Why Do Baby Kittens Have Fat Bellies?

While kittens usually display a cute, playful side, things can go wrong, including disorders signaled by a fat belly. It is important for you to be vigilant and to know what is normal for a kitten and what may signal a problem. Whenever a kitten seems to be in distress, it is time to consult a veterinarian, even if she seems fine part of the time. Young kittens can succumb quickly to certain problems, and rapid medical attention may be the difference between life and death.

  1. Milk

    • A kitten that is getting plenty of food will have a round, full belly. The size of the belly in relation to the kitten should be proportional, meaning that the kitten̵7;s belly should appear a bit big but not overly large. She will not appear to be either lethargic or in distress and will act the same as the other kittens in the litter. An extremely big belly can signal a problem. Consult a veterinarian if the kitten̵7;s development does not seem normal.

    Worms

    • A common reason that a young kitten might look like she has a fat belly is that it is full of worms. A normal or thin body and an obviously large, distended belly is a classic sign of worms. The worms rob the kitten of nutrients when she eats, and too large a load of worms can result in the kitten dying. A veterinarian should treat kittens suspected of having worms. Young kittens are usually wormed every two weeks, beginning at the age of 3 weeks, to kill any worms that are present.

    Air

    • Kittens that cry excessively may develop round bellies from swallowing large amounts of air. Kittens are normally quiet with only occasional periods of crying, such as when their mother enters or leaves the nest. Continued crying indicates that something is wrong, and any kitten that does so should be checked for problems. The kitten may be hungry or uncomfortable enough for some other reason that causes her to cry. If the cause can̵7;t be found and corrected, she should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. Swallowing air won̵7;t kill her, but the problem that is making her cry just might.

    Injury or Illness

    • In some rare cases what appears to be a fat belly on a kitten is actually the result of an injury or an intestinal infection. The irritation or injury causes a buildup of body fluids including blood, pus or lymph, resulting in a swollen abdomen. Such a condition will usually be accompanied by pain, vomiting and diarrhea, or the kitten may become lethargic. A kitten that has been handled roughly or has been stepped on may develop a distended abdomen. This is a life-threatening condition, and she should be taken to a veterinarian immediately for evaluation and treatment.