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Why is my kitten's belly big? Is it worms or something serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 29 days old | 5 lbs

My kittens stomach looks bigger then it's body should I be concerned?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on October 9th, 2017

Hi and thanks for your posting.

Kittens are frequently born with roundworms they get through their mother's during pregnancy and through nursing. A pot belly appearance can indicate an intestinal worm infection. The good news is deworming Meena is not complicated and requires just a few rounds of deworming solution you can obtain from your veterinarian. A fecal test is run before and after treatment to confirm Meena has cleared the infection. During the course of deworming treatment, you may see worms passed in the stool. I would schedule an appointment with your veterinarian soon so she can get dewormed.

I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Abdominal enlargement in kittens is most commonly caused by a heavy burden of intestinal parasites or can occur shortly after eating. However, other more serious causes can include FIP or congenital issues. I recommend taking Meena to his vet for an exam and fecal flotation test to determine which/if any parasites are present so that any appropriate deworming medication or treatments can be started. I hope this helps and that all goes well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 10th, 2018
Is she over eating at each meal? You can try to feed her smaller amounts but more often than 1-2 large meals so she doesn't get over engorged from food float. I would also have your vet check a stool sample to see if there are any worms left
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 8th, 2017
Yes, I would take her to the vet for an exam. I agree, the stomach looks pretty big. If she was only dewormed once as a kitten that was not likely enough. It is recommended they get dewormed 3-4 times before they are 4 months old. She could have worms or that could be fluid build up....like from FIP. It could also just be her body type but it's best to have a vet check her out and start with checking her for worms. It may be as easy as that.

Hope that helps. Best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on January 15th, 2020
It is difficult to tell for sure but her belly definitely looks larger than normal. I would recommend a full vet check and fecal screen as there are many possible causes including worms, infections, bowel, kidney or heart diseases.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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