus is itchy, or there are dead parasite larvae in his feces, then you need to go to the vet urgently.

Flatulence

Increased gas formation goes away on its own as the kitten grows. Flatulence in young cats is a common phenomenon associated with the beginning of adult complementary foods and imperfect functioning of the digestive system. The tummy is inflated and hard when there is gas, but after bowel movements it becomes soft and relaxed.

Activated carbon helps get rid of flatulence. Dilute the tablet with water and give your pet a drink. Use Enterosgel syrup, Espumisan.

Adjust your diet by excluding fish, grains, seasonings, and do not feed the animal from the common table. The source of gases are carbohydrates, and wild cats cannot receive them; the stomach is configured for plant and meat foods.

Malfunctions of internal organs

It is impossible to identify serious illnesses without medical help. See your doctor to understand why your kitten's tummy is swollen and what to do about it. The veterinarian will be able to make a diagnosis based on the results of examination, palpation, and tests.

The most common causes of bloated intestines are the following diseases:

Obesity.
Peritonitis.
Gastrointestinal tract tumors.
Cirrhosis.

Peritonitis (ascites) is considered especially dangerous. At the same time, the belly and sides are inflated, and the kitten itself is thin. The cause of peritonitis is an infection transmitted through saliva, feces, during childbirth from an adult cat to a newborn, during the placental period.

Fluid accumulates in the pet’s abdominal cavity; surgical intervention will be required to remove it and normalize the functioning of the internal organs. You can verify ascites by performing the following manipulations with the animal:

Take the kitten in your hands and lift it up.
Hold vertically for 10-15 seconds. Assess the shape of your belly.
Lower the animal down and look at the stomach.
If at the top the tummy looked like a pear, at the bottom it became spherical again, then the presence of peritonitis is unambiguous.
Contact your doctor for help immediately.

One-time hard muscles can be without disease, but simply be a natural reaction of the body to fright or to a touch that is unpleasant for the cat. When the condition persists for 24 hours, and there is a general deterioration in the cat’s condition, you cannot cope with the problem on your own. The main causes of a hard belly are:

Helminthic lesions. When the number of parasites in a pet’s intestines is large, they cause intestinal obstructions and lead to intestinal inflammation and constipation. Vomiting is also observed, which releases worms. Due to constipation, the intestines stretch too much, and as a result, pain develops, which causes the abdominal muscles to become tense. When a cat or kitten goes to the toilet, worms will be visible in the feces.
Intestinal obstruction or constipation. Improper feeding of the animal, excessive shedding, accidentally swallowed toys and intestinal spasms can cause constipation or an even more serious problem - obstruction. If there is an intestinal obstruction, the cat suffers from severe vomiting, there is a complete absence of fecal passage, and weakness and apathy quickly increase. Without immediate veterinary care, the animal will die. The abdomen is swollen and hard, constantly increasing in size until the obstruction is eliminated.
Abdominal abscess. In this case, abscesses occur on the abdominal organs, and intestinal perforation develops. Even with urgent veterinary treatment, it is not always possible to save your pet. In this case, the stomach becomes large, swollen and painful. Having noticed even one symptom of the disease, without wasting even a day, you need to take the cat to the veterinarian
Peritonitis. The disease leads to inflammation of the peritoneal mucosa. In pathology, due to irritation of the peritoneum, the condition of a hard abdomen develops. The animal also suffers from pain, bloating, vomiting and high fever. If an animal is affected by the coronavirus, it will not survive even with the best treatment. The cat will live a maximum of a year. Why cats’ immunity cannot cope with the disease is unknown. It has not been studied and no agent has yet been found that acts on the pathogen.
Injury. If your cat has suffered blunt trauma to the abdomen, she may not have any symptoms other than a hard abdomen. If the injury causes internal bleeding, the cat's condition worsens. He exhibits symptoms of blood loss and also has blood in his urine or stool. With prolonged or heavy bleeding, the mucous membranes become bluish, and the eyes become dull with a veil. An injured pet needs immediate treatment.
Poisoning. Severe poisoning causes severe intestinal irritation, which causes spasm of the abdominal muscles. In addition, the animal develops diarrhea and vomiting, which further irritate the peritoneum, causing the abdomen to become especially hard. However, the pet should not be rinsed.
Biliary colic. This pathology is especially painful for cats due to very severe pain, which is quite difficult to relieve at home. The owner urgently needs to take the pet to the veterinary clinic. With pathology, the peritoneum is not only hard, but also very painful. In addition, obstructive jaundice often develops.

In all of these cases, the sooner the animal receives the necessary help, the higher the likelihood that everything will go well and the cat will be able to restore its health. If your cat has never had a hard belly and suddenly this condition arises, you should immediately go to a specialist.

A cat may have a tight belly for natural reasons. So, in late pregnancy, due to a serious enlargement of the uterus, tension in the peritoneal muscles occurs. This phenomenon is necessary to prevent injury to the kittens. In this case, the cat does not require treatment, since this condition is natural.

Additional symptoms

Sometimes a bloated belly in a small cat may be accompanied by other symptoms that indicate the presence of an infection or disease:

Vomit. A symptom of overeating or poisoning. If the kitten empties its stomach of excess food once, then it eats the excess. If the vomiting is systemic, with foam, and lack of appetite, then we are talking about a gastrointestinal infection or intoxication. You need to do a rinse and set a fasting diet for a day.
Diarrhea. Diarrhea indicates nutritional disorders, improperly selected food, and helminths. Green, foamy stool is a sign of an intestinal infection.
Unusual eating habits. A ravenous appetite, eating foods that are completely unsuitable for an animal - this is a signal for the owners. You need to add vitamins and microelements to your kitten’s menu.
Gingivitis, inflammation of the oral cavity. They are a sign of dysfunctional processes in the gastrointestinal tract. Pain, bloating, and inflammation are caused by substances harmful to the body that enter the stomach. This could be household chemicals or stale food.

Street cats and cats brought home for fostering require special attention from their owners. They have weakened immunity, vitamin deficiency, worms and fleas. A bloated belly becomes the first sign of serious illness in the animal. Such kittens should be brought to the hospital immediately after taming.

Diagnosis and treatment

To make a diagnosis, the veterinarian uses methods such as blood, urine and stool tests. The last analysis is the most important, as it allows you to determine the presence of helminths and neoplasms in the intestines. In some cases, it is necessary to do an ultrasound and x-ray of the abdominal cavity.

Therapy is aimed at eliminating the cause of bloating. Symptomatic treatment is prescribed.

If the doctor determines that flatulence is caused by poor nutrition, then he prescribes an appropriate diet. Your cat's food should consist of foods low in carbohydrates.

What to do and how to help your cat before visiting the clinic? As first aid, you can give her a cleansing enema (if you know how) and give her the following medications:

Traumeel (to relieve spasms).
Activated carbon, Polysorb (to remove gases).
Lactoferon (to avoid the development of putrefactive microflora).
Liarsin (to normalize the digestion process).

Homeopathic remedies (Nux vomica-homaccord, Engistol) have proven themselves well in the treatment of flatulence and intestinal disorders. Dill water helps, as well as infusions of cumin, chamomile, and fennel.

How to treat a kitten

Depending on what caused hard belly syndrome, treatment is carried out with medications or surgery. The method of therapy will be determined by the veterinarian depending on the results of the examination of the cat.

A cat with hard belly syndrome should not be ignored. The animal needs qualified help as soon as possible.

Of course, the best option in case of bloating in a kitten would be to contact a specialist. Only a veterinarian can prescribe the correct treatment for bloating. And it is extremely undesirable to begin carrying out procedures, and even more so treatment, without consulting a veterinarian. So, for example, often, before starting treatment for ascites (fluid accumulation in the peritoneum), it is first necessary to diagnose the underlying disease. Only after this the doctor provides recommendations on changing the diet and limiting fluid intake.

To summarize, we can say that in any case, the behavior and changes in the appearance of a small kitten must be constantly monitored, regardless of whether your little friend is a month old or six months old - the development of pathologies and diseases in kittens can begin at any age. This is especially true for animals walking outside, because in this case there is always a risk that the kitten will eat something inappropriate. Timely help guarantees that your baby will grow up to be a healthy cat and will delight you for many years.

In the case of a one-time, short-term accumulation of gases in the digestive system, the animal does not require treatment. If your cat often suffers from flatulence, you should take him to the veterinarian. At home you should:

prevent the animal from accessing garbage;
feed the cat in small portions;
pieces of food should be warm (neither hot nor cold);
feed must be of high quality, food must be fresh;
the cat must have free access to water;
The animal must be fed in a specially designated place, in a calm environment.

If the animal's abdominal volume is changed due to ascites or peritonitis, the owner cannot help the animal on his own.

What to do if the kitten has a big belly

Depending on the reason why the kitten has a swollen belly, various methods are used to eliminate this pathology.

In case of violations of the rules of nutrition (overeating and consumption of rough food), the following will help:

changing the kitten’s diet (it is better to use specialized food of at least the premium segment);

Many well-known brands have special lines for kittens up to 1 year old, the composition of which is balanced to the characteristics and needs of the growing body.

Vaseline oil gently activates the evacuation of intestinal contents and also softens stools

Not all anthelmintic drugs are suitable for kittens, but, for example, Prazitel suspension is approved for use from 3 weeks of age

Video: the kitten has a large and hard belly - what to do

Improper animal nutrition

Unfortunately, most people do not think that the stomachs of small kittens are not adapted to the food that adult cats eat. In this case, tiny pets can be compared to newborn children. However, they are in no hurry to feed babies with the everyday food of adults, but with kittens the situation is different. It is poor nutrition that is the reason why a kitten gets a big belly. After all, food simply is not digested in their small stomach.

This problem can be solved very simply. These days, taking care of fur babies has become much easier. The stores sell a huge amount of all kinds of food that are designed for the age of the animals.

A kitten's severely swollen belly is often a symptom of a dangerous disease, the untimely treatment of which can lead to dire consequences. But the reason for this pathological condition lies in other disorders. Therefore, if the owner notices that the cat has an unnaturally enlarged belly, the pet is not eating well, is lethargic, or cannot go to the toilet on its own, it is better not to hesitate to visit the veterinarian.

In what cases should you contact a veterinarian?

The most dangerous causes of an enlarged abdomen in a kitten are peritonitis and ascites. Without timely veterinary care, the pet may even die. How to recognize these dangerous pathologies:

Peritonitis is an inflammation of the abdominal cavity of an animal. It is necessarily accompanied by the following symptoms:

increased body temperature;
vomiting;
refusal of food;
weakness;
apathy.

Ascites is the formation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity without the presence of an inflammatory process. It is worth noting that the kitten itself can be thin, and the circumference of the abdomen stands out sharply against the general background. If the owner lifts the kitten, holding it under his front paws, the baby’s belly will “fall”, forming a pear shape.

Peritonitis and ascites are life-threatening conditions, so you need to take the kitten to the vet as soon as possible. Only a specialist can treat these pathologies, and sometimes even minutes count.

Main reasons

Frequent constipation

Often a baby’s round, bloated tummy is a consequence of problems with bowel movements. Constipation is often caused by such common diseases in cats as dysbacteriosis, helminthiasis, and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, cats often have stomach pain and are unable to go to the litter box due to stress. The absence of bowel movements for 2-3 days should be a cause for concern and an urgent visit to the hospital.

This is often the reason why a kitten has diarrhea and a bloated belly. As soon as a kitten appears in the house, the owner needs to think about quality nutrition and, if necessary, seek advice from a veterinarian. Balanced, healthy food is the key to proper growth, development and activity of the cat. It is necessary to refuse food from the human table, use high-quality factory food instead, or prepare special dishes for your baby that his body will digest without problems.

It is important to prevent your kitten from overeating. Due to excessive consumption of food, the stomach not only swells, but also causes increased gas formation, bloating, and colic.

Gases in the intestines

Gas formation is a consequence of the proliferation of worms, which leads to emaciation of the pet.

If the kitten has a large belly, loose stools, and is constantly bothered by intestinal gases, most likely the cause of this condition is a helminthic infestation. If the number of worms constantly increases, the baby becomes thin, and his appetite is increased, but it may also be reduced. When worms are actively breeding, the tummy is tight and inflated. Sometimes a lump of parasites comes out along with the feces. It is necessary to select an antihelminthic medicine for your pet as soon as possible, because gases in this case are not the biggest problem. Untimely treatment of the animal leads to its death.

A kitten, accustomed to eating more than moderation, soon becomes fat, and excess weight negatively affects the health of the animal, especially if it has a tendency to congenital heart diseases. In addition, the digestive system cannot always cope with large volumes of food entering the stomach and intestines. As a result, food begins to rot and ferment inside, the kitten's tummy swells, and bloating is often accompanied by pain and discomfort.

Worm infestation

A common cause of cramps and flatulence in cats and kittens. A swollen, tense and enlarged abdomen indicates that there are a lot of parasites in the intestines. A worm that has grown to a large size injures the intestinal mucosa and leads to disruption of its functioning. Therefore, if the kitten has a hard belly and there are all signs of infection, you need to urgently visit a doctor and find the appropriate therapy.

Diseases

An enlarged abdomen, which takes the shape of a pear, indicates a disease such as abdominal dropsy.

Often the reason that a cat has a big belly is various internal diseases, among which the following are common:

Abdominal dropsy. With this pathology, the kitten's tummy is enlarged at the bottom. If you lift the baby, you will notice that the abdomen is shaped like a pear. Bloating is often accompanied by rumbling, intestinal upset, and pain.
Liver diseases. With hepatitis, in addition to the fact that the stomach is swollen, the whites of the eyes and the oral mucosa are yellow. There is an increase in body temperature, while the nose is hot and dry. If cirrhosis develops, the kitten is constantly swollen and the belly is very distended. The baby refuses to eat and quickly loses weight.
Gastrointestinal cancer. It is more often diagnosed in adults, but small kittens are not immune from cancer. In addition to the fact that the cat has a dense stomach, symptoms such as pain, indigestion, and intestinal upset are disturbing. Often, swellings appear under the jaw, which are enlarged lymph nodes. The animal is lethargic, loses appetite and weight.
Infectious peritonitis. This is a dangerous disease in which infectious inflammation of the abdominal organs occurs. In addition to the fact that the abdomen is tense, swollen and elastic, the animal is worried about severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and a critical increase in body temperature.
Pancreatitis. When the pancreas is inflamed, it is noticeable that the pet’s tummy is hard, very swollen, and painful.

Pregnancy

In the case of free access to the street, pregnancy may be the reason for the roundness of the pet.

If at the age of 6-9 months the owner notices a large belly in the cat, there is a high probability that the pet has become pregnant. Most often, this situation occurs when an animal freely visits the street. If the owner does not plan to breed offspring, it is advisable to sterilize the animal before the first heat. A sterilized cat has fewer health problems, and the owner does not need to worry about what to do with the animal during sexual “hunting.”

Causes

Various reasons can provoke a change in the animal’s condition. The abdomen swells both due to illness and due to the cat’s congenital characteristics. Sometimes, as the stomach increases, it also becomes hard. It is necessary to establish the cause of the swelling as early as possible. Without this, there is a danger that the pet will simply die without receiving the treatment it needs.

Aerophagia. In this condition, a cat swallows an excessive amount of air while eating, causing its stomach to fill with gas. Next, the air moves into the intestines and causes severe bloating, which changes not only the stomach, but also the sides. Very often this phenomenon occurs under severe stress. It also provokes the appearance of a bloated abdomen and sides and defects in the structure of the jaw and teeth. If they are congenital, then the kitten will also have a changed figure.
Large amount of carbohydrates. A common reason for a pet to become bloated. The peculiarity of the cat's digestive system is that it is almost not designed to digest carbohydrates. If the food the animal receives is not balanced, the fermentation process begins in the stomach. In this case, the cat's tummy is swollen like a cow's. The pet's sides become very round and protrude greatly to the sides.
Food allergies. With it, the stomach and sides swell due to the fact that the intestines are severely irritated, and digestion is disrupted. As a result of this, the amount of gases in the intestines increases sharply, flatulence develops, which causes the cat to become bloated.
An increase in the size of the liver or spleen also causes the abdomen to swell. This phenomenon can be caused by many reasons - from infectious diseases to cancerous tumors. Only a veterinarian can determine exactly why the animal’s organs have changed size. With this disorder, fluid accumulates in the cat's abdominal cavity, causing the large belly to droop and swell. The sides begin to bulge due to a violation of the position of the organs. Severe body asymmetry is often observed.
Metabolic disorders. With this disease, fatty deposits begin to actively accumulate on the sides and abdominal wall, which is the reason why the stomach is swollen and the sides have increased in size. To restore a cat to its normal state, it is necessary not only to provide him with sufficient physical activity and proper nutrition, but also to restore his impaired metabolism. A veterinarian will help with this.

If the cat’s sides are swollen and a swollen belly appears, the animal’s condition cannot be left unattended and considered that it does not require treatment. The longer the owner ignores the pet’s health problems, the higher the risk that the cat will die. Even with cancer, if they are detected in a timely manner, it is possible to save the life of a pet, which is something that owners should remember.

What to do to eliminate the pathology?

If the cause of bloating is constipation, then the drug Duphalac will help to cope with the problem.

If the kitten's sides are swollen due to a severe internal illness, the doctor will hospitalize the pet and, if necessary, perform surgery. In other cases, you can deal with the problem at home. For constipation, you can give your pet the drug Duphalac and use microenemas. Vaseline oil will help improve digestion; its dosage is 0.1 ml per 100 g of weight. It is recommended to give the product 2-3 times a day.

If the cat's swollen sides are a sign of helminthic infestation, in this situation antihelminthics will help normalize the condition. Doctors at the Zoovet clinic point out that not every drug is intended for kittens aged 2-3 months. Therefore, the veterinarian must select the medicine, taking into account the baby’s age, the degree of invasion and other individual characteristics.

After giving birth, the cat's abdomen will return to its normal position without special treatment. The problem of overeating is easy to eliminate. Often, increased appetite is associated with a lack of vitamins and other elements in the body. Therefore, it is better to feed your cat with ready-made food, where all the ingredients are balanced and selected for a certain age.

The kitten has bloating Rostov