When we spend a good amount of time with our cats, we sometimes get a lot of questions that just seem to lie around. From their mysterious midnight zoomies to their peculiar preference for boxes, cats are full of surprises. We all love all the things they bring to our homes. But still, out of curiosity, there lies one unanswered question: Do cats fart?

Do Cats Fart

Yes, cats fart. Much like any other animal, cats can fart and get gas up in their digestive tracts, and this gas leaves their bodies through the rectum. There usually isn’t any odor or sound when cats fart, but when it gets too frequent and gets a significantly bad smell, this could be a concerning sign for your cat’s health.

Occasional cat farting is perfectly normal and usually not a cause for concern. However, if you notice that your cat is passing gas frequently or if the gas is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in appetite, it might be time to consult with us.

What Causes Cats to Fart

Just like humans, cats have a digestive system that processes the food they eat. When food is broken down in the stomach and intestines, gases are produced. This lets cats fart. Here are the factors involved that make cats fart:

Diet

The most common cause of feline flatulence lies in their diets. Cats fart when they eat foods that are difficult to digest. Those foods high in fiber or certain carbohydrates can lead to gas production. Raw and red meat, which should only be fed in strict moderation, can also give your cat gas.

Food Intolerances and Allergies

Some cats can have certain allergies and intolerances to specific ingredients in their food, leading to digestive upset and gas. Dairy products, beans, and certain vegetables are common culprits for our cat’s gassy bodies. Cats fart when they can’t process certain foods and products, such as milk. 

Eating Habits

Cats fart when they eat too quickly. Keeping a good pace prevents them from swallowing too much air into their digestive tract. When they take in too much air, this can also lead to excessive gas. In addition to this, eating too fast will lead to stomach issues and pains.

Health Conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastrointestinal infections, microbial imbalance, and parasites can cause excessive gas production. Cats fart when they are facing a significant change in their bodies due to a health condition. These health conditions can show cat farting as one of the symptoms. 

When Cat Farting Becomes An Issue

While cat farting is a completely normal thing, persistent or severe farting can indicate underlying health issues that require attention. Here are some signs and symptoms that suggest your cat's farting might be a cause for concern:

Frequency and Odor

If your cat is frequently farting, it could be a huge indicator of a digestive problem. Cat farting is normal, but if your cat tends to fart more than it used to, then it could be a sign that your cat is experiencing some troubles in its digestive tract.

Also, cat farts can sometimes smell. When this happens, there could be a problem with your cat’s digestion. This could mean a specific issue, such as a parasite infection or feline IBD. Be sure to check with its stool to confirm this. If you notice any diarrhea or blood, it’s best to check in with us at the clinic.

Accompanying Symptoms

If your cat's farting is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it could indicate a more serious health issue. If your cat suddenly or progressively gets these symptoms, it's important to bring it in for emergency care.

• Diarrhea

Frequent or severe diarrhea can mean that your cat is experiencing gastrointestinal issues. Diarrhea is a common response and reaction to gastrointestinal issues, such as infections, inflammations, and other reactions to what your cat has eaten.

• Vomiting

Regular vomiting, coupled with increased farting, suggests that your cat's digestive system is not functioning correctly and may need medical evaluation. Your cat’s body may need to expel something out of its body for it to recover from the toxic and harmful substance your cat has ingested.

• Loss of Appetite

When your cat has a reduced interest in food or refuses to eat, this can indicate discomfort or pain related to your cat’s digestive tract.

• Weight Loss

In addition to a loss of appetite, weight loss is the result of your cat’s loss of appetite. When this happens, your cat loses the chance to get the nutrients it needs to grow and develop. This could be a concerning sign as significant weight loss tends to lead to more health problems.

• Lethargy

If your cat farts while being less active than usual, it may be experiencing some form of digestive issue. They may prefer to lie down more often and may refuse to engage in any form of activity or playtime.

• Abdominal Discomfort

Along with farting, your cat will show more signs of abdominal discomfort, including restlessness, stretching, and moaning. Be sure to check for any signs of bloating or abdominal pains in your cat to confirm this issue.

Helping A Farting Cat

One of the most effective ways to manage cat farts is through dietary adjustments. Here are some detailed tips to help you ensure your cat's body supports a healthy digestive system and minimizes gas production:

1. Use High-Quality Cat Food

Choosing good cat food is a great way to manage your cat’s farts. Look for cat foods that contain high-quality proteins, like chicken, turkey, or fish. These are easier for cats to digest compared to lower-quality protein sources. Good foods give good farts!

2. Gradual Diet Changes

When switching your cat to a new food, it’s important to gradually introduce these foods to reduce digestive upsets and gas. Cats love to stick to a routine, and when they get off it, their bodies take the hit. 

Introduce the new food over a period of days. We suggest 7 to 10 days to start things off. Mixing your cat’s regular food with the new type of food will help. Slowly decrease the amount of regular food and start increasing the amount of new food.

Watch your cat closely during this phase. Make sure to catch any signs of digestive upset, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or increased farting, during the transition period. Make sure to adjust the pace of feeding depending on their reactions.

3. Probiotics

Adding probiotics to your cat’s diet can keep a good amount of healthy bacteria in your cats. This is great for lessening your cat’s farts. Probiotics support a healthy digestive tract and keep it healthy and running.

Probiotics for cats are available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and treats. Choose a form that is convenient for you and palatable for your cat. Be sure to visit the clinic first so we can see if your cat can have the specific probiotics you plan to use. 

4. Avoid Certain Diets

Choose foods that do not contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Cats have sensitive digestive systems that may be disrupted by these additives, which can upset your cat's stomach and contribute to gas. Limited-ingredient diets can be beneficial for cats with food sensitivities. 

Avoid giving your cat food that has corn, wheat, or soy as one of its ingredients. Cats fart when they eat food that is difficult to digest. Many cats are also lactose intolerant. This means that they can’t properly digest and process the lactose present in milk. As a result, cats fart.

5. Portion Control

Feeding your cat smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent them from swallowing too much air while eating. This allows you to control cat farts as well as manage their weights.

For kittens, divide your cat’s daily food allowance into 3-4 smaller meals instead of one or two large meals. This can aid digestion and reduce the likelihood of gas formation. Adult cats can have 1-2 meals since their bodies can handle the additional load. 

You could use a bowl with different segments to slow down your cat’s eating pace. These bowls have ridges or compartments that make it more challenging for cats to gulp down their food quickly. It also helps to keep a regular feeding schedule to keep your cat’s digestive system and minimize stress, which can also contribute to digestive issues.

6. Consult the Experts

When dealing with a farting cat, our vets can help diagnose the cause and determine why this is happening. While cats can fart just like any other animal, excessive farting coupled with a change in the fart’s characteristics can be alarming.

Conclusion

Yes, cats fart, and while it may be surprising, it's a normal part of their digestive process. Understanding the causes of your cat’s fart can help you locate any areas of concern immediately. It all starts with good management of your cat's diet and its environment. Small things like these can go a long way in making sure your cat’s fart is nothing more than a harmless release of gas.