It might be astounding to find that the source of the intestinal gas in cats is actually different in so many ways from that of the flatulence in humans. For instance, most of the integral gas actually comes from the swallowed air. As in humans, the bacterial fermentation of nutrients, dos result in the harmful gases, which escape from time to time as well. Get to learn more about gas in cats –what causes it, its symptoms, as well as its prognosis and treatments. Read on to learn more!
Gas in Cats: What is this feline condition?
Despite of gas being an ordinary bodily experience for a pet, an undue amount of it might be because of some fundamental cause like poor diet or an illness. If the gas on cats appears to be a recurrent problem, then it might be the time to discover the exact cause of it.
Gas or flatulence in cats is actually a natural digestive process. It happens in the event that the stomach or the intestines expand with has or air. Further, this accumulation will then release from the body. Even though an unfortunate smell may sometimes complement with it, the gas is something that the cat must experience from time to time.
Causes of Cat Flatulence
There are actually a number of reasons why the cat is experiencing excessive gas. Some of the most common causes are listed below:
- Constipation
- Diet
- Intolerance to milk
- Allergic to milk
- Maldigestive disorders or difficulty in digesting foods
- Malabsorptive disorders or the body’s difficulty in absorbing nutrients
- IBD or inflammatory bowel disease
- Consumption of spoiled foods
- Overeating or eating too speedy
- Intestinal parasites
- Infection within the intestines
Symptoms of Cat Flatulence
Flatulence or gas in cats is surely a common digestive response, yet, unfortunately, it may also be an indicator of a more severe condition. There are some obvious indications that your cat may show, so watch out for any of the following symptoms of gas in cats:
- Bloating of the stomach
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Strong or foul odor
- Excessive gas
Prognosis of Cat Flatulence
Once you have already become aware of the difference in the natural flatulence of a cat, then having them tested or examined by a vet is the next significant thing to do. Initially, the vet may want a full medical history. Eating patterns and certain foods may help in revealing an immediate cause of the gas in cats. Per se, it is so important to keep record of precisely what the cat is eating, the time it eats, and how much it eats. Moreover, the vet might also order a hypoallergenic food test to determine whether you can blame it to food allergy or not.
In the event that the problem appears to be due to a more severe complication like disease or some kind of that, then the vet may recommend more diagnostic tests. For example, if the parasites are thought be the culprit, then the vet may order stool samples since they are highly beneficial in the exposure of any worms. In the event that the vet suspect IBD for the condition, they may order a gastric biopsy –a procedure, which may be done either via abdominal surgery or using an endoscope. Further, an endoscope is war less hostile, yet both procedures may pose some risks, which must be taken into account with the vet.
There are some other tests that the vet may suggest completing. Some of which may include a CBC, a urinalysis, an abdominal x-ray, and a biochemical profile.
Treatments for Cat Flatulence
There are some medications, which may be beneficial if you think that the problem is great enough to defend it. The carminative is one of the most popular natural gas relievers, which may be prescribed for the cat. Below are some of the possible solutions for gas in cats. However, it i9s so important to consult a veterinarian first before you dispense any medications to a cat, even the natural herbal medications, as the age, weight, and breed of the cat must be taken into consideration,
- Pancreatic enzyme supplements
- Simethicone
- Bismuth subsalicylate
- Dry activated charcoal
- Yucca schidigera
- Zinc acetate
Prevention of Cat Flatulence
- Feed the cat with low-carb, high-protein diet
- Change the source of carbs and protein
- Make sure diet is highly digestible
- Feed the meals in an isolated, quiet, non-competitive environment
- Feed smaller meals more often
- Encourage an active lifestyle for the cat
Lastly, you need to be cautious on where the cat has access to foods. For instance, put secure covers on the garbage cans and don’t let the cats roam in the neighborhood or in garages where garbage may be stored. Always try to have a regular check-up with our vet if you see any changes in your cat’s overall health and being.
