Kitten with a Gassy Belly

Investigate to determine the reason for your kitty's tummy woes.
i Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Not only can a gassy kitten be pretty disagreeable around the house, the issue is also worrisome. Your kitty can't communicate through words, so it's up to you to do the sleuthing necessary to figure out what's wrong with her, whether it's simply eating too rapidly or intestinal parasites.

Symptoms

Your kitten's gassy belly problem will probably be all too apparent to you -- and to your poor nose -- but it's a good idea to know the key signs. Look out for flatulence, rumbling sounds from the belly region, watery stools, throwing up and bloating. If your wee kitty also seems to be suffering discomfort, she may be suffering from a stomachache.

Causes

Many fairly minor causes may lead to a kitten's gassy belly. Until a kitten is about 5 or 6 months old, her constitution is delicate. Your kitten may be gassy because she ate her meal too fast, or simply ate too much. Perhaps her food was past its expiration date. Maybe she's got a hairball in her tummy, or she may not be used to a new food you introduced into her diet. Food allergies are also a major possibility. If you have given your kitty milk, she may be having a bad reaction to dairy, as cats are not able to properly digest lactose. Excessive amounts of fiber or fat in a diet also can cause gas in a kitten. Think about all of the possible factors that could be causing discomfort in your precious pet. Then think about how you can change them.

At-Home Help

If your kitten's gassy belly is caused by dietary issues, you can help her solve her dilemma. To avoid overwhelming your pet's tummy, try feeding smaller servings with more frequency. Also consider decreasing her fiber intake, and make sure your little one stays far, far away from all access to food that has gone bad. That includes anything that's in the trash can.

Veterinarian

If you can't determine what's ailing your sweet little fluffball, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to figure out exactly what's going on with her troubled digestive system. Her gas may be a symptom of a larger health issue. Whether you notice one symptom or six, do not treat the problem lightly -- it's your kitty's health. Also be on the lookout for especially serious symptoms such as drooling, bloody stool and floor scooting. If you notice any of these signs, seek emergency medical attention for your pet as soon as possible.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

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