How to Diagnose the Cause of Your Cat’s Abdominal Distension

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Cats are beloved furry companions known for their playfulness, independence, and mysterious nature. However, when our feline friends experience any physical discomfort or abnormality, it can be a cause for concern and prompt immediate attention. One such condition is abdominal distension, characterized by a visibly enlarged or swollen belly in cats. As responsible pet owners, it is essential to understand the potential causes and symptoms of this condition in order to seek proper diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we will explore the various factors that may contribute to a cat’s abdominal distension and discuss the diagnostic methods that veterinarians employ to identify the underlying cause. By familiarizing ourselves with this topic, we can ensure our cats’ well-being and provide them with the necessary care they require.

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This article was co-written by Deanne Pawlisch, CVT, MA. Deanne Pawlisch is a Certified Veterinary Technician specializing in corporate veterinary training in Illinois. She has been a board member of the Veterinary and Urgent Care Foundation in San Tonio, Texas since 2011. She holds a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Northern Illinois University.

There are 7 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 64,392 times.

Abdominal distention is an underlying symptom of many medical conditions in cats. This can happen quickly or gradually over time. However, regardless of how quickly or slowly the condition progresses, you should treat it as a potentially serious condition and try to get a diagnosis as early as possible. By observing your cat, consulting with your veterinarian, and considering possible medical conditions, you can increase your chances of an accurate diagnosis.

Table of Contents

Steps

Consider possible causes

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Look for signs of malnutrition. Malnourished cats often have a bloated belly that looks bloated or bloated. The cat’s belly appears to have very little fat or muscle around it. Malnutrition is common in cats that:

• eat home cooked food.
• fed on vegetarian food.
• lack of vitamin E, copper, zinc and potassium.
• Eat foods rich in vegetable oils.

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See if the cat is just overweight. Normally, a cat needs 30 calories per day for every 450 g of weight. If your cat consumes more than these calories, it may be obese.

• Consult your veterinarian and/or the nutritional information on the cat food packaging. ^{[1] X Research Source}
• You can use a cat health chart to determine if your cat is overweight, such as the one here: https://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/Body %20condition%20score%20chart%20cats.pdf.

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Recognize the signs of feline peritonitis (FIP). FIP is a potentially fatal disease in cats caused by a viral infection and usually occurs in areas with a large population of cats or in homes with many cats. In addition to abdominal distension, diarrhea is also one of the common symptoms of FIP.

• FIP can be diagnosed with blood tests to check levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin, and globulin. ^{[2] X Research Source}
• Wet FIP can be diagnosed by testing a sample of peritoneal fluid.

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Look for signs of infection, viral infection, or parasitic infection. Many infectious diseases can cause abdominal distension in cats. Although most are mild illnesses, some can lead to serious problems. Watch for the following symptoms:

• Metritis, which is an infection of the reproductive organs in female cats. Cats with metritis often show signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or frequent urination.
• Worm infection. The most common symptom of worm infection in cats is the appearance of rice-like particles in the cat’s feces or around the anus. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Recognize signs of cancer or tumors. This can be one of the most serious causes of abdominal distension in cats and you should take your cat to the vet immediately if in doubt. Some of the most common symptoms of cancer are abnormal skin growths and/or loss of appetite. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Look for signs of digestive and metabolic problems. Digestive and metabolic problems (such as diabetes and colitis) can be one of the most common causes of abdominal distension in cats. Common signs are changes in appetite, weight, and/or decreased energy levels.

• If you suspect your cat has digestive or metabolic problems, you may want to take your cat to the vet for blood tests to help confirm or rule out these conditions. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Seek help from a veterinarian

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Talk about a time when your cat had a bloated belly. Tell your veterinarian when cat bulges occur and/or grow rapidly or slowly. This is important information your veterinarian needs to know to diagnose your cat’s illness. Tell your doctor:

• Your cat quickly swells up overnight or over several days.
• Cats have a bloated belly over a period of weeks or months.

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Talk to your doctor about your cat’s eating habits. Cats’ cravings are often associated with abdominal distension. That’s because inflammation in the stomach or other problems in the digestive system will affect whether the cat wants to eat or has an appetite. Let your doctor know if your cat:

• eat less.
• eat more.
• absolutely no interest in eating.
• vomiting after eating.
• Just switched to another food. ^{[6] X Research Source}

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Give your cat a blood test. Blood tests are essential to aid in the diagnosis of abdominal distension in cats. Without testing your cat’s blood, your veterinarian will not have basic information about your cat’s immune system and other essential information.

• Blood tests can provide information about your cat’s immune system. If the cat has an infection, such as metritis, the number of white blood cells in the cat’s blood will be elevated. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Have your veterinarian perform diagnostic tests. Take your cat to a veterinarian who specializes in internal medicine for an endoscopic examination and biopsy. Your doctor can perform diagnostic tests to come to an accurate conclusion. Some diagnostic tests that can find the cause of an abdominal bulge include:

• X-ray. X-ray tests can help your doctor identify cancerous tumors or infected organs.
• Supersonic. Ultrasound can provide doctors with a wealth of information and help rule out or confirm a diagnosis of cancer. In addition, this method also tells the doctor if there is fluid accumulation in or around the abdominal cavity.
• Biopsy. If a tumor or infection is identified in your cat’s abdomen, your veterinarian may have to take a biopsy sample. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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This article was co-written by Deanne Pawlisch, CVT, MA. Deanne Pawlisch is a Certified Veterinary Technician specializing in corporate veterinary training in Illinois. She has been a board member of the Veterinary and Urgent Care Foundation in San Tonio, Texas since 2011. She holds a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Northern Illinois University.

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There are 7 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 64,392 times.

Abdominal distention is an underlying symptom of many medical conditions in cats. This can happen quickly or gradually over time. However, regardless of how quickly or slowly the condition progresses, you should treat it as a potentially serious condition and try to get a diagnosis as early as possible. By observing your cat, consulting with your veterinarian, and considering possible medical conditions, you can increase your chances of an accurate diagnosis.

In conclusion, diagnosing the cause of your cat’s abdominal distension can be a challenging task that requires careful observation, examination, and possibly diagnostic testing. It is essential to consult with a veterinarian to accurately diagnose the underlying condition and provide appropriate treatment. Some potential causes of abdominal distension in cats include fluid accumulation, gastrointestinal issues, tumors, or organ enlargement. By paying close attention to your cat’s symptoms, monitoring any changes in appetite, behavior, or litter box habits, and seeking prompt veterinary attention, you can help determine the cause of the abdominal distension and work towards providing the necessary care for your beloved feline companion. Remember, early detection and intervention are crucial in ensuring the well-being and health of your cat.

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