A swollen abdomen is a potential symptom of many cat ailments and can present quickly or over time. However, regardless of the timing, you should consider a swollen abdomen as a serious problem and try to arrive at a diagnosis as soon as possible. By observing your cat, consulting your vet and considering the possible pathologies, you will be able to understand what ails him.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Consider Possible Causes
Step 1. Look for signs of malnutrition
Malnourished cats often have a distended belly, which looks swollen or raised. It may appear covered with a very thin layer of fat or muscle. This problem is common in cats who:
- They eat homemade food.
- They follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.
- They have deficiencies in vitamin E, copper, zinc and potassium.
- They eat foods that contain a lot of vegetable oils.
Step 2. Find out if your cat is simply overweight
Usually, these felines need around 60 calories per pound of weight. If your pet eats more, he can become obese.
- Ask your vet for advice and check the nutritional information on cat food packaging.
- You can use a cat build chart to determine if your cat is overweight, like the one you can find here: https://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/Body%20condition%20score%20chart%20cats. pdf.
Step 3. Note the symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
It is a life-threatening condition that arises as a viral infection and is common in areas or homes with many cats. It also causes diarrhea as well as distension of the abdomen.
- You can confirm FIP with blood tests that test for globulin, bilirubin, and liver enzyme levels.
- FIP can also be diagnosed by obtaining a sample of the abdominal fluids.
Step 4. Look for signs of infection, viruses or parasites
There are many infectious diseases that cause the cat's abdomen to distend. While these are mostly minor problems, some can lead to serious complications for the affected animal. Look for symptoms of:
- Pyometra, an infection of the reproductive system of female cats. It can manifest itself as lethargy, lack of appetite, or frequent urination.
- Intestinal worms. The most common symptom of this problem is the presence of rice-like bodies in your cat's feces or around his anus.
Step 5. Identify the signs of cancer or a tumor growth
These are the most serious causes for a cat's swollen abdomen and if you suspect them, you should contact a veterinarian right away. Some of the most common symptoms are abnormal masses on the skin and loss of appetite.
Step 6. Look for symptoms of metabolic or digestive problems
Diseases of this type (such as diabetes and colitis) are one of the most common causes of swollen abdomen in cats. Common symptoms include changes in appetite, weight changes, and a decline in energy levels.
If you suspect your cat has a metabolic or digestive disorder, you can ask your vet to do blood tests to confirm the diagnosis
Part 2 of 2: Consult your veterinarian
Step 1. Describe the timing of your cat's belly bulge
Tell your vet about when and how quickly the symptom came. These are important data in arriving at a diagnosis. Notify if:
- Your cat's abdomen swelled suddenly or over the course of a few days.
- Your cat's abdomen has gradually swelled over weeks or months.
Step 2. Discuss your cat's eating habits
Your pet's appetite is likely related to a swollen abdomen. This happens because infections in the abdomen and other digestive problems cause changes in appetite. Tell your vet if your cat:
- Eat less.
- Eat more.
- He doesn't eat at all.
- Throws up after eating.
- He's been taking on a new food for a short time.
Step 3. Ask your vet to do blood tests
These tests are critical in diagnosing the cause of your cat's swollen abdomen. Without them, the doctor will not have enough information about the animal's immune system and many more.
Blood tests reveal information about your cat's immune system to the vet. If the animal has an infection, such as pyometra, the white blood cell count will be higher than normal
Step 4. Ask your vet to run diagnostic tests
Take the cat to a certified specialist for an endoscopy and biopsy. Your doctor may need to carry out several tests to arrive at the diagnosis. Here are some useful tests to understand the causes of swelling of the abdomen:
- X-ray. This test helps the veterinarian to identify tumor masses or infected organs.
- Ultrasound. This test reveals a lot of information to the doctor and helps confirm or rule out the diagnosis of cancer. In addition, it is able to detect fluid deposits in the abdominal cavity.
- Biopsy. If your vet finds an infected mass or area inside your cat's abdomen, they may need to do a biopsy.
