Cat has swollen tummy

Jasper is an 8 year old neutered male with feline megacolon. He takes a laxative three times a day and cisapride twice a day. The cisapride is a upper digestive tract stimulant. He is also on a prescription diet.

He has been pooping just fine, which means once a day for him. He has no pain or discomfort when I touch his belly. His energy level is normal. He hasn't been straining to poop. I noticed yesterday that his tummy is just slightly swollen, it isn't hard or extremely distended. Is it gas? Or should I pack him up and take him to the vet?

From the way you sounded, it is clearly obvious that your cat could be carrying a large worm burden.

If that is the case, a double of dewormings should dissolve this. This happens to cats who are 2 years and above. The signs are they tend to develop an abdomen containing fluids.

To date, there is no proven cure for that. But what I can suggest is to determine the amount of liquid fluid in your cat's tummy with use of palpation, ultrasound or even diagnostic abdominal tap.

If they are really caused by worms, they will come out of your cat's stomach in urination after deworming.

But for clearer verification, you might want to consult your vet before taking any appropriate action.