How to Tell if a Cat has Ascites

To determine if a cat has ascites, you can examine its belly. When a cat develops ascites in the early stages, its belly remains rounded even without eating, and it becomes tense when pressed. When you tap the belly, it makes a sound similar to that of a water balloon. Ascites can compress the lungs, causing heavy breathing and even mouth breathing in severe cases. It is recommended to consult a pet hospital as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of Ascites

Cats typically develop ascites due to the following reasons:

• Cardiac ascites: This occurs in the late stages of right or left heart failure, accompanied by systemic edema.
• Hepatic ascites: This occurs when cats have liver disease, which may also be accompanied by jaundice and other symptoms.
• Infectious ascites: Caused by a variant of the coronavirus, the virus can invade the cat's liver, lymph nodes, and other organs, leading to systemic hypoproteinemia.

Early Symptoms of Ascites

Early symptoms of ascites include:

• Distended abdomen
• Enlarged waist
• Weight gain
• Lower limb edema
• Distended and tense abdominal wall, resembling a frog's belly
• Difficulty walking
• Sometimes, elevated diaphragm, rapid breathing, and umbilical hernia

General symptoms include:

• Recurrent or persistent fever
• Decreased appetite
• Abnormal bowel movements
• Lethargy, lack of interest in toys
• Long-term squatting position
• Preferring to sit in corners
• Coarse fur
• Reddish-brown crusts in the eyes

Treatment Measures for Ascites

If your cat has ascites, take it to a reputable animal hospital for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. The staff will determine the best course of action based on the cat's specific situation. The main focus of treatment is to increase the cat's blood sugar levels and protect the growth of liver cells.

At home, monitor your cat's condition closely. Feed it a diet low in fat and high in protein, and keep it warm.