Home Remedies for Feline Gas

Cats, as with humans, may suffer from excess intestinal gas, usually because of their diet. While cats are typically less gassy than dogs, even occasional indigestion can make staying in the same room with a flatulent cat almost unbearable. Fortunately, for both you and your feline, you can take steps and use some home remedies that may offer both of you some relief.

  1. Exercise

    • If you have a secure outdoor area for your cat to play in, encourage him to exercise after mealtime and before he comes back indoors. Roll a soft ball or pull it behind you on a string to get his attention. "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats" reports that a little exercise will quicken the digestive process. In addition, playing outdoors may prompt your cat to move his bowels, further reducing his risk of passing gas.

    Limit Mealtime

    • Although most cats do not gulp down their food, they may eat too much, resulting in excess food fermenting in their stomachs before it digests. Try feeding your cat two or three small meals, spread out over the course of the day instead of feeding him a larger amount only once per day.

    Reduce Soy

    • Soy, a common ingredient in cat food, is a good source of protein, but some felines have a hard time digesting it. Compare the labels on similar cat food products. Ingredients appear in the order of amount so a cat food with more soy will list the ingredient higher on the list than another brand with less soy.

    Avoid Dairy

    • Cow's milk is a common trigger of feline flatulence since an adult cat does not produce the lactase enzyme necessary for digesting milk lactose. In addition to passing gas, your cat may experience diarrhea. Eliminate dairy or give your cat lactose-free milk to drink.

    Yogurt

    • The exception to eliminating dairy products is yogurt. Even cats that do not digest other dairy products may benefit from the addition of plain yogurt in their diets due to the presence of friendly bacteria culture that may reduce intestinal gas. Look for unflavored and unsweetened yogurt and add one teaspoon to your cat's food.

    Charcoal

    • Activated charcoal, available over-the-counter in most pharmacies, may help reduce the disagreeable odor from feline intestinal gas. Add approximately 1/8 teaspoon to your cat's food daily, but only for a few days at a time. Not only does charcoal absorb the odor, it may absorb beneficial nutrients so it is only a short-term solution.