Intestinal parasites (worms). Large numbers of worms in the intestine can cause distension of the abdomen, giving a pet a pot-bellied appearance. This is typically seen in kittens since they are more likely to have worms than older cats.
Cats can have swollen bellies for a variety of reasons. Potential causes for a cat or kitten swollen belly include organ enlargement, fluid or a mass in their belly, intestinal parasites and weight gain.
Overeating or drinking too much water are the two most common reasons behind feline bloating, although we will look at more, potentially, severe causes later on in this article. More often than not the digestive distress will ease up on its own.
The signs of roundworms are primarily vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, a dull coat, and lack of energy. In severe cases a swollen/distended tummy (pot belly) – which is particularly noticeable in kittens.
Often cats will show no symptoms at all, but common signs to look out for include: Increased appetite. Overly cleaning or washing the area around its bottom. Small segments of worms or rice-looking grains in the fur around the bottom.
Cats who suffer from stomach worm infections may exhibit signs of gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting, loss of appetite, and dark feces. A stomach worm infection is easily treated, but cat owners should still take this condition seriously and bring their cats to a veterinarian right away.
Depending on the type and severity of infection, worm infestations that remain untreated can lead to serious health issues for your cat – including malnutrition, severe anemia, and intestinal obstructions – which can become life-threatening.
Symptoms may include diarrhoea, tiredness and weakness, abdominal pain and weight loss. Some worms cause anaemia.
One of the most effective home remedies for tapeworms in cats is pumpkin seeds. These little seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin, which paralyzes the tapeworms and causes them to release their grip on your cat's intestinal wall. Simply grind up some pumpkin seeds and mix them into your cat's food.
Cat pouch bellies become more noticeable as they age because the skin loses elasticity, causing it to sag more than in healthy cats. So while you might notice your cat's primordial pouch more after they've started to reach old age, it's usually nothing to worry about unless they start gaining too much weight.
Check your cat's body for fat pads.
This is because there is a fat padding over the cat's bones. Cats that have a lot of worms will not have these fat pads.
Treatment of a bloated stomach should begin just as soon as the veterinarian has a solid diagnosis. Although quite rare, if the cat has gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), the only cure for this condition is emergency surgery. The surgeon physically straightens the stomach out.
The signs associated with parasite infections are fairly nonspecific, such as a dull haircoat, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, mucoid or bloody feces, loss of appetite, pale mucous membranes, or a pot-bellied appearance.
Signs Of FIP In Cats
Signs are: A swollen belly or trouble breathing. Poor appetite and muscle loss.
Some parasites go away on their own, especially if you have a healthy immune system and maintain a balanced diet. However, talk to a healthcare provider if you have signs of a parasitic infection. They can make an official diagnosis and help prevent the spread of the parasite to others.
The worms should be gone in two to three weeks after administering the dewormer medication. A second deworming might be needed a few weeks later to eliminate all the worms because the medication affects life cycle stages differently.
The bad news: Intestinal worms in cats are very common. The good news: They're relatively easy to treat, and most cats make a full recovery.
Intestinal worms can be a serious problem in young kittens. Hookworms can cause anemia and roundworms can lead to poor growth and development. Tapeworms can also accumulate in high numbers, leading to intestinal obstruction. In adult cats, however, intestinal parasites are only occasionally life-threatening.
Roundworms are often described as looking like cooked spaghetti, as they are long and white in appearance. If your cat or kitten vomits up a worm always bring the worm into the clinic for identification, this will help us treat your cat appropriately.
Common recommendations are to: Treat kittens for roundworms every 2 weeks from 3 weeks of age until 8 weeks of age, then monthly to 6 months of age. Treat adult cats (greater than 6 months of age) every 1-3 months.
So how do indoor cats get infected with worms? Indoor cats will hunt just about anything in your home. Rodents, insects, and other household pests harbor worm eggs, which are passed on to your cat when he devours them. Mice and the common house fly are just two of the many critters that can carry roundworms eggs.
Occasionally cats may eat their food too quickly and become over-full, causing their stomach to temporarily appear bloated, however, this should clear up as the food digests in just a few hours.