Bloated/Firm Tummy

[moondiamond]

Hello everyone,

I was just playing with Dexter (10 month old F6) and giving him belly rubs and it seemed to me that his tummy felt a bit firm or bloated? He is eating and behaving normally, and I just checked his litter box and there were a few poops in there, albeit pretty tiny ones (he is on a raw diet so I have come to learn that the poops tend to be smaller and drier on raw). His tummy doesn't seem to hurt or anything, if I gently press it he doesn't try to get away or meow in pain.

Several weeks ago we noticed some bright blood on the outside only of one of Dexter's poops; I discussed this with the breeder and she advised us to ensure Dex was getting enough moisture in his diet and to supplement with fish oils. We thought he might be a bit constipated so I started to add a little water to his food as well as the omega oils. This helped the problem and his poops looked completely normal thereafter.

I'm wondering if he is a bit constipated again and if this could be the reason for his bloated tummy? I'm not really sure if I am getting worked up over nothing but of course I googled and saw that a symptom of FIP is bloating. So now I am trying not to panic. Will be carefully watching Dex and if I notice anything else it will be straight to the vet!!!

 

[Rafiki]

Is his abdomen distended at all? Or just firm? Does he appear to be retaining fluids?

He is a kitten and they can eat a lot and have big bellies. I am thinking that you are freaking out by checking out the internet. Nothing scarier than checking out "symptoms" on the internet! Just my opinion. I will let the experts weigh in.

 

[moondiamond]

Hi Rafiki!

It just feels firm but I don't really think it's overly distended to be honest. No fluid retention elsewhere that I can tell. When he's up walking around he looks long and lanky lol. My hubby couldn't really see what I was referring to with the bloating when I was worried last night - he felt around Dexter's tummy too and he didn't seem to think there was anything noticeably wrong. Hubby said "he just feels strong and muscular!" when I mentioned the firmness lol. I think I just got myself worked up in the moment - you are probably right that he has a round firm kitten belly!!! I think I've just been more conscious of checking his abdomen, digestion, and litter box since the bloody poop/constipation incident a few weeks ago. I'm just not sure what their abdomen should feel like, I think I maybe thought it should be softer and more squishy...?

 

[admin]

If he is having small, firm poops, you may need to make sure he is getting enough water and not so much bone.

 

[Rafiki]

Has he ever been dewormed?

 

[moondiamond]

Paige - that is exactly what our breeder said. We ordered another round of raw food and checked the bone content of all the types of food we got, she advised us to stay under 20% bone. So we have been doing a lesser bone content for the past 2 or so weeks. I have also been adding a couple tablespoons of water to it as well because Dexter doesn't drink from his water dish; I've never seen him take a drink from the bowl. We supplement with fish oils too which I thought might lubricate a bit!

Rafiki - Yes he has been dewormed, I would have to double check his paperwork but I believe he was dewormed twice. I considered this as well last night. Is this something we should perhaps look into doing again?

 

[admin]

Can you get him a water fountain? He may drink more


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[moondiamond]

Paige - yes we absolutely could, that's a great idea! Dexter is definitely intrigued by running water, we actually turn our taps on for him to play with for a few minutes sometimes lol. He comes in the shower sometimes too so maybe he would love the running water of a fountain. Do you have any specific ones that you like or recommend?

 

[Patti]

I would keep an eye on his tummy to see if it gets better or worse. I would also add more than a couple of tablespoons to his raw, maybe 1/4 - 1/2 cup (depending on how much food you're giving him). Glacier Point Pet Fountains is one of our site sponsors, if you purchase from them be sure to let them know you heard about them from our site: http://glacierpointforcats.com/