Why is my cats stomach big and hard?

What does it mean when a cat has an enlarged stomach?

Outside of those less severe reasons, your cat could be experiencing abdominal enlargement due to a tumor or a problem with one of their organs. Sometimes inflammation can cause the abdominal cavity to swell in cats. Before jumping to the worst conclusions, look for changes in your cat’s behavior.

Why is my cat’s Belly Big?

Another reason for a big belly in a cat is a tumor in the abdomen, or liver disease. In any case by far the best thing you can do for her is to have a vet examine her.

Why does my cat have a pouch on his stomach?

If your cat has a pouch that hangs down, he is probably okay. If his stomach sticks out at the sides and it is hard to feel his spine, this could indicate that your cat is overweight. If this is the case, the bigger concern would your cats diet and activity level.

How do I know if my cat has a distended stomach?

Symptoms of Abdominal Distension in Cats While the most obvious sign for abdominal distension is a visibly swollen belly area, noting all other signs may help to diagnose the underlying cause of the enlargement. Signs that commonly occur with abdominal distension include: Sudden or gradual visibly larger abdomen

Why does my cat have a large abdomen?

The most common reason for a young cat to have a large abdomen is a condition called FIP. FIP is a virus that is very serious. It can cause fluid to build up in the abdomen and chest.

Is your cat’s belly swollen or hard?

However, even if it may be difficult, we need to take a look if we suspect a problem with our cat’s belly. The reason is because a cat with a swollen or hard belly might have a serious health problem. It may be a sign of internal parasitosis, hyperadrenocorticism or even something life threatening.

What is a paunch on a cat’s stomach?

Although the part of a cat’s underside that swings when it walks may look like a paunch, it’s actually not a tummy at all. So what is it? That bit of skin, fur and fat is a protective layer called the primordial pouch. It’s positioned along the length of a cat’s belly.

Why do cats have a pouch on their belly?

The primordial pouch may offer protection for a cat’s belly if he is in a fight, and this looser skin allows the cat to stretch and fully extend his body. It is also thought that the fat in the pouch is used to store energy, which is important for wild cats as well as feral and stray cats.

Why does my cat have a hanging primordial pouch?

Most cats have what’s called a “primordial pouch.” That’s a cool term for what’s essentially an extra flap of skin under the belly. While it can vary from individual kitty to individual kitty, the primordial pouch is more visible in some cat breeds than others. A hanging primordial pouch can make it seem as if your cat has put on some flab.

What are the symptoms of abdominal distension in cats?

Symptoms of Abdominal Distension in Cats. While the most obvious sign for abdominal distension is a visibly swollen belly area, noting all other symptoms may help to diagnose the underlying cause of the enlargement. Symptoms that commonly occur with abdominal distension include: Sudden or gradual visibly larger abdomen.

Why does my cat have a big belly with FIP?

FIP is a virus that is very serious. It can cause fluid to build up in the abdomen and chest. Unfortunately there is no cure for FIP. Another reason for a big belly in a cat is a tumor in the abdomen, or liver disease. In any case by far the best thing you can do for her is to have a vet examine her.

Is it normal for a cat’s stomach to be swollen?

… Cat belly or feline stomach may at times appear swollen. There are varying reasons why the belly swells and it’s a strong indicator that your cat is sick. The digestive system processes ingested food, absorbs nutrients and eliminates waste.

What are the symptoms of a hard belly in a cat?

The symptoms will vary depending on the organs affected. Respiratory problems can occur if the fluid accumulation affects the lungs, specifically pleural effusion. Jaundice and neurological problems can also manifest. The presence of a tumor or tumors in the liver is another cause which may explain why a cat has a swollen or hard belly.

What is the primordial pouch on a cat’s belly?

The primordial pouch is a skin flap. This tends to jiggle from side to side as your cat walks. An obese cat’s belly won’t jiggle, though, since the extra fat stretches the skin taut. The flap is on the underside of the belly. You might not be able to see it if you’re looking downwards at your cat.

Why do cats have a pouch in their stomach?

Out in the wild, cats don’t get to eat regularly. They feast when prey’s plentiful and starve when there’s nothing left to hunt. The primordial pouch might allow the cat’s stomach to expand when feeding. That way, it can stock up on nutrition when food’s around.

Does your cat have a paunch?

Although the part of a cat’s underside that swings when it walks may look like a paunch, it’s actually not a tummy at all. So what is it?

What causes distended stomachs in cats during pregnancy?

Distension of the stomach with air (“bloating”) or fluid or distension of the uterus (womb) during pregnancy, can result in abdominal distension. Tumors within the abdomen can also cause abdominal distension in cats.

What are the signs of abdominal distension?

While the most obvious sign for abdominal distension is a visibly swollen belly area, noting all other signs may help to diagnose the underlying cause of the enlargement. Signs that commonly occur with abdominal distension include:

What is abdominal distension in cats?

Abdominal distension is an abnormal enlargement of the cat’s abdominal cavity. This term is usually reserved for abdominal enlargement due to causes other than simple obesity. For information on obesity, please read Obesity in Cats.

What are the symptoms of FIP in cats?

Other symptoms, along with the swelling can be lethargy, a fever, and a lack of appetite. FIP results from a mutation in the coronavirus and usually affects cats between six months and two years of age. Some clinical trials give us hope for a cure for FIP, so, while it is often fatal, this is not always the case. FIP is a very serious disease.

Why is my cat’s belly swollen?

5 Reasons Your Cat’s Belly Could Be Swollen 1 Being overweight in general. 2 Internal Organ Failure. 3 Infection. 4 Cancer. 5 Parasites.