Why Do Cats Fart?

Flatulence in cats is often a result of the cat’s diet or how their digestive tract processes food. Cats tend to swallow air when they eat too quickly, which can lead to cat flatulence.

Other common culprits include food allergies, food intolerance, too much fiber or feeding your cat human food or spoiled food. The cat’s gas may also increase if they’re transitioning to new food or have a sensitive stomach.

While occasional gas is normal, too much gas can stem from underlying conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasites or a digestive disorder. These issues disrupt the intestinal tract, affecting gut bacteria and leading to more gas production.

Sometimes, microbial imbalances in the GI tract can be triggered by dietary changes or infections. If cats pass gas more than usual and show other symptoms like weight loss, bloody stool, vomiting or stomach upset, they need veterinary attention.

If your cat’s flatulence comes with other signs of digestive health issues, it’s best to consult a vet. Veterinary internal medicine professionals may recommend a fecal sample, blood tests, or imaging to determine if a more serious underlying cause is at play.

Excess gas that lasts or is accompanied by a pregnant cat’s distress could indicate problems that require immediate care.

Improving your cat's diet is the first step. High-quality cat food that avoids fillers (like corn or soy) and artificial ingredients is easier on the cat’s digestive system. Avoid sharing human food, and stick to a consistent feeding routine.

A dietary intolerance may require switching to limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diets. Ensuring your cat eats slowly — perhaps using a food puzzle — can reduce the amount of swallowed air and lead to better digestion.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.