As Cat Pawrents, we always cherish moments of togetherness and happiness with our furry companions. However, sometimes unexpected things arise, making us worried and concerned. One such occurrence is when a cat's belly suddenly swells without any apparent reason. Is it just due to obesity, or could there be something more serious?
In feline health, many possibilities can arise. Two common scenarios are worm infestation and the presence of a virus like Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). A swollen belly may not just be a chubby belly; it might signal what's happening inside the cat's body. Let's explore together the differences between worm infestation and FIP infection to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and proper care!
Cat's Belly Swelling
A cat's swollen belly can be caused by various factors, including excessive eating, pregnancy, obesity, or the presence of fluid in the abdomen. Therefore, it's crucial for Cat Pawrents to understand potential causes of a swollen cat's belly for accurate diagnosis and to avoid mistakes in treatment. Here are some possibilities that can result in a cat's belly suddenly swelling:
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the first considerations when a cat's belly swells. Unsterilized female cats have a high chance of becoming pregnant, and a swollen belly in a female cat can be a sign of pregnancy. If your cat has access to male cats and is unsterilized, the possibility of pregnancy should be considered.
Obesity
Cats that consume excessive amounts of food and lack exercise can experience obesity. A swollen belly might be a sign that the cat is overweight. Addressing obesity issues in cats involves maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring sufficient physical activity.
Worms in Cat
Infected cats can also develop a swollen belly due to worms such as tapeworms or roundworms, causing the abdomen to appear bloated. Regular check-ups by a veterinarian and antiparasitic treatment can help prevent and address worm infections..
FIP Virus
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by the coronavirus in cats. One sign of FIP is a swollen cat's belly due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Prompt diagnosis by a veterinarian is crucial for receiving proper care, as FIP can be a serious disease if left untreated.
Differences Between Worms in Cat and FIP Virus in Relation to Swollen Cat's Belly
A swollen cat's belly is a noticeable sign that can cause concern for pet owners. Two commonly associated causes of a swollen cat's belly are worm infestation and Wet-type Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Here are the important differences between these two conditions:
Causes and Transmission Sources of Worm Infestation and FIP in Cats
Worm Infestation
Causes:Â Worm infestation in cats can be caused by various types of worms such as tapeworms, roundworms, or hookworms.
Transmission Source:Â Cats can get infected with worms through contaminated food, contact with infected cats, or consuming infected prey animals.
FIP Virus
Causes:Â FIP is caused by the coronavirus in cats, also known as Feline Coronavirus (FCoV).
Transmission Source:Â FIP virus does not transmit to other cats; the contagious virus is Feline Coronavirus (FCoV), which is the carrier of FIP in cats. FCoV in cats can transmit through direct contact with infected cats or through contamination of fomites (objects contaminated with the virus).
Symptoms of Worm Infestation and FIP in Cats
Worm Infestation:
Common Symptoms:Â Besides a swollen belly, cats infected with worms may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and dull fur.
Physical Examination:Â The presence of worms or their eggs can be seen in cat feces or through fecal examination by a veterinarian.
FIP Virus:
Wet FIP Symptoms:Â A swollen cat's belly is one of the symptoms of Wet-type FIP. Other symptoms include fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, weight loss, decreased appetite, persistent fever, lethargy, and several other clinical symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Worms in Cat
Diagnosis:Â Diagnosis of worm infestation can be done through fecal examination or blood tests showing the presence of worm antigens.
Treatment:Â Anti-parasitic treatment, such as deworming medication, is given according to the type of worm infection. Consult with the nearest veterinarian or animal clinic to get the appropriate treatment.
FIP Virus
Diagnosis:Â FIP diagnosis can be conducted at the nearest Animal Clinic through a series of laboratory tests such as FCoV AB Test, Rivalta test, Hematology and chemistry blood tests, and Ultrasonography (USG). For detailed information on the examinations that can be performed, you can read our article on: How to Identify Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in Cats.
Treatment:Â This disease is often considered incurable, making it a frightening prospect for cat owners. However, an effective treatment for FIP in cats has been found, using an FIP drug called GS-441524 provided by Basmi FIP, a pioneer in FIP cat treatment in Southeast Asia.
Treating FIP Cats
When facing FIP in cats, Cat Pawrents must be aware of the right and effective treatment. If it turns out the cat is infected with the FIP virus, consult with a veterinarian to obtain GS-441524 from Basmi FIP, an effective treatment for FIP in cats. GS-441524 is an antiviral developed by Dr. Niels Pedersen in research to cure all types of FIP in cats, including Wet-type FIP characterized by sudden swelling of the cat's belly due to fluid accumulation. This drug has undergone clinical trials and proven highly effective in curing cats affected by FIP. The treatment efficacy with GS-441524 exceeds 89%, giving new hope to cat owners struggling against FIP.
A swollen cat's belly can be a symptom of various health conditions, including worm infestation and FIP. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences between the two to provide appropriate care. If cat owners suspect a health issue, consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
FIP is a serious disease, but early detection can help improve the chances of a positive outcome. If your cat is showing FIP in cats symptoms, please take them to your nearest veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment and if you have any questions or concerns about FIP and its treatment, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Facebook or visit our Instagram to get in touch with our expert team. You can read the Complete Guide to dealing with FIP Cats by clicking here.