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Cat is hungry and has swollen tummy.

Species: Cat
Breed: Unsure, nothing spec
Age: 2-5 years
Our cat seems to be hungry all the time, she is spayed, but we have just moved keeping her indoors to get use to the place, we've been here for about a week and a half she was sick for about three days (in the nights only) only just got better! Now she has a swollen tummy what could be wrong?!


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Thanks for your question about your cat.

There are a few things that can cause a cat to be extra hungry.

Does she drink a lot of water and urinate a large amount? If so, diabetes is a possibility. Cats with diabetes will be hungry because their muscles do not get fed properly with glucose. Diabetes is treatable but takes a large commitment.

Parasites such as tapeworms can cause an increase in appetite and some weight loss, but usually the weight loss is not significant enough to notice. It's not a bad idea to give her a dose of dewormer.


Another concern that I have is for a virus called FIP. FIP can cause a large belly and weight loss. But, an increase in hunger is not normally associated with FIP. Unfortunately there is no cure for FIP.

Are you absolutely sure she is spayed? I have had several cases where owners received a cat from someone else and were told that they were spayed but they weren't. If you are not sure then she could be pregnant!

If this was my case I would be doing some general blood tests to find out if there are any viruses present or any other conditions such as diabetes.

I hope she is ok!

Dr. Marie.


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

She is drinking more water than she use to but that is compared to her hardly ever drinking the water we use to give her, we lived near treed area so she maybe use to drink water from other places?! The people we got her from gave us a letter from the vet confirming the spaying operation! So unless the vet lied?!? She is normally very active but she just is inside until we decide to allow her out, depending on her health and weather. I just don't want to go all the way to the vets as it is difficult for me, to find out she is just lazy, but I will get deworming tabs!


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

If you think there is an increase in thirst then this does have me concerned that diabetes could be possible. Usually diabetic cats will have large amounts of urine in the box as well. If you think this is happening then she really should see the vet.

I don't think there is any harm in trying the dewormer first. It's a good idea to repeat it in 2 weeks as well. This will help break the life cycle if roundworms are present.

Hope all goes well!

Dr. Marie.



Customer reply:

Ok I'll try deworming and letting her out soon as she is missing rounning round! But thank you very much. If those two fail vets it is... Thanks x


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

You're very welcome!



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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.