Do Cats Fart? Feline Flatulence And Its Reason

Cats rarely fart in normal cases. Even when they do, it Unlike humans or some other animals, a healthy cat’s digestive system produces minimal gas, and it usually passes silently and without a noticeable odor.

On average, a healthy cat may pass gas only a few times a day, if at all. Most cat owners might not even notice their cat farting unless there are unusual changes in diet or behavior that lead to increased gas production.

Normal farting in cats is usually related to occasional ingestion of air while eating or minor dietary changes. As long as the cat is not showing signs of discomfort, such as bloating, frequent abdominal noises, or other digestive issues, occasional gas is not a cause for concern.

While occasional farting in cats is normal, frequent passing of gas could be a result of undiagnosed health issues. Determining the root cause of the fart is crucial before the treatment can be started.

These are some common causes of recurring farts in cats:

Dietary Changes

Sudden changes in a cat's food can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and the digestive enzymes they need to process their food. When a cat's digestive system encounters new ingredients, especially those high in fiber or different protein sources, it may struggle to break down the food properly.

To minimize gas during dietary changes, it's essential to transition the cat's diet gradually over 7 to 10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old, slowly increasing the proportion of the new food while decreasing the old. This gradual approach allows the cat's digestive system to adjust to the latest ingredients.

Low-Quality Food

Unhealthy food often contains fillers, artificial additives, and low-grade proteins difficult for cats to digest. Ingredients such as corn, soy, and by-products can lead to gas production by fermenting in the cat's intestines.

Additionally, these foods might lack essential nutrients or contain ingredients that cats are not naturally adapted to digest, which further strains the digestive system. Opt for high-quality, protein-rich cat food with easily digestible ingredients to reduce gas.

Food Allergies

Food allergies in cats occur when their immune system mistakenly identifies a specific ingredient as harmful and triggers an inflammatory response. Common allergens include dairy, beef, chicken, fish, and grains. Consuming allergenic foods can cause gastrointestinal upset, including gas, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.

Chronic exposure to allergens can exacerbate these symptoms, causing frequent gas as the digestive tract becomes inflamed and irritated. 

Swallowing Air

Also called aerophagia, the ingesting of air occurs when cats eat or drink too quickly, gulping down air along with their food or water. This can happen if a cat is overly eager during mealtime, perhaps due to hunger, competition with other pets, or anxiety.

The swallowed air accumulates in the digestive tract, causing bloating and gas. Aerophagia can be particularly common in cats that eat dry kibble or drink from flowing water sources.

Parasites

intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, or giardia, can cause gastrointestinal distress in cats. If you notice symptoms like gas, diarrhea, and bloating, it could be an indicator of a parasitic infection.

The presence of parasites can irritate the intestinal lining and lead to inflammation, which may increase gas production. Additionally, the metabolic activity of the parasites themselves can produce gases that contribute to flatulence.

Bacterial Overgrowth

The condition occurs when the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted, often due to factors like antibiotics, poor diet, or underlying health conditions. An overgrowth of harmful bacteria can ferment undigested food, producing excessive gas.

Sometimes associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), this condition causes an imbalance in the gut microbiome, impairing normal digestion and nutrient absorption.

Obesity

Obesity contributes to digestive issues due to the extra fat around the abdomen. Fat can compress the digestive tract and slow down the passage of food. This slower digestion can lead to fermentation of food in the intestines.'

Obese cats are often less active, which can further slow down digestion and promote gas accumulation. Excess weight can also exacerbate other gastrointestinal issues like constipation or reflux.

Constipation and Blockages

When a cat is constipated, the stool moves slowly or becomes lodged in the colon; this often results in the fermentation of undigested food. Similarly, partial blockages, whether due to hairballs, foreign objects, or tumors, can restrict the passage of food and gas through the intestines. This trapped gas can lead to bloating, discomfort, and increased flatulence. 

Cats that fart frequently may need veterinary care if the symptoms occur despite preventive measures. As gas can result from a series of causes, a single test might not be enough to identify the reason behind the cat's discomfort.

Here are some tests a vet may conduct to pinpoint the actual cause of farting in a cat:

1. Physical Examination

A physical test involves the veterinarian palpating the cat’s abdomen to check for signs of pain, bloating, or tenderness. The vet also listens for abnormal gut sounds with a stethoscope and checks the cat's overall body condition, hydration status, and vital signs.

This exam helps identify any obvious signs of gastrointestinal discomfort or underlying health conditions that may cause excessive gas, such as intestinal blockages, tumors, or inflammation.

2. Medical History

Taking a detailed medical history helps the vet understand the cat's overall health, diet, eating habits, and any recent changes that might contribute to gas. The vet will ask about the onset, frequency, and duration of gas symptoms, as well as any other gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea.

Info on the cat's environment, stress levels, and exposure to toxins or allergens are also gathered to identify potential triggers for digestive upset.

3. Fecal Test

The vet may analyze a stool sample to detect the presence of intestinal parasites (such as roundworms, hookworms, or giardia). The sample may also be tested for abnormal bacteria or other pathogens. Identifying and treating any parasitic infections is crucial to resolving gas and preventing further digestive problems.

4. Blood Tests

A complete test profile can help assess the cat's autonomy and determine any conditions that may cause gas. These tests can detect signs of infection, inflammation, liver or kidney dysfunction, or other metabolic disorders.

Blood tests also help rule out systemic illnesses that could impact digestion and contribute to excessive gas production.

5. Urinalysis

A urine sample examined to evaluate the cat's kidney function. It can also detect any urinary tract infections or metabolic disorders that might indirectly affect digestion.

While not directly related to gas, a urinalysis can help provide a comprehensive picture of the cat's health and rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, like frequent vomiting or weight loss.

6. Imaging Studies

This includes conducting tests like X-rays or ultrasounds. These tests help identify physical abnormalities, such as intestinal blockages, or foreign objects.

Likewise, it can reveal signs of intestinal inflammation or motility problems, helping the vet determine the appropriate treatment plan.

While farting is not in itself threatening for a cat, its underlying cause could be. Fortunately, there are several methods of treating this condition, depending on the nature of the cause.

Some common treatment methods are described below:

Dietary Changes

Dietary adjustments are a primary approach to managing gas in cats. Switching to a high-quality, easily digestible cat food that is free from common allergens (like dairy, soy, or grains) can help reduce gas production. Foods with fewer fillers and artificial additives are less likely to cause digestive upset.

For cats prone to food intolerances, a vet may recommend a hypoallergenic diet or a limited-ingredient diet to identify and eliminate problematic ingredients.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of the gut microbiome. Introducing probiotics through supplements or specially formulated foods can help repopulate the gut with these beneficial bacteria, enhancing digestion and minimizing the growth of gas-producing bacteria.

Probiotics are especially helpful in cases where gas is caused by an imbalance in gut flora, such as after a course of antibiotics or due to dietary changes. Regular use of probiotics can promote long-term digestive health and reduce farting in cats.

Medication

Medication may be necessary to treat gas in cats when dietary changes and probiotics are insufficient. The vet may prescribe anti-nausea medications, antacids, or motility drugs to reduce symptoms. If parasites are a cause of gas, deworming medications can eliminate these pests.

For cats with IBD or food allergies, anti-inflammatory medications, or immune-modulating drugs may be required to manage symptoms effectively.

Hydration

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing constipation. Well-hydrated cats are less likely to suffer from gastrointestinal issues that cause gas. Provide access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Encouraging hydration can also involve incorporating wet food into the cat's diet, as it contains a higher moisture content than dry kibble. For cats that are reluctant to drink water, providing a pet water fountain can encourage drinking due to the appeal of moving water.

Slow Feeding

This method is used to prevent cats from eating too quickly.  When cats gulp down their food, they may ingest a significant amount of air, resulting in bloating and flatulence.

Slow feeder bowls, puzzle feeders, or simply spreading food out on a flat surface can help regulate the pace of eating. An effective technique involves feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals.

Exercise

Regular exercise is necessary for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Physical activity stimulates bowel movements, helping to prevent constipation. When a cat exercises regularly, it keeps the gastrointestinal tract active and reduces the buildup of gas.

Exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial since obesity can contribute to several issues. Engage your pet in play sessions and use interactive toys like a laser pointer to keep them chasing.

Addressing Specific Health Conditions

If gas in cats is caused by specific health conditions, such as IBD, food allergies, or gastrointestinal infections, treating the underlying condition is critical for resolving the issue. Proper diagnosis and targeted treatment by a veterinarian ensure effective management of gas.

Gas and gastritis are not the same in cats, although they both involve the digestive system. Gas refers to the accumulation of excess air or gas in the digestive tract, particularly in the stomach or intestines.

Symptoms of gas include flatulence, bloating, and occasional abdominal discomfort. Gas itself is not usually a serious condition but can indicate an underlying issue with digestion.

Gastritis, on the other hand, is a specific condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be caused by various factors, such as infections, irritants (like chemicals or certain foods), medications, or stress. Similarly, its symptoms include vomiting (sometimes with blood), loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and lethargy.

Unlike gas, gastritis is a more serious condition that requires veterinary attention to manage the underlying cause and alleviate symptoms. While gas can sometimes be a symptom of gastritis, they are distinct conditions with different causes and treatments.