If you've ever been in the same room as your cat when it suddenly lets out a surprising, odorous gust of air, you may have wondered, "Can cats fart?" The answer is yes, cats can indeed pass gas, just like humans and other animals.

While farting is a natural bodily function, cat farting might leave some pet parents wondering why it happens, when it's a concern, and how to deal with smelly cat farts. In this article, we'll explore the causes of farting in cats, what it means when your cat farts a lot, and when to call your vet for help.

Why Do Cats Fart?

Cats can pass gas as a natural part of their digestive processes. The main reason cats flatulate is due to the build-up of gases produced during the breakdown of food in their digestive systems. The fermentation of undigested food in the intestines can lead to the production of gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane, which need to be released.

While a small amount of gas is perfectly normal, several factors can lead to more frequent or particularly odorous cat farting.

Swallowed Air

One of the reasons cats fart is because they swallow air while eating or drinking. This is especially common in cats who tend to eat quickly.

Food and Diet

The type of food your cat eats significantly impacts their likelihood of farting. Certain ingredients in cat food, especially wet foods, can be harder for some cats to digest, leading to the production of gas.

Cats with food allergies or intolerances will produce more excess gas, and their farts are more likely to smell. Cats that eat a lot of dry food may also experience more gas, as this can be harder for them to break down.

Sometimes, the reason a cat farts a lot is simply because they're eating the wrong food. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies aren't designed to digest plant-based foods well.

When cats eat human food or table scraps, especially those that are rich in fat or fibre, they may struggle to break them down. Additionally, certain foods, like dairy, can cause digestive problems in many cats, leading to cat gas and other symptoms like diarrhoea or vomiting.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites like worms or Giardia can cause farting in cats, along with other symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss and a bloated stomach. If you suspect your cat has parasites, your veterinarian may recommend testing a poo sample and may prescribe medication to help treat the issue.

Inflammatory Bowl Diease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition that causes digestive problems in cats, including excessive cat farting. This condition causes inflammation of the GI tract, which can interfere with the normal digestion and absorption of food, leading to smelly cat farts.

Cats with IBD may also experience vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss. If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to visit the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Stress or Anxiety

Stress can also contribute to farting in cats. Anxiety and stress can cause changes in the digestive system, leading to increased gas production. Changes in routine, a new pet or family member, or even a visit to the vet can all cause your cat to feel uneasy and trigger tummy upset. If your cat is experiencing anxiety, it's important to address the root cause of the stress, which will help to reduce digestive disturbances, including cat farting.

Why Do Cat Farts Smell So Bad?

The answer lies in the fermentation of food in the intestines. When undigested food reaches the large intestine, bacteria break it down, producing gases that can have a strong, unpleasant odour.

Smelly cat farts may be more common if your cat has food intolerances, is eating low-quality food, or has a digestive issue like IBD. Particularly sulphurous farts that smell like egg are usually caused by eating too much fibre or protein.

If your cat's farts consistently smell foul or if your cat is farting a lot, it may be a sign that something isn't quite right with their digestive health.

What Does it Mean When a Cat Has a Bloated Stomach?

A bloated stomach can be a sign of several potential health issues, including parasites, constipation, or more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or gastrointestinal obstructions. If your cat has a bloated stomach, it's important to call your vet immediately. Bloating can be painful and might indicate a serious problem that requires urgent treatment.

When Should You Be Concerned About Farting in Cats?

While farting in cats is usually harmless, certain signs should prompt a visit to the vet:

• Excessive gas that lasts for more than a few days.
• Weight loss or poor appetite.
• A bloated stomach or discomfort.
• Cat vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Lethargy or unusual behaviour.

These signs may indicate a more serious health issue that requires veterinary care.

How to Prevent Excessive Gas in Cats

If you're concerned about cat farting, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the occurrence of smelly cat farts:

• Diet: Switch to a high-quality, easily digestible food. If your cat has food allergies, talk to your vet about an elimination diet to identify problem ingredients.
• Slow feeder: If your cat eats too quickly, consider using a slow feeder bowl to reduce swallowed air and prevent bloating.
• Vet check-ups: Keep up with regular vet visits to monitor your cat's digestive health and screen for parasites or other issues. Also, keep up with preventative parasite treatment.
• Manage stress: Ensure your cat has a stable environment and a consistent routine to reduce anxiety that could affect their digestion.

Does a cat fart? Yes, feline flatulence is a normal and natural process, but excessive farting or particularly smelly farts could indicate underlying health issues. From food intolerances and intestinal parasites to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, there are several potential causes for your cat's excess gas.

By paying attention to your cat's diet, behaviour, and overall health, you can help minimise your cat's farts and ensure your feline friend stays comfortable. If you notice any concerning symptoms or if your cat is farting a lot more than normal, don't hesitate to contact your vet for advice and treatment.

Everypaw Cat Insurance

Everypaw's Cat Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your kitty will be well looked after. 

Get a quote

 

Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis - www.vetlexicon.com/felis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.