Just like us, cats fart. They have gastrointestinal tracts that produce and pass gas like many other four-legged and two-legged mammals. Cats fart for a few reasons. But, have you been asking yourself: why is my cat farting so much? In this case, it might mean that your cat is dealing with something a little more serious in their tummy. Let’s take a closer look…
So, Why is My Cat Farting?
Cat farts are generally normal. That’s because a cat’s digestive system isn’t very different from a dog’s or a human’s. When the digestive system processes food that produces a lot of gas, this gas is stored in the intestines. Once the pressure builds up, the body releases the gas as a fart. Usually, you won’t notice cat farts as they’re often quiet and mostly odorless.
This standard type of gas can occur for a couple of reasons. The most common is your cat eating very quickly and swallowing much air. This creates a lot of flatulence in your cat’s belly, causing your cat to fart.
Gas can also result from something in a cat’s diet. Have you ever eaten a lot of fibrous foods (like beans!) and felt super gassy? The same thing can happen to cats. If their diet consists of gas-inducing foods, your cat will definitely be farting.
So, what foods can make a cat fart? Cruciferous veggies (like broccoli and asparagus,) dairy, or whole grains are some of the main culprits. These foods will especially cause gas if your cat is eating them regularly.
Your cat may also have an allergy to their food. In this case, you’ll notice the farts, as they will be consistent and probably have an odor. If allergies are the culprit, you may notice other symptoms too. Bloating, vomiting, or even diarrhea can all be additional signs that your cat is allergic to something in their diet.
When is Cat Farts a Sign of Something More Serious?
Are you noticing consistent, bad-smelling farts from your cat that won’t seem to stop? Then, it may be a sign your cat is dealing with a more critical gastrointestinal issue.
If you’re worried about why your cat is farting, it’s essential to look out for additional symptoms. One crucial sign is prolonged bloating. Your cat may also be experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, accompanied by a lack of appetite or refusal to eat anything. Also, you should check your cat’s litter box to see if there’s any blood in your cat’s stool.
You should contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Only a veterinarian can accurately diagnose your kitty.
Serious Reasons Your Cat May Be Farting
There are a few major digestive issues that can be the root cause of your cat’s constant farting. Your vet can safely and adequately diagnose each.
Inflammatory bowel disease, an ulcer, or, in more severe cases, cancer could be behind your cat’s farts. Now, don’t freak out just yet – these more serious causes of farting typically appear with other concerning symptoms.
In some cases, cat farting is a sign of intestinal parasites. The presence of worms like roundworms and tapeworms can upset your cat’s stomach. The result: a very farty kitty. Parasites cause extreme bloating in cats, which gives cats a ‘pot belly.’
How to Treat Cat Farts
Treating cat farts depends on what is causing your kitty’s flatulence. If your cat swallowed too much air, then the cat farts should go away on their own. The same goes for food that upsets your cat’s tummy – a change in diet and even a probiotic supplement can help your cat relieve gas at home.
If your cat’s farting doesn’t respond to a diet change or you think your cat’s farts are caused by something more serious, make an appointment with your vet. Your vet is the one who can identify the cause and treat your kitty appropriately. You do not want to waste time, money, and your kitty’s health trying to treat a potentially serious issue alone.
We hope this article answered the big ‘why is my cat farting’ question. Usually, it can be as simple as your cat eating too fast. Other times, it can mean something more serious. No matter what, we want to ensure our kitties stay happy and healthy!
If someone you know is curious as to why their cat is farting, share this article with them. It may help them solve all their cat’s gas once and for all.
