Do Cats Fart? What Does It Mean?

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Like humans, cats have digestive systems. Their digestion works basically the same as ours. The food cats consume travels through the digestive system, where it will get broken down. Different types of bacteria play a role in digestion, and one of the by-products of breaking down food is gas. If gas forms in the intestines, it has to exit the body somehow. In most cases, it is through the cat’s rear end as a - fart.

Many cat owners wonder, “Do cats fart?” simply because of a simple reason - we never hear it. Human flatulence is different. We produce sound and smell, so you can be sure a fart happened. For example, our team members are all cat owners, and none of us ever heard our cat fart. This question surprises vets, but many cat owners wonder whether cats fart because cats are carnivores. Here’s what you should know about cat farts.

So, do cats fart?

Yes, cats fart. Just because we don’t hear them fart doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. One of the vets we spoke to about this delicate topic used a familiar anecdote as comparison;

“If a tree falls in the woods and you are not there to witness it, did it happen? Of course, it did. It even produced a loud sound; you just weren’t there to see it.”

How can I know my cat farted?

When it comes to cat farts, there are two tell-tell signs - sound and scent. They are similar to us in that regard. If your cat farts, you will definitely notice the foul odor that comes from that adorable little creature you share your home with.

Why do cats fart?

We already scratched the surface in the introduction, but the actual reason cats fart is because gas forms in their intestines, and it travels until it exits the cat’s body. There are “good” and “bad” bacteria in the cat’s intestines, and usually, there are far more good bacteria than bad. However, when something tips that balance, the number of bad bacteria can surpass the number of good bacteria. Bad bacteria will affect how the food is digested, and many nutrients are left unabsorbed. Food particles remain in the cat’s gut, and gas gets formed.

The second possible reason cats fart is because they eat too fast. If your cat starts gulping their food, they may swallow a lot of air during eating. That air will get trapped inside the cat’s gut, and that will result in your cat’s butt blowing you a kiss.

Food indiscretions, poor diet, and low-quality cat food can result in your cat farting. Some foods are known to be fart-inducing. Fruits, veggies, dairy, and spicy foods can all cause your cat to become gassy.

Should I be worried if my cat farts?

In most cases, cat farts are nothing to be worried about. Occasional flatulence is completely expected from your cat, and they are rarely a cause for concern. If your cat ate something that doesn’t agree with their stomach or you switched their foods, they might become gassy. However, in some cases, cat farts can be concerning. Cat farts can be dangerous only if they’re combined with other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite, scooting, drooling, and a painful abdomen. Here are some of the potential health issues that might have excessive farting as a symptom;

Parasites

One of the potential reasons your cat might be excessively farting is parasites. Some parasites that can cause a kitty fart are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, Giardia, Isospora, and Toxoplasma gondii. As soon as your cat is cleared of parasites, the farting should stop.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Cats with inflammatory bowel disease will have increased pressure in their intestines, leading to gas passage. In this case, farting is a symptom, and as soon as the cause is eliminated, your cat will stop farting.

Viral infections

Different viruses can cause problems in your cat’s intestines. The most common culprits are rotaviruses, but coronaviruses, parvoviruses, and astroviruses can also be responsible.

Malabsorption syndrome

There are different reasons cats can have malabsorption syndrome, but all of them can result in improperly digested food. If that happens, food particles will remain in the cat’s gut, which will result in a salute from the cat’s rear end.

Hairballs

Hairballs can cause your cat’s farts. It can block your cat’s gut and build up pressure. If that happens, your cat might be gassy. In some cases, obstructions are so large cats need to undergo surgery.

Pancreatic problems

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a big problem in cats. The pancreas will not produce enough enzymes to digest food, which means food particles will be left undigested, and we end up with a cat fart.

In conclusion

Many cat owners wonder if their cats fart. It is mainly because we rarely hear them. Just because we don’t hear something happen doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Cat farts are usually not a reason for concern. If they’re accompanied by other symptoms, like loss of appetite or bloody diarrhea, you should visit your vet.

World Cat Finder Team