Can Cats Burp?

​Dogs are full of bodily functions, but you rarely hear cats burp or even fart. As humans, we often let out a burp after eating a large meal or drinking a fizzy drink.

Dogs also burp when drinking a lot of water or food, but do cats burp? 

The short answer is yes, cats can burp. They do not burp often, and it may not be audible. Cats might burp if they have eaten a lot of food, or if they have eaten something that may not agree with them.

​In this article, we are going to be talking about cats, and answering whether they burp or not. Let’s get on with the article. 

What Is A Burp?

​A burp is a way for the body to remove any excess air. This air may have been ingested whilst drinking, or simply swallowing the air. Burps are totally normal, and humans and animals get them.

​The more gas you have in your body, the more bloated you will be. If you are bloated, you will have to expel this gas somehow, whether this be from burps, or even farts!

Can Cats Fart?

​Yes, cats can fart, and this can be for all kinds of reasons. Cats are alive, and all creatures that are alive need to expel gas at some point.

Cats often fart when they have eaten something that does sit right with them, or if they are a bit nervous or scared.

​This is because it is a natural reaction when in times of uncertainty or fear. The body panics, and tries to expel whatever it can in order for you to run to safety. 

​Can Cats Burp?

​Now we know what a burp is, can cats burp? They can indeed, and this is caused by swallowing air, having an upset stomach, or swallowing too many hairballs.

So, cats can burp, but this should not happen often. If they do burp, it will be a small, internal burp.

​If your cat is burping a lot and loudly, this is a sign that there is an issue with them. Burping is not seen on a daily basis, and if it is, take your cat to the vets. 

​Why Do Cats Burp?

Cats may burp for a variety of reasons. Let’s look at some of these possible reasons.

Gastrointestinal Issues/Upset

One reason for persistent burping from your cat may be because they have eaten something that has upset their stomach. This will result in abnormal functions happening within their body.

Additionally, they may have an underlying or prominent stomach problem. This can be resolved by taking your cat’s to the vets, as you can find out what may be wrong with them.

Excess Air

This is not as common, but cats could swallow excess air when they eat or take medicine. It is common for animals to swallow air, but it should not happen regularly.

If this happens occasionally, then it is fine. When you eat, you take surrounding air into your mouth, swallowing it.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is caused by inflammation of the esophagus. This inflammation is caused by a stomach issue, but it can also be from receiving oral medicine. The medicine could be abrasive on your cat’s throat, resulting in this condition.

It will then slide down their stomach, damaging their gastrointestinal functions. This can be treated at the vets.

Anesthesia

If your cat has recently had surgery, this could be a reason for their burping. The muscles may have been affected during surgery, and this may result in the muscles contracting and releasing afterwards.

​This only happens after surgery, and it should not happen for long. This may not be the reason for your cat’s burping, though.

​Do Kittens Need To Be Burped?

​As long as kittens are drinking formula instead of milk from their mother, you will definitely have to burp them.

This is because it is not milk from their mother, so it will take some getting used to. It also contains enzymes and things that will contribute to their health.

​Put the kitten gently on your shoulder and pat them really gently. Make sure they burp every time they drink kitten milk. 

​What Should Cats Eat?

​Cats’ diets vary, but they must always have meat in their diet to receive the correct nutrients that they need for survival. This can be found in wet or dry food.

They require the protein from meat for a fit and healthy heart, and they require the collagen for their bones, eyes, and teeth.

​Older cats require less food, but probably more frequently than kittens need feeding. All in all, cats crave animal protein in order to survive and grow. 

​When Should You Be Concerned About Cats Burping?

​Cats do not often burp, so if your cat begins burping more than normal, you should take them to the vet.

This is especially important if your cat has never burped before, as there is likely to be an underlying issue making your cat burp. There is not always an issue when your cat burps, they may have just swallowed air.

Some cats may just burp more than others, and this could be due to their daily routine, their medication, or their health.

If your cat tends to eat a certain type of food that makes them burp, this is not a concern, but it might be time to switch their diet. 

Any symptoms that come with the burping should be monitored, but burps alone are usually fine.

​If they are happening less than regularly, and they come on their own, your cat is most likely fine. However, if you are worried, get it checked out anyway. 

​Final Thoughts

Cats are funny creatures, but they have the same bodily functions as us humans, and all animals.

​Cats do sometimes burp, but it should not be super often.If it is, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue for them that you should get checked out. We hope this article was helpful!
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