Bloated Cat - Need Vet Care?

Hello Everyone

I'm feeling a little lost as to what I should do right now. My 7 month old kitten, Richard, suddenly got really bloated within the past 3-4 days. Now at first I thought he had just eaten too much. There's been some renovations in the house so instead of him having the entire lower level of the house to himself like usual, he's been sharing it with the family cat. I think he decided to be a hog and eat all of the food that he could so the other cat did not have any. I should have monitored it better but it's been pretty hectic recently. They are separated again now and I've been restricting his dry food and trying to only feed wet food hoping that would help. I only started this last night but there hasn't been any change. Am I being too impatient? The vet here isn't cheap and it's been kinda tight financially but of course if this is something that I should bring him to a vet for then I will. 

He hasn't changed his behavior at all - purring, jumping up onto surfaces fine, cuddling. He still has an appetite but like I said earlier I'm trying to restrict that a little so the problem doesn't worsen. He still drinks about the same. I guess I've just spent a little too much time googling it and I'm freaking out about all the possibilities. 

I tried taking pictures but they're all a little blurry. Still, they show the belly, for the most part anyway, so I decided to include them. Enjoy the pattern of my pj bottoms (it's one in the morning here don't judge). 

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Hi heyitskendra919, Is he using the litter box normally? Normal poo? If so, I'd think he has simply gained weight.

Eating can be a coping mechanism for stress. So don't crash diet him, reduce slowly. And give him other ways to relieve his stress, especially a daily play session (15-30 min) so he can 'hunt' and use all his senses, instincts, and powers. Don't make it too easy for him to catch the 'prey' though. And cats don't really run after their prey a lot, the stalk and pounce more, so give him lots of opportunity for that while playing.

Keep us posted how this develops!

If this just happened, I would take him to the vet. Any sudden changes should always be addressed. Has he been dewormed?

As far as I can tell everything is normal in the litterbox. Like I said earlier life is pretty hectic right now so it seemed like a sudden change for me but honestly it could have been gradual. He does get really protective of his food so really I should have monitored better when the two cats were put together.

He was dewormed as a kitten. The vet doesn't open until Monday unless I pay a bigger fee for an emergency service so should I just keep a close eye on him for any changes? I don't wanna chance it but at the same time if it was a serious issue wouldn't he at least change his behavior?

As long as he's playing, eating, pooping, I would not be too worried. As soon as he becomes lethargic though, straight to the vet.

And give them each their own bowl of food so you know what's going on with each of them. Also keep an eye on his drinking. Young cats can easily become dehydrated.

Keep us posted of any concerns you have, and what the vet says should you talk you them.

I am erring on the side of caution here, but I think you need to see a vet. Can you make an appointment for Monday? Bloating is not normal, and I would assume he needs deworming at least.

@talkingpeanut, She wants to contact the vet on Monday, her question was could wait until after the weekend.

Orientals said:

@talkingpeanut, She wants to contact the vet on Monday, her question was could wait until after the weekend.

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The original question was whether the cat needed vet care. I think he does.

I just realized they are open tomorrow and I could take him in before work. I will do that. He is acting a bit lazy now.

Good move, best to be certain he's okay. Let us know what the vet said. Good luck!

It was fip. We had to put him down.

heyitskendra919 said:

It was fip. We had to put him down.

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I'm very sorry to hear that.