Yes, cats pass gas too! A little wind now and then is normal, and it’s usually silent. But if your cat has frequent, very smelly gas, or gas along with other digestive symptoms, it may be a sign that something in its diet or health needs attention.
Common Causes of Gas in Cats
- Eating too fast. Cats that gulp their food swallow air along with it.
- A sudden change of diet, or a new food or treat.
- Foods cats don’t digest well, such as cow’s milk and dairy products (most adult cats are lactose intolerant), table scraps, fatty or spicy food, and some ingredients like beans, peas or soy in large amounts.
- Spoiled food or food from the trash.
- Food intolerance or allergy.
- Intestinal parasites, such as worms or Giardia. Read more about worms in cats.
- Hairballs and swallowed fur.
- Digestive problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, poor absorption of nutrients or an imbalance of gut bacteria, for example after antibiotics.
- Lack of exercise and being overweight.
When to See the Vet
Occasional gas in a cat that’s otherwise healthy usually isn’t a concern. Talk to your vet if your cat has frequent or very smelly gas, or if gas comes with:
- diarrhea or constipation (read more about diarrhea and constipation in cats);
- vomiting (read more about vomiting in cats);
- a swollen, tight or painful belly;
- loss of appetite or weight loss;
- lethargy;
- blood or mucus in the stool.
A suddenly swollen, hard belly with restlessness or pain is an emergency. Go to a vet immediately.
Your vet will examine your cat and may recommend stool tests for parasites, a diet trial or other tests, depending on the symptoms.
How to Reduce Gas
- Slow down fast eaters with a slow feeder bowl, a puzzle feeder or smaller, more frequent meals. In multi-cat homes, feed cats separately, so no one feels they have to rush.
- Feed a complete, high-quality cat food, and change foods gradually over about a week.
- Avoid milk, dairy and table scraps.
- Keep the trash covered.
- Encourage exercise with daily play, which helps keep the digestive system moving.
- Keep your cat at a healthy weight. Read more about obesity in cats.
- Brush your cat regularly to reduce swallowed hair.
- Deworm your cat as your vet recommends.
If your vet suspects a food intolerance, they may recommend a special diet, such as a hypoallergenic or easily digestible food, or a probiotic designed for cats.
Don’t give your cat human medicines for gas or bloating, such as anti-gas tablets or charcoal, or herbal remedies, without your vet’s advice.
