Why Does My Cat Fart So Much?

As elegant as cats may be, they do fart. Just like dogs, cats pass gas as part of their normal digestive process. Flatulence in cats may not be as noticeable or stinky as in dogs but one could smell it. For some cats, farting is more frequent and smelly, could this be an indicator of cat gut health? Let’s find out what it means when a cat farts so much and how to help relieve them of gas.

Content:

1. Do Cats Fart
2. Why Is My Cat Farting So Much
3. How to Relieve Gas in Cats
4. FAQ

Do Cats Fart

Farting is a process of relieving gas built up during bacterial breakdown of food in the large intestine. It is a normal and harmless part of the digestive process in cats. Oftentimes, It could also be as a result of trapped or swallowed air during feeding.

“Cats fart; usually it’s not so audible, but you can smell it often”, - Reddit User

Why Is My Cat Farting So Much

Should it be a reason for concern when your cat farts so much? Farting so much could stem from different causes, which can be health related. A cat’s stomach is sensitive and would naturally react to food they don’t like; even a diet change could cause discomfort and distort digestion eventually leading to flatulence.

Oftentimes, cats may suffer from gastric conditions which are attributed to farting or excessive gas production. Some studies reveal that conditions where gas-producing bacteria thrive in the gastrointestinal tract may be responsible for frequent farting in cats.

“When farting in cats is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, it is advised to consult a veterinarian”, - Dr. Soheyi Simaei

Some of the factors that could lead to farting in cats include:

• Diet change and allergy: A change in diet could cause flatulence and may lead to farting. Certain diets contain allergenic ingredients that may cause allergy in cats. For example, certain soy or fiber food products could lead to stomach upset and farting in cats.
• Lactose intolerance: Adult cats could be lactose intolerant and are unable to break down lactose in milk when ingested because they lack the enzyme lactase. This could lead to stomach upset and farting.
• Swallowing excessive air: Rushing food while eating could lead to swallowing excessive air and result in too much farting.
• Stale food: Feeding cats stale food does not only result in farting but is also unhealthy. Spoiled food upsets the stomach due to contamination, causes excessive farting and could lead to health conditions.
• Digestive conditions: According to research, parasites and disease conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), ulcers and even cancer could lead to stomach irritation, gas production and trigger farting in cats.
• Dehydration: Farting in cats could also be attributed to dehydration. Cat owners who use the Petcube Water Fountain help keep their cats hydrated. The fountain encourages drinking in cats and provides filtered water devoid of contaminants.

How to Relieve Gas in Cats

Farting in cats can be managed or relieved by switching to a healthier and balanced diet with a better protein source. Some of the following can also be applied to relieve gas in cats:

• Avoid feeding cats with stale food, as this could result in serious stomach upset and too much farting.
• Treat parasitic infections and any stomach condition. Taking parasitic prophylaxis medication could also prevent parasitic conditions and alleviate too much farting in cats.
• Encourage slower eating in cats to avoid swallowing excessive air.
• Don’t feed cats food products they are allergic to. Rather, feed them with a better protein source, good fiber, and carbohydrates.

In my experience, cats could easily be relieved of gas when they are carried or lifted above the ground. Cats farting when picked up may be due to trapped air in the guts.

To relieve cats of gas caused by chronic gastric or intestinal conditions would require extensive treatment. Managing such chronic conditions would incur high vet fees, which would be less of a burden when the Petcube Emergency Fund is used. The Petcube Emergency Fund would help offset up to $3000 in vet fees and offer a 27% discount upon registration using the exclusive link.

Conclusion

It is normal for cats to fart; they do this to relieve gas produced in the guts during food breakdown. Excessive swallowing of air or indigestion from contaminated food could also lead to farting. To manage this, prevent cats from eating hastily and provide them with only a healthy and balanced diet. If allergy is noticed, it is advisable to change diet or treat any gastric or intestinal conditions.