Cat Burping: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Burping or belching in cats is not as common as in dogs, and some pet parents may never see it. In fact, I’ve even heard a few people say that cats can’t burp at all, while others may become worried about an underlying problem. So let’s unpack the issue of if and why why cats may burp, and if you need to worry about it.

Content:

1. Can Cats Burp? Understanding Feline Digestion
2. Common Reasons for Cat Burping After Eating or Drinking
3. When to Worry About a Burping Cat
4. Conclusion

Can Cats Burp? Understanding Feline Digestion

Yes, cats can burp, though it’s not something you’ll often see (or hear). A burp, or eructation, is simply the release of gas from the stomach through the mouth. It happens when swallowed air builds up and needs an exit.

According to Dr. Nick Cave, a veterinary gastroenterologist, “Some air is inevitably swallowed during normal feeding, although individual dogs and cats differ in volumes of swallowed air... Severe eructation in the absence of other localizing signs is usually consistent with excessive aerophagia or gastroesophageal dysmotility.”

In plain English this means that some burping is normal, but frequent or intense burping without any other illness can suggest your cat is swallowing too much air (aerophagia) or has a problem with how the muscles in the esophagus and stomach move (gastroesophageal dysmotility).

Cats can gulp air while eating or drinking quickly, especially if they’re anxious or competing for food. Once that air collects in the stomach, the body’s natural response is to expel it. A burp jut means the gas is closest to the mouth. If it’s closer to the other end, it will come out as a fart.

However, while burps are sometimes just excess air, farts are more likely to be gasses that accumulate in the stomach. These gasses are part of the fermentation and digestion process, and are released by the bacteria in a cat’s gut. Anything that affects this gut bacteria, such as antibiotics or a new diet, will cause more gas to build up.

Remember that encouraging your cat to sip water rather than gulp it can help reduce swallowed air. A pet fountain such as the Petcube Fountain makes sure your cat has constant access to fresh and clean water, meaning they are less likely to gulp it too fast, and may help prevent burping.

Common Reasons for Cat Burping After Eating or Drinking

There are really a few simple reasons that you may see a cat burp. These are:

• Gulping food traps air in the stomach, so eating or drinking too quickly is the most common reason.
• Cats that breathe heavily or pant (after play, stress, or illness) may swallow excess air. This means that aerophagia (breathing too fast) due to stress or respiratory issues can cause belching and burping.
• Switching foods can temporarily upset digestion and increase gas production. In this case, you should also smell farting or hear their tummy rumbling.
• Some cats eat in awkward positions, which means they may trap air because of how they are sitting or swallowing.
• Gut motility disorders, reflux or inflammation can affect how gas moves through the system. So there are some cases where a lot of belching could mean a gastrointestinal problem that needs a vet.

Here’s what one cat parent shared on Reddit:

“Oh yeah, my cat often burps after she eats, or even after she drinks a lot! I've never heard her fart, but I swear when I first got her and she was on a new food she was stinking up the place!”

That sums up the typical experience: occasional burps, minimal drama. But when it becomes frequent or your cat looks uncomfortable, it’s time to pay closer attention.

When to Worry About a Burping Cat

A single burp? Totally fine. Regular, loud, or painful-looking burps? That’s when your cat may need veterinary attention.

Call your vet if you notice:

• Frequent burping after every meal
• Burping followed by gagging, vomiting, or drooling
• Loss of appetite or sudden weight changes
• Abdominal swelling or discomfort
• Any signs of respiratory distress or lethargy

Excessive burping could point to a deeper issue like reflux, motility problems, or even an obstruction; all things that need a vet’s eye.

If you’re unsure, having 24/7 access to a vet can be a lifesaver. The Petcube Emergency Fund offers up to $3,000 in emergency vet coverage and round-the-clock online vet chat, so you’re never left guessing or panicking alone.

Conclusion

Most of the time, cat burps are just a natural response to swallowed air or a quick meal. But when they’re frequent, loud, or paired with other symptoms, it’s worth investigating.

Keep an eye on how your cat eats and drinks, encourage calm mealtimes, and don’t hesitate to consult a vet if something feels off. A healthy, comfortable cat shouldn’t have much to burp about.