We all do it, but no one likes to talk about it. Passing gas is a natural part of life, and your cat is no exception. In order to have a healthy and happy relationship with your feline friend, understanding their digestive system is key. So we asked the experts all the questions pet parents and internet users are dying to know: why do cats fart? How often do they pass gas? And why does my cat’s flatulence smell so bad? Here’s what we found out.
How Often Do Cats Fart?
On average, cats fart one or two times a day. This is much less than the average number of times humans fart per day (21 times).
Cats don’t fart as much as other animals because their diet is different. Cats get their nutrients and energy from easier-to-digest sources like proteins and fats. This means they have fewer gut bacteria overall, and the bacteria they do have don’t need to work as hard.
Why Do Cats Fart?
The reason cats fart is the same as why we do. They either swallow air while eating or have too much gas created by bacteria in their gut. Just like us, cats need to get rid of this air from one of two exit points (yes, cats can burp). A toot every now and then is totally normal—and healthy.
Not only do people fart when they’re anxious, but cats do too. Anxiety has a significant impact on the body as well as the immune system, eating habits, and gut biome. Age isn’t directly correlated with how often a cat farts, though kittens and senior citizens are more prone to gastrointestinal issues which lead to increased flatulence. In addition weaning kittens off of their mother’s milk is sure to result in some additional gas production.
Is My Cat Farting Too Much?
If your cat is experiencing excessive farting, it’s a sign of stress, an inappropriate diet, or a health issue. A gassy cat might be:
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
- Parasites like worms or protozoa
- Immune-mediated diseases like an allergy
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome
- Endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism
- Metabolic diseases like chronic kidney disease
- Ingestion of a toxin or poison
- Some types of cancer
If your cat has a lot of gas but is still behaving normally, don’t go to the vet right away. But you should talk to your vet about it at your cat’s next check-up. It’s important to help every creature feel better – including cats!
Why Do My Cat’s Farts Smell So Bad?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their body is designed to digest protein-based diets. This means that cats need a lot of protein in their diet and they usually don’t do well with carbohydrates or vegetables. When your cat is eating a biologically appropriate diet, their poop will be virtually odorless—and their farts may follow suit.
Commercial cat foods have different ingredients. Some of them have more carbs and vegetables, while others are carb-free. You might notice a difference in your cat’s smell depending on their diet.
What to Do About Farting in Cats
If your cat is passing gas several times a day, that’s nothing to worry about. But if she does it while sticking her butt in your face, you might want to do something about it.
Some cats fart a lot but it doesn’t smell bad. This may be because they are eating a lot of air when they eat. To make them eat more slowly and less air, you can try using a slow feeder instead of a food bowl.
If your cat’s farts are excessively stinky and not accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite changes, then a change in diet might help. Try switching to food with a different protein source. If you want to commit to a dietary trial, try using a veterinary-designed low-residue diet, limited ingredient diet, or hydrolyzed diet. Your vet can help you get started.
To change your cat’s diet, you should gradually mix in new food with the old food over a few days. Then increase the amount of new food each day while reducing the amount of old food. It will take at least 8 weeks to see if adding a new probiotic or fiber improves your cat’s digestion. If it doesn’t help, then it may make things worse.
