CLINICAL SIGNS Signs vary depending on the underlying cause, but abdominal pain is often characterised by: Vocalisation, wincing or attempts to bite when picked up or touched under the abdomen. Resentment of attempts to touch the abdomen. Restlessness, inability to sit in one position.
“Symptoms of an upset stomach in a cat include licking the lips, which is a sign of nausea, vomiting and refusing to eat,” says Dr. Elizabeth Arguelles, medical director and founder of Just Cats Clinic in Reston, Virginia.
Your vet may prescribe anti-nausea medication, which can be administered orally or via injection. Additional medications, such as antacids, antibiotics, dewormers, probiotics, prokinetics or pain medication may be prescribed, depending on your cat's needs.
Yes, as previously mentioned, some cats in pain (particularly severe, sudden pain) will cry out or howl. If you see this, take them to the vet immediately to have them checked out, even if you can't see anything else wrong with them.
A cat's stomach should feel soft and tender, and if you are giving it a gentle rub, they shouldn't flinch or suddenly attempt to move away. If you suspect your cat may be bloated, take care when examining them.
Hair follicles on the belly and tail area are hypersensitive to touch, so petting there can be overstimulating, Provoost says. “Cats prefer to be pet and scratched on the head, specifically under their chin and cheeks,” where they have scent glands, Provoost says. (Read how cats know their names.)
The most obvious sign that your cat is bloated will be a swollen belly. You may also notice your cat trying to vomit or belch, but being unable to do so. As a result, they may retch a lot, and seem restless.
Cats who are painful may develop a facial expression that could be described as a grimace. They may seem to have a vacant stare off into space. Some painful cats actually have a wide-eyed look. These cats may also squint their eyes or appear to be half asleep.
Heat/ice, laser therapy, chiropractics, physical therapy, massage, and acupuncture can also be very helpful in treating cat pain. In many cases, these services may even be provided in your own home. There are also many ways to modify your home and your cat's space to better accommodate them.
If your cat loves it when you rub her belly, take it as a compliment. It means that your cat wants attention and trusts you enough to touch her belly. Remember your cat's belly is the most vulnerable spot on her body. If she allows you to pet her in this area, then she trusts you completely.
Most of the time, diarrhea and vomiting are resolved in a few days. However, beware of more serious cat digestive problems that need to be addressed and treated by your veterinarian.
Withhold Food: Most veterinarians will recommend fasting a kitty who has stomach issues for 24 hours, so that the culprit can work its way out. A Bland Diet: If withholding isn't working, vets also advise giving cats plain, boiled chicken and rice, or pumpkin.
Rice is safe for feline consumption as an occasional treat, as long as it is adequately cooked and served in moderate amounts. Due to its high fiber content, rice has been known to help with diarrhea and stomach issues in cats.
If your cat is not feeling well, they may not look quite right. They may sit in a more hunched position or move with less grace than usual. Tilting the head or carrying the tail differently could indicate that something is wrong, too. Cats who feel unwell often do not groom themselves as well as usual.
Signs Of Obvious Distress
Cats are typically very stoic animals, so if your cat suddenly seems to be in distress, it is a cause for concern. Howling, crying, hiding, and otherwise acting in a way that is out of character for your pet should alert you that something may be seriously wrong.
There are a number of reasons why cats can get a sensitive stomach, with some having a more delicate constitution than others. This may come down to their diet, or even medication being used for an injury or illness. A cat having a sensitive stomach every so often is not uncommon at all.
Cats who are in pain often exhibit uncharacteristic aggression, too. They may hiss or growl when you or other members of your household come near. Pain can make even the friendliest cats scratch or bite, especially when touched in a painful area or moved in a way that hurts.
Cats that are ill will usually show changes in overall appearance, energy level, sociability, coat appearance and/or amount of shedding, appetite, litterbox usage, breathing, or discharges from the eyes or nose. In general, any sudden change should alert you that your cat needs veterinary attention.
Behaviour signs of a cat in pain
Lethargy. Decreased interest in positive things like playing, social interaction and exploring outside. Being withdrawn and hiding away. Appearing lame and experiencing increased sensitivity to touch in specific areas of their body.
Sick cats often lie quietly in a hunched position. They might neglect grooming. They may be purring, which cats do not only when they're happy, but also when they're sick or in pain. A cat with breathing difficulties may refuse to lie on his side and may keep his head raised.
Cats also purr when they are stressed, in pain or severely ill. Sometimes cats at the end of life will purr. Purring releases endorphins which help reduce pain. Studies find that purrs vibrate at a low frequency of 25 to 100 HZ.
Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage in Cats
Abdominal pain. Diarrhea. Failure to pass stool. Straining to defecate.
Potential causes for a cat or kitten swollen belly include organ enlargement, fluid or a mass in their belly, intestinal parasites and weight gain. In some cases, your veterinarian might be able to identify the cause of your pet's swollen belly through a physical exam alone.