- Parasites: Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, can cause a kitten's belly to bloat.
- Infections: Viral or bacterial infections, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen, resulting in a bulging belly.
- Nutritional issues: A diet that is deficient in certain nutrients, such as protein or taurine, can lead to a condition called "nutritional malabsorption," which can cause a kitten's belly to bloat.
- Organ problems: Conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, or heart failure can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen, resulting in a bulging belly.
- Trauma: If a kitten has experienced abdominal trauma, such as being hit by a car or falling from a height, it may develop a bulging belly due to internal bleeding or damage to the organs.
- Congenital defects: Some kittens are born with congenital defects, such as a diaphragmatic hernia, which can cause a bulging belly due to the displacement of organs into the chest cavity.
If you notice that your kitten has a bulging belly, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for evaluation and treatment. The veterinarian will be able to determine the cause of the bulging belly and recommend appropriate treatment.