Do Cats Fart? Figuring Out Feline Flatulence

Jan 03, 2025

As cat owners, we've all experienced those moments when an unexpected odour wafts through the room, and we can't help but wonder: "Did my cat just fart?" The short answer is yes—cats can and do pass gas. But how much do we really know about feline flatulence? Let's dive into this topic to understand why cats fart, how often it happens, what it smells like, and when it might be a cause for concern. And of course, if it's okay to blame them on your own toots...

Why Do Cats Fart?

Flatulence in cats occurs for many of the same reasons it does in humans. Gas builds up in the digestive tract as food is broken down and needs to be expelled. Often, dietary factors are the main culprits. A sudden change in what your cat eats or consuming foods high in fibre can lead to increased gas production. Although rare, some cats also have food intolerances or allergies that cause digestive upset.

Another common cause is swallowing air. Cats that eat too quickly, perhaps due to competition for food or just an enthusiastic appetite, may end up gulping down excess air, which can result in gas. Additionally, intestinal parasites like roundworms or hookworms can wreak havoc on your cat's gastrointestinal system, leading to various symptoms, including flatulence. Bacterial or viral infections in the intestines can also disrupt normal digestion and contribute to gas buildup. Finally, more chronic conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can lead to ongoing issues with gas and other digestive symptoms.

Do Cat Farts Smell?

As you might expect from these demure and cutesy little beings, for healthy cats, farts should be odourless and infrequent, so you might not even notice them. However, when the gas has a strong, room-clearing smell, it often points to specific causes like we've previously discussed.

How Often Do Cats Fart a Day?

For most healthy cats, flatulence is an occasional occurrence that doesn't follow a regular pattern. If you notice it once or twice a day, it shouldn't be anything to worry about, however, if your cat starts passing gas noticeably often—more than a couple of times a day—it might be worth paying closer attention to their diet and overall health.

Do Cats Make Noise When They Fart?

Unlike humans or dogs, cat farts are usually silent. The unique anatomy of a cat’s digestive system, coupled with the relatively small amount of gas produced, means that their flatulence tends to go unnoticed. That said, just because it’s silent doesn’t mean it’s always scent-free!

When Is Farting a Concern?

Occasional gas is normal, but excessive flatulence accompanied by other symptoms may indicate a problem. Signs to watch for include:

Diarrhoea or Vomiting: These can be signs of gastrointestinal distress.
Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss is a red flag for health issues.
Changes in Appetite: Eating more or less than usual can indicate a problem.
Abdominal Discomfort: If your cat shows signs of pain when their abdomen is touched, consult your vet.

Treatment for Excessive Farting

When excessive flatulence becomes a concern, there are several ways to address it. First and foremost, consult your veterinarian. They'll typically need to find out some more information like:

What your cat's eating (including treats) and any naughty snacks they might be sneaking in
How frequently they're passing gas, and if there's any routine to it
If there are any other symptoms e.g soft poops, drooling or vomiting
Any changes in their activity or appetite

They can then perform diagnostic tests to identify underlying issues, whether it’s a dietary sensitivity, an infection, or parasites. Based on their findings, your vet may recommend changes such as switching to a new food, whether it's hypoallergenic, lower in fibre, or a new protein source. Typically higher quality proteins are more easily digestible and can help minimise further irritation to your cat’s system.

If your vet doesn't uncover anything from the tests and there are no other symptoms, they may recommend probiotics. By balancing gut flora and improving digestion, probiotics can reduce flatulence and support your cat’s overall well-being.

For more serious issues, your kitty may require medications like deworming tablets, antibiotics, or simethicone, which helps break down gas bubbles (normally used as a short-term solution).

Preventing Feline Flatulence with Scrumbles

Prevention is always better than cure, so to help keep farts at bay consider a diet tailored for gut health. We focus all our recipes around optimal gut health, using pre, pro and postbiotics, as well as all-natural ingredients, and no tummy-upsetting artificial nasties or added sugar. We also pack our recipes with up to 77% quality and easy-to-digest meat, and never add pea proteins which are tricky for cats to digest and can cause toots.

We offer a wide range of dry food, wet food, and treats in a variety of textures and flavours, meaning there's something for every kitty. Including options to suit extra dietary needs like grain free and hypoallergenic.

Remember, if you do switch food, to do so gradually over a period of 7-14 days by gradually increasing the proportion of Scrumbles to their old food. During the transition it is quite normal to see (or smell) some more toots as your kitty's digestive system adjusts, but after this they should be dandy.

The Final Funk

Whilst we're sure they'd deny it if they could, cats can and do fart, and it's usually a normal part of their digestive process. However, if you notice excessive or foul-smelling gas, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to consult your veterinarian. By understanding the causes and treatments for feline flatulence, you can ensure your cat remains happy and healthy—without any unexpected odours disrupting your cuddle time.