As cute as they are, our little cats also fart. Just like us, they emit flatulence, but it is generally very discreet; a small bellow that smells absolutely nothing or almost nothing (so chic!) But it happens that some of our mustachioed ones fart excessively and abnormally: noisy and nauseating farts. Although the subject is laughable, a cat that farts a lot is not insignificant. Let's take stock.
Help, my cat is farting!
It's a fact, everyone farts. Whether it's Martine the neighbor, Roger the baker or the President of the Republic, everyone passes flatulence on a daily basis. And our beloved cats are no exception. They also have gas and let loose from time to time to relieve their belly.
As mentioned above, our little companions still have the elegance to emit only very discreet farts: flatulence without noise or smell (well almost). These are due to the accumulation of gas in the large intestine. The bacteria, feeding on the waste present, release gases by digesting them. They accumulate, then little by little, descend to the rectum before being delicately released.
A cat or kitten that farts is therefore completely normal. It's nature! On the other hand, a cat that farts excessively and releases loud and very smelly farts can be worrying.
These abnormal flatulences are often the sign of a digestive disorder that must be treated quickly, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea , constipation , loss of appetite , feeling depressed or even a hard stomach.
My cat farts a lot: what are the causes? And what to do?
If your cat farts a lot and its gas is particularly smelly, you should consult your veterinarian so that he can detect the origin of the problem. The causes of flatulence in cats can be multiple and more or less serious.
Poor diet
Diet is one of, if not the main cause of digestive problems in our cats. If your kitty farts a lot, it's mainly on the food bowl that you need to look.
A food intolerance
Other ingredients can cause gas. These include dairy products (which contain lactose ). Your cat may have had trouble with your little bowl of milk or the yogurt you gave him after your meal. He may like it, but his stomach won't. This also applies to all the "table" foods you can offer him. Even if he makes eyes at you, avoid sharing your lunch or dinner with him.
Too sudden a change in food
A rapid change of food can indeed be a source of flatulence in cats. Gases that are also generally accompanied by diarrhea. Your cat farts, goes to the litter box often and produces soft and very odorous stools. The digestive flora of our cats is used to a stability or diversity of the foods that we give them. The slightest change can thus disrupt everything.
Before changing your cat's diet, it is therefore essential to carry out a food transition. This consists of gradually integrating the new food into your cat's usual diet. How exactly do you do it? We explain all the steps in our article on food transition in cats.
You can also find all our advice and tips inour complete guide on the food transition.
Portions swallowed too quickly
Some cats are real gluttons, and at mealtimes, they literally throw themselves on their bowl. This rapid food intake can not only cause them to vomit but also give them flatulence. And for good reason: by eating too quickly, they also swallow a lot of air. Result: they have bloating and fart. It should be noted that cats hardly burp at all. So the only way to expel this air is through their bottom.
If your cat eats too quickly, you can use an anti-gluttony bowl. This has a fun aspect and allows you to spread out your companion's food. It will teach him to eat more slowly.
Note that a cat that eats too quickly is often a stressed cat: it is disturbed at mealtimes (solicitations, bad location of its bowl), it is afraid of missing out because it often shares its bowl with another cat or because it only receives one meal per day for example. At Ziggy, we recommend at least 4 meals per day for our little companions, in order to best respect their nature as little nibblers.
To easily and accurately determine the amount of food to give your cat or kitten, don't hesitate to use our ration calculator.
A disease
Flatulence in cats can also be a sign of illness, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, a hard and bloated stomach, depression, loss of appetite. They can mean a parasitic disease of the digestive tract, a chronic intestinal disease (IBD) , an endocrine disease (hypothyroidism) or a disease of the digestive tract affecting the pancreas, liver or intestine.
If you notice any of these clinical signs, consult your veterinarian quickly. Even if it is in reality just simple diarrhea or constipation. These digestive disorders should not be taken lightly!
Que faire contre les flatulences chez le chat ?
The importance of good nutrition
As you can see, a cat that farts is completely normal. But a cat that farts all the time and emits nauseating and noisy farts is not harmless.
Whatever the origin of his flatulence, a good diet will be crucial for the health of your mustachioed one. This is also why we created Ziggy: to offer the best diet to all our little cats so that they are comfortable in their paws 🐈
Giving your cat probiotics
In case of flatulence, a good diet is recommended, but also taking probiotics.
Probiotics are non-pathogenic live microorganisms which, when consumed, have a beneficial role for the cat by improving its intestinal flora and digestive tract.
At Ziggy we have developed our own range of probiotics for cats and kittens.
Formulated by our veterinary nutritionist and clinical nutrition specialist, Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, Ziggy Care cat probiotics contain Enterococcus Faecium NCIMB 10663 (4b1707) at levels proven to promote good health and microbial balance in the gut in cats, while strengthening the natural immune defenses.
Giving your cat probiotics
In case of flatulence, a good diet is recommended, but also taking probiotics.
Probiotics are non-pathogenic live microorganisms which, when consumed, have a beneficial role for the cat by improving its intestinal flora and digestive tract.
At Ziggy we have developed our own range of probiotics for cats and kittens.
Formulated by our veterinary nutritionist and clinical nutrition specialist, Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, Ziggy Care probiotics contain the bacteria Enterococcus Faecium NCIMB 10663 (4b1707) at levels proven to promote good health and microbial balance in the intestine in cats, while strengthening the natural immune defenses.
Everything you need to know about feeding your cat
What are the best kibbles for my cat ? Which pâté should I choose to keep my cat healthy? In this guide, we explain everything so that you can provide the best diet for your mustachioed cat.
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