There are things in life that should be treated and discussed naturally. It’s okay to keep certain taboos absurdly. Gases, for example, are common in all human beings and it seems that it is difficult for us to talk about it as if it were strange to suffer them.
And as it is difficult for us to comment on us, it is the same with pets. If you doubt whether it is possible or ask sometimes whether do carts fart? we do you the favor of answering you and getting you out of existential doubt: indeed, a cat can fart.
It is likely that you already knew about dogs because it is something very characteristic of their day-to-day life but you should not underestimate cats or even ask – do cats fart smell? because as with dogs they sometimes smell pretty bad.
Yes, Cats are Farting!
Like many other animals, cats have flatulence! So why do cats fart? Indeed, cats farts are the result of digestion. By breaking down the food ingested by the animal, the microbes present in the intestines start a fermentation process, which produces gas.
Also, if the cat cannot digest food in the front part of its digestive tract, it will go to the rear part of the intestine. And it is by accumulating that they will produce gas. This gas is then expelled through the anus.
However, unlike humans, the vast majority of farts produced by cats are silent and odorless. This explains why they often go unnoticed! But it can also happen that they are particularly stinky, in particular, because of the fact that cats eat a lot of meat. However, proteins contain a large amount of sulfur, a very odorous substance.
Furthermore, if cats farts do not get along, it is because they are completely relaxed and, unlike us, their anus is fully relaxed. In addition, their buttocks are not as close together as ours!
Causes of Flatulence In Cats
There are many reasons why cats fart. The most common is that cats may have accidentally swallowed air. According to American veterinarian Dr. Kristine Hoyt, these gases can also be caused by internal bacteria. “Cat flatulence can come from an overgrowth of bacteria in the colon, not the usual intestinal flora that contributes to good digestion, but harmful bacteria,” she explains. This excess of harmful bacteria can, in particular, be linked to an excessively rich or unsuitable diet. Cats also sometimes fart because of hairballs, digestive disorders or allergies to pollen or fleas, for example.
If a cat only farts from time to time and its gases are not particularly smelly, it is probably because it has swallowed air. This can happen to any cat, especially if it eats too much or too fast.
If the flatulence does not seem to be due to an excess of air in his belly, then it is quite likely that his diet is in question. It is important to check how your cat is feeling if (and when) you change his diet. If you change their diet and soon after notice that they start to gas, chances are food is the source of the problem.
Several ingredients often present in cat food can trigger digestive system disorders in a sensitive cat. If your cat is struggling to digest his food, as shown by his flatulence, it would be better not to give him any type of food: quality and little processed ingredients will be easier to digest. In addition, although it may seem surprising, cats can also react to dairy products and tuna, two ingredients that can cause flatulence.
Gases can also be caused by “human” food. Cat food is specially designed to be properly ground by their specific digestive system, and when human food comes into the equation, it can mess up everything. If you want to feed your cat with natural ingredients, it is essential that you first know what type of food is suitable for cats, and stick to it. Of course, if you find that even human food suitable for cats causes gas or discomfort, it is best to stop giving it to your pet.
In addition, make sure to secure your trash so that your cat cannot have access to food that it is not supposed to eat. An old piece of meat in the process of rotting can seem very appetizing to a cat, and really disturb its digestion and make it very unhappy.
Major factors that can cause gas in our feline friends:
- A sudden change in diet
- Food allergy
- Certain foods that are difficult to digest, including dairy products
- Ingestion of expired or spoiled food
- The hairballs
- A diet too rich in fiber or fat
- A meal finished too quickly (too much air swallowed)
- A sickness
- The presence of worms in the intestines
How to Remedy Cat Farts?
If you have a cat that fares because it has swallowed air, maybe you could try feeding it in an anti-gluttonous bowl. This accessory transforms the meal into a pleasant and fun moment, and not only into a race against the clock!
If you think the cause is to be found on the side of your cat’s diet, you may need to try several times before finding the one that suits him best. Choosing quality food with simple, minimally processed ingredients is a good start. If you then want to add more complex ingredients and the problem comes up again, you will have found out what your animal reacts to.
Fiber is an essential part of your cat’s diet and increasing its fiber intake if it is not getting enough can help regulate its digestive system. Be careful, however, because if you increase this fiber intake too much, it can, on the contrary, worsen his flatulence. It is important to find the right balance. Probiotics can also help you maintain your cat’s health and good mood.
When Should You Worry?
Generally, cats do not fart often. But if your furball starts to fart excessively or if the smell that emanates from his flatulence becomes particularly smelly, a visit to the veterinarian is essential. While this article clearly answers the question “do cats fart?” it also encourages you to check if your cat has other unusual symptoms in addition to his farts (gurgling, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the abdomen, loss of appetite, blood in the stool…).
Indeed, certain conditions can cause gas in cats. This is particularly the case of intestinal viruses, inflammatory diseases of the intestine, cancer of the intestine, pancreatitis or even intestinal worms.
But don’t worry, sometimes a single change of diet can be enough to correct your cat’s gas problems!