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Do Cats Fart? What You Need to Know About Cat Flatulence

Do Cats Fart? What You Need to Know About Cat Flatulence

Aug 24, 2024

By Diego Ochoa

Do Cats Fart? What You Need to Know About Cat Flatulence

You're cuddling with your cat on the sofa, watching television, typing on your laptop. Suddenly, you smell something unpleasant. You instantly realize that the nasty scent is coming from your cat! When that smell hits your nose you probably won't wonder if cats fart anymore — it's a little too clear now. So do cats fart? Yes! Now, what is the best cat gas remedy?

While farting here and there, it is normal for our feline friends, it's still something you need to keep an eye — or nostril — on. Sometimes excessive gas can be a sign of underlying issues. Once you figure out why your cat is extra gassy you can also provide some pretty successful treatments at home.

Do Cats Fart?

The short answer? Yes. The longer answer? Not usually too often. All mammals fart but cats fart a little less. Cat farting is nothing to be ashamed of — unless it's going on a little too long. This can mean there's an issue in your cat's digestive system. That's when it's time to address cat farts a bit more seriously.

Is it Typical for Cats to Fart? How Often?

If you smell something fishy coming from your kitty don't panic — farting is normal! Cats will have to fart for a multitude of reasons, although far less often than other species like dogs and humans. That's because cats don't scarf down food like we do, meaning there's less air and excess gas in their digestive tract. But they do have a digestive tract and an anus so farting is bound to happen sometimes!

Normal vs Excessive Cat Gas

The amount a cat farts varies from feline to feline. But if you notice your kitty farting more than usual — or if it smells stronger — there may be something off in your cat's diet or body. If it happens for a long period of time (think, more than a day), it may be time to take your furry friend to the vet. You should also consult an expert if you notice these symptoms accompanying their gas:

Diarrhea or vomiting
Urgent litter box usage
Abnormal feces (black in color, odd texture, or blood)
Lack of litter box use and constipation
Noisy sounds, like grumbling, in their gut
Decreased appetite and weight loss
Lethargic behavior
Drooling

What Causes Gas in Cats & Are Some Breeds More Susceptible?

The main reason for cat gas is a buildup in their digestive system. This is the same reason humans and other species also experience increased flatulence from time to time. Passing gas can happen for many common — and harmless — and reasons, like swelling too much air or eating too fast.

There are some breeds that may be more likely to pass gas. That's because some breeds are more prone to digestive problems and have a more sensitive stomach. This includes the Sphynx, Devon Rex, and the Ragdoll. While some cats may experience gas more than others, there are a few reasons any cat can develop gas:

Diet

The biggest culprit for a gassy cat is their food. Cats can have very sensitive stomachs and many are allergic to the carbohydrates found in cheaper cat food brands. Food allergies are quite common with kitties. Too much fiber can also lead to gas. Human food is another major culprit for gassy cats so avoid feeding them from your plate.

Dairy

Cats are obligate carnivores, and most cats are lactose intolerant, meaning their digestive systems lack the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose found in dairy products. When cats consume dairy, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, or even chocolate, it can lead to significant digestive upset.

The result is often cat flatulence, diarrhea, and other symptoms like stomach upset. In some cases, ingesting dairy can cause more serious complications, particularly if the cat has a pre-existing digestive issue or food intolerance. Pet parents should avoid giving their feline friends any dairy products to prevent these issues and ensure optimal cat health.

Parasites

Intestinal parasites, such as tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms, are common causes of gastrointestinal problems in cats. These parasites can disrupt the cat's digestive system, leading to certain symptoms such as bloating, excessive gas, and even more severe issues if left untreated.

Kittens that have not been dewormed are particularly susceptible to these parasites, which can result in significant discomfort and health problems. Regular veterinary care, including fecal sample testing and deworming, is essential to prevent and treat these parasitic infections, ensuring your cat's digestive health and overall well-being. excessive gas.

Intestinal diseases

Certain diseases in cats can result in serious flatulence. An imbalance of gut bacteria, known as microbial imbalance, is a common cause of excessive gas in cats. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatic disorders, and even cancer can also trigger excessive gas production.

These issues often indicate underlying problems within the digestive tract. If you notice persistent or severe gas in your cat, especially alongside other adverse symptoms, it's crucial to consult a trusted veterinarian immediately to diagnose and address any potential intestinal problems or diseases.

Allergies

Cats can develop flatulence not only from food-related allergies but also from environmental allergens such as dust, pollen, fleas, ticks, and mites. These allergens can cause an allergic reaction in cats, leading to digestive issues and gas production. While food "fillers" are a common trigger, environmental factors can also play a significant role in a cat's digestive health.

If your cat is experiencing excessive gas along with other symptoms, it may be due to these environmental allergies, and addressing the source of the allergens is important for their overall health.

Prevention of Gas in Cats

To prevent gas in your cat, going forward you'll need to identify the cause of their gas. Once you figure out which of the previous problems your cat is experiencing, you can make some changes to prevent gas.

Slowing Food Consumption

If your cat was eating too fast or too much, it's important to change their feeding routine. You may want to break up their meals and serve them throughout the day. This will spread out their food intake. This can be done even easier with an automatic feeder. If you have multiple cats, feed your gassy cat away from the other feline housemates.

When cats eat near each other they can sometimes see it as a competition. They will scarf down food much quicker to avoid another cat potentially taking their food. They will eat slower when they are separated, helping their digestion, and reducing gas.

Diet Changes

After these changes, you should slowly begin to change their cat food if they are still farting. It may be a food allergy! Switch out their food gradually with a brand that's lower in carbs and higher in protein. Speak with a vet if you want food recommendations for kitties with sensitive stomachs. Ask them about hypoallergenic diets as well.

Activity Levels

Meanwhile, keep your cats active. Regular exercise will help reduce gas. You can encourage your cat to play by getting involved. Throw some toys, tease them with a laser, and shake a ribbon for them to bat and jump at. Some cats might even enjoy cat wheels if they're a bit more active! One other alternative for entertaining cats is to give them some catnip or CBD catnip spray. Catnip can stimulate a feline's body and mind.

Visit a Veterinarian

Schedule a visit with a veterinarian. Discuss medication that prevents parasites and deworming if they haven't been. Your vet may have a bit more advice on preventing and treating parasites. While you're there, it's possible for them to screen for other potential diseases and problems.

The Best Cat Gas Remedies

When dealing with cat flatulence, it's essential to identify the underlying cause to choose the most effective remedy. The best cat gas remedies often involve dietary adjustments, addressing potential allergens, and ensuring overall digestive health. Here’s a guide to some of the most effective strategies to help reduce or eliminate excessive gas in your feline friend:

Cat Gas Remedy #1 - Yogurt

If your cat is already experiencing gas there are a few remedies you can try while waiting for a vet visit. One may be a bit surprising: yogurt. While cats shouldn't have dairy, sometimes plain yogurt can reduce intestinal gas. That's because of the food's friendly bacteria. Try out an unflavored and unsweetened yogurt, dropping one teaspoon in your cat's food.

Cat Gas Remedy #2 - Fennel

Incorporating fennel into your cat's diet can be an effective remedy for reducing flatulence. To do this, mix a small amount of powdered fennel with water to create a paste that easily adheres to your cat's kibble. Fennel is known for its digestive benefits, as it helps soothe the digestive tract and can reduce the production of excess gas.

By making their food easier to digest, fennel can significantly decrease your cat's farting, leading to a more comfortable and less gassy feline friend. Always introduce new foods or supplements gradually and consult your veterinarian to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your cat's diet.

Cat Gas Remedy #3 - Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is another effective home remedy that can help reduce the odor associated with cat farts. By adding about 1/8 teaspoon of activated charcoal to your cat's food daily for a few days, you can help absorb and neutralize the unpleasant smell of cat flatulence. However, it's important to note that this is not a long-term solution and should only be used intermittently.

Activated charcoal works by binding to the odor-causing compounds in the digestive tract, but overuse can interfere with nutrient absorption, so it should be used sparingly and with caution. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing activated charcoal or any new supplement into your cat's diet.

Cat Gas Remedy #4 - Oat Grass

Oat grass can be a soothing remedy for a cat with an uneasy stomach. Many cats are naturally inclined to chew on grass, particularly when they experience digestive discomfort. Providing oat grass for your feline friend may help ease their stomach upset and reduce gas. The natural fibers in oat grass can aid digestion and alleviate mild gastrointestinal issues, offering comfort and potentially decreasing the frequency of cat farts. Keeping oat grass accessible to your cat can be a simple and natural way to support their digestive health.

Final Thoughts - Do Cats Fart?

Farts smell. And sometimes gas can be the sign of something even worse. If your cat seems smellier than usual, you may need to take them to the vet. Meanwhile, there are things you can do to ease your cat's stomach pains and digestive issues. Sometimes it can be as simple as changing their diet or making sure they are more active. Just keep an eye on their symptoms and other behaviors — they will smell better in no time!. Check out more.