{"id":329742,"date":"2019-10-18T11:00:29","date_gmt":"2019-10-18T15:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=329742"},"modified":"2024-09-11T11:40:38","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T15:40:38","slug":"ascites-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/ask-the-vet\/ascites-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Ascites in Cats (Abdominal Fluid Buildup): Our Vet Explains Signs, Causes & Care"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nWhat Is Ascites in Cats?<\/a>
\nSigns<\/a>
\nCauses<\/a>
\nCare Tips<\/a>
\nFAQ<\/a>
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Your feline friend\u2019s round belly is often cute and endearing. While that roundness is typically the result of too many treats (which isn\u2019t great in itself), it can also be the result of ascites, or fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Ascites is a sign of disease and often a serious one. So, if you notice that your cat\u2019s belly is suddenly fuller, rounder, or tighter, especially if you\u2019re seeing other signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.<\/p>\n

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What Is Ascites in Cats?<\/h2>\n

Every abdomen, feline or otherwise, has a small amount of fluid in it, which helps cushion the organs and maintain business as usual. The amount is kept in check by regular balances in the blood and surrounding tissue. Ascites is the name for when that fluid level exceeds normal limits. The amount of fluid accumulation can be small, only noticeable on imaging, or large, and anyone who saw your cat would notice that something\u2019s wrong.<\/p>\n

Ascites isn\u2019t a disease in itself; rather, it\u2019s a sign of many different types of diseases. The fluid that accumulates can be made up of blood, serum, or even urine. It can be incredibly uncomfortable, especially in high amounts, as that extra fluid adds pressure to abdominal organs\u2014most notably, the digestive system\u2014and the diaphragm, sometimes making it hard for a kitty to breathe.<\/p>\n

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Image By: New Africa, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Are the Signs of Ascites in Cats?<\/h2>\n

Ascites is a sign in and of itself, but it also has signs of its own. These will differ depending on what\u2019s causing the fluid accumulation and how much fluid is in there. So, cats with ascites may present any of the following:<\/p>\n

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