As a cat owner, you may have experienced your feline friend’s stomach making strange gurgling noises. Gurgling sounds in your cat’s tummy now and then are usually fine. But if it happens a lot or really loudly, it might mean there’s a health problem. In this article, we’ll talk about why your cat’s tummy might gurgle, how to help them feel better, and when you should see the vet.
Understanding Cat Stomach Gurgling
When your cat’s tummy makes gurgling sounds, it’s usually because of gas and fluids moving in their tummy during digestion. Some gurgling is normal, but if it happens a lot or sounds strange, it could mean there’s a problem underneath. Let’s see some of the common causes of cat stomach gurgling.
Common Causes of Cat Stomach Gurgling
Here are some common causes of these stomach sounds:
- Change in Food: If your cat recently switched its diet, it might have a slightly upset stomach as it adjusts.
- Gastric Stasis: This is a condition where food doesn’t move out of the stomach as quickly as it should.
- Stress: Cats can react to stress by having noisy stomachs.
- Gastritis: Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can lead to gastritis. This can also result in stomach noise.
There are other possibilities as well, but it depends on how your cat is behaving.
- Is your cat eating normally?
- Is your cat less active than usual?
- Does your cat have diarrhea?
If your cat is eating well and seems energetic, you probably don’t need to worry too much about the stomach noises. Sometimes, cats just have rumbling tummies for no clear reason.
Have you changed your cat food recently or given your cat something unusual to eat? If so, it’s not unusual for your cat’s stomach to be noisy for a couple of days as your cat’s body adapts.
If you think cats might be uncomfortable, you can try giving them Famotidine (Pepcid), an over-the-counter stomach antacid. A typical-sized cat can have 1/4 of a 10 mg tablet once or twice a day.
However, if your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours or the stomach issues become more frequent, seeing a vet is a good idea. It’s not necessarily an emergency, but a vet visit would be wise.
Some Other reasons Cat stomachs make strange gurgling noises
Hairballs: Hairballs are a common occurrence in cats, especially those with long fur. When cats groom themselves, they ingest loose hair, which can accumulate in their stomachs, leading to gurgling sounds.
Eating Too Quickly: Some cats tend to eat too fast, resulting in excessive air being swallowed along with the food. This can lead to stomach gurgling due to the trapped air.
Gastrointestinal Upset: Ingesting spoiled or contaminated food can cause gastrointestinal upset. This results in stomach gurgling and discomfort.
Intestinal Parasites: Parasites like roundworms and hookworms can cause stomach gurgling and other gastrointestinal issues in cats.
Intestinal Parasites: Foreign objects or masses in the digestive tract can obstruct the normal flow of food. It leads to gurgling sounds.
Food intolerances or allergies: Like humans, cats can have food intolerances or allergies. It is causing stomach gurgling and other digestive problems.
Indigestion: Overeating or eating indigestible substances can result in indigestion and subsequent stomach gurgling.
Excessive Gas: Excessive gas buildup in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to audible gurgling noises.
Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can affect a cat’s digestive system. It leads to stomach gurgling and gastrointestinal distress.
Underlying Health Conditions: In some cases, stomach gurgling can be a symptom of more severe health issues like pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Cat Stomach Gurgling: Recognizing the Symptoms
When your cat’s stomach gurgles, it is often accompanied by other signs of discomfort, including:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of Appetite
- Abdominal Pain
- Excessive Grooming
Please closely monitor your cat and consider seeking veterinary advice if you notice any of these symptoms, along with stomach gurgling.
When to Worry: Red Flags
While occasional stomach gurgling is generally harmless, there are red flags that should prompt you to seek veterinary attention immediately. These include:
- Persistent and Frequent Gurgling
- Bloody or Tarry Stools
- Inability to Pass Stools
- Abdominal Swelling or Distension
- Visible Pain or Discomfort
- Dehydration
- Unexplained Weight Loss
If any of these signs are present, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
Cat stomach noises and natural solutions
For mild cases of stomach gurgling, you can try these at-home remedies:
- Fasting: Letting your cat’s stomach settle by fasting them for 12-24 hours can help.
- Small, Frequent Meals: After fasting, offer small and frequent meals to avoid overeating.
- Hydration: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration.
- Tummy Rubs: Gentle tummy massages can help alleviate discomfort and aid digestion.
- Dietary Changes: Switching to highly digestible cat food or a sensitive stomach formula can often help reduce stomach gurgling caused by food intolerance or allergies.
- Probiotics: Probiotics can promote a healthy gut flora balance and aid in reducing gastrointestinal issues and gurgling.
- Hairball Remedies: Regular grooming and using hairball-specific products can help prevent hairballs and their associated gurgling.
- Vet-Recommended Medications: In more severe situations, your vet may recommend medications. It can help address the issue, especially if there’s a suspected underlying health problem.
Preventing Cat Stomach Gurgling
To minimize the occurrence of stomach gurgling in your cat, consider the following preventive measures:
What to Do When Your Cat’s Stomach Is Rumbling
Vet-Recommended Medications: Schedule regular visits to the veterinarian to ensure your cat’s overall health and catch any issues early.
Balanced Diet: Provide your cat with a balanced and high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Hairball Prevention: Regular grooming and the use of hairball remedies can significantly reduce hairball-related stomach gurgling.
Slow Feeding Solutions: Use slow-feeding bowls or puzzle feeders to slow down your cat’s eating and prevent excessive air intake.
Reducing Stress: Create a calm and stress-free environment for your cat, especially during significant changes or events.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
If your cat’s tummy keeps making strange sounds, or if it’s causing other problems, or if you’re not sure what’s going on, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet. They can do a check-up and tests to figure out the problem and give the right treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes a cat’s stomach to gurgle?
Your cat’s tummy might produce odd gurgling sounds for a few simple reasons. It could be due to a change in their food, having hairballs, eating too fast, having a troubled tummy, or having hidden health issues.
Is stomach gurgling in cats normal?
Occasional stomach gurgling is generally normal, especially during digestion. However, persistent or severe gurgling may indicate an underlying issue.
How can I soothe my cat’s upset stomach?
You can try at-home remedies like fasting, offering small meals, gentle tummy rubs, and ensuring proper hydration. Probiotics and dietary changes can also help.
Can stress and anxiety cause stomach gurgling in cats?
Stress and anxiety can make a cat’s tummy gurgle and cause tummy problems.
Should I be concerned if my cat’s gurgling persists?
If your cat’s stomach keeps making strange noises, or if you’re worried about it, talk to your vet for help and advice.
Is it normal for a cat’s stomach to gurgle?
Yes, cats’ stomachs can gurgle sometimes due to gas and fluids moving during digestion. But if it happens a lot or is really loud, it might mean there’s a health problem that needs checking by a vet.
Why is my cat making weird gurgling noises?
Your cat‘s tummy might make strange gurgling sounds because of things like diet changes, hairballs, eating too fast, tummy issues, or health problems. If you see other concerning signs along with the gurgling, it’s best to ask a vet for help.
Why is my cat’s stomach making noises and diarrhea?
If your cat’s tummy makes weird noises and they have diarrhea, it could mean they’re not feeling well. It might be because of tummy issues, food problems, an infection, or other health stuff. To help your cat, keep a close eye on them and talk to a vet to find out what’s going on and how to treat it.
Why does my stomach sound like a cat growling?
The noises you hear from a growling cat and a rumbling human tummy are different things. In people, stomach noises often come from digestion, but when a cat growls, it’s like a signal they’re upset. If your tummy makes strange noises frequently, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor.
Disclaimer:
The info in this article, “Cat Stomach Gurgling,” is just for general info. It’s not a replacement for advice from a vet. To get the right help and treatment for your cat’s health, always talk to a qualified vet who can provide personalized guidance.
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