How to Diagnose the Causes of Abdominal Bloating in Cats

Abdominal bloating is a potential sign of many underlying health conditions in cats. This issue can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Regardless of whether the condition progresses quickly or slowly, it should always be regarded as a serious health problem, and early diagnosis is essential. By closely observing the cat, consulting with a veterinarian, and considering possible medical conditions, you can increase the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis.

Look for signs of malnutrition. Cats suffering from malnutrition often exhibit abdominal bloating, appearing gassy or swollen. The cat's belly may seem to have little fat or muscle surrounding it. Malnutrition typically occurs in cats that:

• consume homemade food.
• are fed a vegetarian diet.
• lack vitamin E, copper, zinc, and potassium.
• eat foods rich in vegetable oils.

Check if the cat is simply overweight. Generally, a cat needs 30 calories per day for every 450 grams of weight. If your cat is consuming more than this amount, it could be obese.

• Consult with a veterinarian and/or check the nutritional information on the cat food packaging.
• You can use a body condition score chart to assess if your cat is overweight, such as the one here: https://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/Body%20condition%20score%20chart%20cats.pdf.

Recognize the signs of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP is a potentially fatal disease in cats caused by a virus and typically occurs in crowded areas or homes with multiple cats. In addition to abdominal bloating, diarrhea is also a common symptom of FIP.

• FIP can be diagnosed through blood tests to check liver enzyme levels, bilirubin, and globulin.
• The wet form of FIP can be diagnosed by testing the fluid from the abdomen.

Look for signs of infection, viral or parasitic infestations. Many infectious diseases can lead to abdominal bloating in cats. Although most are mild, some cases can result in more serious issues. Look for the following symptoms:

• Pyometra, an infection of the reproductive organs in female cats. Cats with pyometra often appear lethargic, lose their appetite, or urinate frequently.
• Worm infestations. The most common sign of worms in cats is seeing rice-like particles in their stool or around the anus.

Recognize the signs of cancer or tumors. This could be one of the most serious causes of abdominal bloating in cats, and you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect this. Some of the most common symptoms of cancer include abnormal lumps on the skin and/or loss of appetite.

Look for signs of digestive or metabolic issues. Digestive and metabolic problems (such as diabetes and colitis) are some of the most common causes of abdominal bloating in cats. Common signs include changes in appetite, weight, and/or energy levels.

• If you suspect your cat may have a digestive or metabolic issue, you may need to take your cat to the vet for a blood test to confirm or rule out these conditions.

Describe the time when your cat started experiencing abdominal bloating. Let the veterinarian know when the bloating first occurred and whether it developed rapidly or gradually. This is crucial information for the vet to accurately diagnose your cat's condition. Tell the vet if your cat's bloating:

• happened suddenly overnight or over several days.
• has been ongoing for weeks or even months.

Discuss your cat's eating habits with the vet. A cat's appetite is often linked to abdominal bloating. This is because inflammation or other digestive issues can impact whether your cat feels hungry or not. Inform the vet if your cat has:

• eaten less than usual.
• eaten more than usual.
• no interest in eating at all.
• vomited after eating.
• recently switched to a different food.

Have your cat undergo a blood test. Blood tests are essential for diagnosing the cause of abdominal bloating in cats. Without a blood test, the vet won't have vital information about your cat's immune system or other key health indicators.

• Blood tests can reveal if your cat has an infection, such as pyometra, by showing an increased white blood cell count.

Request diagnostic tests from the vet. Take your cat to a veterinarian who specializes in internal medicine for endoscopy and biopsy procedures. The vet can perform diagnostic tests to make a precise diagnosis. Some tests that can identify the cause of bloating include:

• X-rays. X-rays can help the vet detect tumors or infected organs.
• Ultrasound. An ultrasound provides detailed information and helps confirm or exclude a cancer diagnosis. It can also show whether fluid has accumulated inside or around the abdominal cavity.
• Biopsy. If tumors or infections are detected, the vet may need to perform a biopsy.