Help! My cats has gas

Just like humans, cats sometimes pass gas. While this is normal in many cases, excessive gas can be a symptom something’s wrong, from diet to disease.

Cats have digestive tracts that are similar to humans’, so it is no surprise that felines sometimes pass gas. In fact, it’s perfectly normal that, as food passes through your pet’s digestive tract, excess gas is created and eventually released from his body. However, if you think your cat’s flatulence exceeds what is normal, it could be an indication that something is wrong with your pet. In addition to being a healthy byproduct of certain foods, gas can result when you pet is dealing with disease or parasites in his body. By being aware of your pet’s gastrointestinal functions, then, you can become a better parent to your pet.



If Kitty’s flatulence is causing concern, he may have a digestive problem. To get to the root of the issue, you should bring a fecal sample to your veterinarian’s office to be examined for parasites. This is a routine test your vet should perform on an annual basis, especially for outdoor pets. If results show Kitty has some sort of internal parasites, solving his gas problem could be as easy as giving him over-the-counter dewormers or a prescription medication from your vet. If the fecal sample tests negative for parasites, however, you will need to look further to diagnose the source of his tummy troubles.



Diet plays a major role in gas production, so it’s important to examine what your pet has been eating if his stomach seems upset. Changes in his food or even the type of treats you feed him can cause upsets to your pet’s digestion, as can eating something he shouldn’t have. Try keeping a food journal to track what morsels might be upsetting your pet’s stomach and causing gas. You can also work with your vet to try special diets that eliminate certain foods known to cause gas in cats, such as high amounts of wheat, corn, soybeans, or fiber as well as dairy.

 After ruling out parasites and diet as the sources behind Kitty’s excess gas, you need to take your pet to the vet to examine him for intestinal disease. This may involve blood tests, biopsies, or fecal sampling for bacteria. One common cause of intestinal upset is dysbiosis, or an imbalance of the good bacteria in the gut, which may be cured with probiotics. Other, more serious diseases include cancer, which is often accompanied by diarrhea. Medications can help combat this disease and its symptoms, and surgery may be necessary to remove the infected cells. 



Before panicking about your cat’s excessive gas, take measures to improve his diet. Feed him a high-quality cat food and avoid any unnecessary changes to his diet. You can also try giving your pet probiotics to promote a healthy gut. Avoid feeding Kitty milk or other foods containing lactose, and take him to the vet for regular check-ups to catch any intestinal problems in their early stages.