Cats with Abdominal Bloating: Possible Causes and Solut
1. The Myth of Cats with Swollen Abdomens: It's often believed that if a cat is suffering from "anal atresia," a hereditary condition, it may experience abdominal swelling. In simpler terms, this condition means the cat's anal opening is not properly formed, leading to difficulties in defecation and is typically incurable. Sometimes, a cat's intestines may suddenly narrow due to disease, which can also cause abdominal swelling. Congenital kidney defects, such as hydronephrosis and polycystic kidney disease, can also lead to abdominal distension in cats, and usually require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
2. Abdominal Swelling Caused by Diet: Generally, the protein, fat, and carbohydrates in a mother cat's milk are wellsuited to a kitten's physiological needs, so kittens rarely suffer from diarrhea or abdominal swelling from breastfeeding. However, if the mother cat has an infection during lactation, her milk may become contaminated, and kittens who consume it may experience discomfort, such as mastitis or uterine infection, leading to "toxic milk syndrome." This can cause diarrhea and swollen anal areas in kittens. To prevent abdominal swelling after weaning, pet owners can feed kittens lowcarbohydrate canned food or meatbased diets.
3. Issues with Bacteria, Viruses, and Parasites: When kittens are born, their intestines are typically sterile. However, after coming into contact with the mother cat's mouth, feces, and other bodily fluids, they may become infected with bacteria, viruses, or parasites, potentially harming their intestinal tract. If a cat has an excessive number of parasites, its abdomen may swell明显, and it's crucial to deworm the cat promptly to prevent it from threatening the cat's life.
4. Indigestion: Abdominal swelling in cats can also be caused by indigestion. If the food a cat eats is not digested promptly, it can accumulate in the cat's intestines, leading to a buildup that causes the cat to lose its appetite and appear unwell. Pet owners should administer digestive aids or probiotics to help regulate the cat's gastrointestinal system.
Cat abdominal swelling can range from minor to severe. Some cats may have difficulty defecating, which can lead to abdominal swelling, and this should not be overlooked. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult with an online veterinary expert.