My Cat Has a Swollen Belly:
When Should You See a Vet?
Here is how urgent it usually is, what may be causing it, and what to do next.
Your cat's belly looks bigger or bloated?
A swollen belly in a cat has several possible causes, from worms and weight gain to fluid build-up or organ problems. It needs an examination, so please contact us today.
- Your cat is breathing fast or with its mouth open
- Your cat is straining to pee or poop
- Your cat is vomiting or not eating
- Your cat's belly feels hard or painful to touch
- Your cat is very weak or has collapsed
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ExoCare is not a 24-hour hospital. Outside these hours, please contact the nearest 24-hour veterinary hospital.
What to do in an emergencyCat Swollen Belly
Why it matters
A cat's belly can swell slowly over weeks, or quite suddenly. Because the causes range from mild to serious, it is not something to watch and wait on.
Common causes
- Fluid build-up in the belly, which has several causes, including FIP
- Intestinal worms, especially in kittens
- Pregnancy in female cats that are not spayed
- Enlarged organs, such as the liver or kidneys
- A blocked bladder or constipation
- Weight gain
Signs that often come with it
- A rounded or pot-bellied look
- A thinner back while the belly gets bigger
- Eating less
- Low energy
- Breathing changes
What to do now
- Take photos of your cat from above and from the side
- Note when you first noticed the change
- Contact us today
Swollen belly but a thin back? If your cat is losing weight along the spine while the belly gets bigger, please mention this when you call. It helps us judge how urgent it is.
What to Bring to Your Visit?
A secure carrierKeep your cat calm and comfortable on the way.
Photos of the changePhotos from above and the side, and older ones if you have them.
When it startedA note of when you first noticed the belly changing.
Health recordsYour cat's vaccination and worming records.
Diet detailsWhat your cat eats, and any change in appetite.
A stool sampleA fresh sample can help us check for worms.
Dr. Asma Fariha
Veterinary Surgeon · MVC Reg. No. 3362
Dr. Asma monitors valve disease over time, because staging is what determines when treatment should begin.
What People Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Causes include worms, fluid build-up, pregnancy, organ problems and weight gain. An examination is needed to find out which one it is.
Bring your cat in a secure carrier, photos showing the change, a note of when it started, and its vaccination and worming records.
It can be, as some causes need prompt treatment. Please contact us today rather than waiting.
Fluid in the belly is one possible sign of FIP, but there are other causes too. Tests are needed before any diagnosis is made.
Yes, intestinal worms are a common cause of a pot-bellied look in kittens. Regular parasite control helps to prevent this.
It is not always easy to tell at home. An examination, and an ultrasound if needed, can confirm the cause.