Cat ascites, or abdominal fluid buildup, typically feels soft and fluid-filled when palpated. You can usually feel the presence of the fluid in the cat’s abdomen.
Ascites in cats occurs when fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity. This fluid is generally soft to the touch, and a distended abdomen is noticeable. Cats with ascites often present with a visibly enlarged belly.
Several conditions can lead to ascites in cats, including Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), trauma, and low albumin levels in the blood (hypoalbuminemia). These conditions can all contribute to fluid buildup in the abdomen, and in severe cases, this can be fatal.
As fluid accumulates within the abdomen, it places pressure on internal organs. This pressure can lead to difficulty breathing and, in extreme cases, suffocation.
How to Identify Cat Ascites
A preliminary assessment of cat ascites can be made based on clinical signs, but a definitive diagnosis requires a visit to the veterinarian for an abdominal ultrasound or fluid tap (abdominocentesis). Cats with ascites often exhibit lethargy, loss of appetite, an enlarged abdomen, and sometimes fever. Palpating the abdomen can reveal a fluid wave, though mild cases may not be as obvious to the touch and require imaging studies. Moderate to severe ascites is usually indicated by a noticeably distended abdomen, often pear-shaped in appearance.