Why Does My Cat Have A Swollen Abdomen?

Did your cat's abdomen became swollen over a longer period?

Has the swelling happened suddenly and it is localized to one part of the abdomen?

Does your cat show signs of internal parasites like worms in feces, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.?

If the large belly has appeared over time, it may be due to your cat being overweight. If your cat is older, if it likes to eat a lot, and if it does not exercise, it may end up becoming overweight. An overweight cat can face many health issues that can lead to a shortened life so a visit to the veterinarian is advised.

In the worst-case scenario, the swollen abdomen may be a sign of cancer in your cat. If the swelling is sudden and is not all over, and if your cat is older, it may have developed some kind of internal organ cancer. With feline cancers, prognoses will vary. Although there are treatment plans available and even chemo for cats, most cats do not respond well to treatment. Available cancer treatments for cats are also very expensive.

Internal parasites are the most common reason for ascites in younger cats/kittens. Isospora infections usually cause no problems in adult cats but can cause significant disease in younger cats or kittens. The coccidia can destroy the lining of the intestine and could cause mucousy diarrhea. Cats are also at high risk for tapeworms. The easiest way to tell if your cat has tapeworms is to look for parts of it in the cat's feces. Have your cat examined at least annually by your veterinarian and include a complete history.

The heart, liver, and kidneys all take part in the circulatory system and the removal of excess fluids and waste. If one of these is not functioning properly, the distended abdomen may be a sign of that issue. You should take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible so that he may examine your pet and come up with a treatment plan.