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• Part 1 of 2: Consider possible causes
• Part 2 of 2: Consult the vet

A distended stomach is a potential symptom of many different conditions in a cat. A distended abdomen can develop quickly or gradually. Regardless of the duration of the swelling, it should be treated as a potentially serious situation and try to diagnose it as soon as possible. Observing your cat, seeing a vet, and considering possible conditions can help you make a diagnosis.

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Part 1 of 2: Consider possible causes

1. Watch for signs of malnutrition. Malnourished cats often have a distended stomach. A distended abdomen may look like it has expanded or is sticking out. It may seem like there is very little fat or muscle over it. Malnutrition is common in cats that:
   • Eating homemade food.
   • Have a vegan or vegetarian diet.
   • Not getting enough vitamin E, copper, zinc, and potassium.
   • Eating foods that contain a lot of vegetable oil.
2. Check to see if the cat is simply overweight. Typically, a cat eats about 30 calories per pound of body weight per day. If your cat eats more than this, he may develop overweight.
   • Consult the veterinarian and / or the nutritional information on the cat food packaging.
   • You can refer to a Cat Body Condition Score Card to determine if your cat is overweight, such as the following: https://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/Body%20condition%20score%20chart%20cats. pdf.
3. Look for signs of Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP is a potentially fatal condition that starts as a viral infection and is common in areas or households with a large cat population. In addition to a bloated abdomen, diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of FIP.
   • FIP can be confirmed by a blood test that tests liver enzyme and globulin levels.
   • Wet FIP ​​can also be diagnosed by abdominal fluid analysis.
4. Watch for signs of infection, viruses or parasites. There are many types of communicable disease that can cause a distended abdomen in cats. While most cases are not serious, some can lead to serious problems for the affected cat. Watch for signs of:
   • Pyometra, an infection of a female cat's reproductive system. Pyometra can manifest as lethargy, loss of appetite and frequent urination.
   • Intestinal worms. The most common symptom of intestinal worms is the presence of rice-like objects in your cat's feces or around your anus.
5. Identify signs of cancer or the growth of a tumor. These are perhaps some of the most serious causes of abdominal distension in cats, and you should seek immediate medical attention if you suspect these things. Some of the most common symptoms of cancer or a tumor are abnormal growth on the skin and / or loss of appetite.
6. Watch for signs of metabolic or digestive problems. These problems (such as diabetes and colitis) are perhaps one of the most common causes of a swollen stomach in cats. Common signs include changes in appetite, change in weight and / or reduced energy.
   • If you suspect your cat has a metabolic or digestive problem, a vet may need to run blood tests to confirm or rule out these conditions.

Part 2 of 2: Consult the vet

1. Explain the duration of the swollen abdomen. Give the vet an indication of when and / or how quickly your cat has developed a distended abdomen. This is important information the vet will need when diagnosing your cat. Inform the vet if:
   • Your cat has developed a swollen stomach overnight or within a few days.
   • Your cat has developed a swollen stomach over a period of several weeks or months.
2. Discuss your cat's diet. Your cat's appetite is likely related to the bloated stomach. This is because an infection in the abdomen or other problems in the digestive system affects appetite, regardless of whether your cat has an appetite. Tell the vet if your cat:
   • Eat less.
   • Eat more.
   • Has no appetite at all.
   • Vomits after eating.
   • Recently a switch has been made to new food.
3. Have the vet do blood tests. Blood tests are an essential tool in diagnosing the cause of your cat's swollen stomach. Without a blood test, the vet will miss basic information about the immune system and more. Blood tests can:
   • Provide the vet with information about your cat's immune system. If your cat has an infection, such as pyometra, the white blood cell count will be elevated.
4. Ask the vet for diagnostic tests. Take your cat to a certified internal health specialist for an endoscopic exam and biopsy. The vet may need to run several diagnostic tests to make a proper diagnosis. Some diagnostic tests that can shed light on a swollen abdomen include:
   • X-rays. X-rays can help the vet find cancer or infected organs.
   • An echo. An ultrasound can provide the vet with a lot of information and can help establish or rule out a cancer diagnosis. In addition, it will let the vet know if fluid has accumulated in or around the abdominal cavity.
   • A biopsy. If the vet finds a tumor or infected area in your cat's abdomen, a biopsy may need to be taken.