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Increased Bowel Sounds in cats

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

Signs of shock, hard/distended abdomen, persistent Vomiting, bloody stool, severe Pain

Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity

Definition

“Increased bowel sounds” in cats refers to loud or increased sounds originating from the cat’s digestive tract. These can be caused by various factors and are often an indicationIndication refers to a valid reason or rationale for using a specific treatment, medication, or medical procedure. It is based on the diagnosis and the patient’s clinical condition. of a disturbance or change in the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

Bowel sounds, medically also known as borborygmi, are caused by the movement of gases and fluids in the intestines. In cats, these sounds can be caused by normal digestive processes, but if they occur more frequently, it may indicate an imbalanceImbalance refers to an imbalance or disruption of normal function or composition in the body, which can lead to health problems. or an illness.

A common cause of increased bowel sounds is a change in diet, which can lead to a temporary alteration of the gut microbiota. Eating unfamiliar or hard-to-digest foods can also amplify the sounds.

ParasiticParasitic refers to diseases or conditions caused by parasites. Parasitic infections can affect the digestive tract, skin, and other organ systems. infestation, such as by worms, can also lead to increased bowel sounds, as parasites impair the normal function of the digestive tract. Inflammatory bowel diseases, infections, or irritable bowel syndromes can also lead to an increase in bowel sounds.

StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. and anxiety in cats can lead to increased intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. activity, which may manifest as increased bowel sounds. Finally, serious conditions such as tumors or obstructions in the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. tract can also be the cause.

Typical accompanying symptoms

DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems.: Frequent, liquid bowel movements can occur together with increased bowel sounds and indicate a digestive disorder.
Vomiting: The occurrence of vomiting, especially if it involves undigested food or foam, can be another symptom.
Loss of appetite: If the cat eats less or refuses food completely, this, together with increased bowel sounds, may indicate a problem.
Weight loss: A sudden or gradual weight loss without an apparent cause can be an alarming sign.
Lethargy: The cat seems tired, less active, or withdrawn, which may indicate a general malaise.
Flatulence: Excessive belching or flatulence is often associated with loud bowel sounds.
AbdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain: The cat shows discomfort when touched on the abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen. or adopts a hunched posture.

When to see a vet?

A visit to the vet is essential if the increased bowel sounds are accompanied by symptoms such as severe DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. Vomiting, or significant Weight loss. These can indicate serious problems that require immediate treatment.

If the cat shows signs of Pain, such as increased meowing, a hunched posture, or signs of stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being., a veterinarian should be consulted. Caution is also advised if there is blood in the stool or vomit.

If the symptoms persist for more than 24 to 48 hours and do not improve, it is advisable to see a veterinarian to rule out serious illnesses.

Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure

Pet owners can often hear increased bowel sounds when they are close to their cat. A rumbling or gurgling from the abdominal area is often clearly audible. Further signs such as changes in eating habits or stool can also be observed.

The veterinarian will first conduct a thorough medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. to assess the cat’s feeding habits and general health. A physical examination, especially of the abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen., is also important.

For further diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., blood tests, stool analyses, and imaging procedures such as X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. or ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. can be used to identify the cause of the increased bowel sounds. These tests help rule out infections, parasiticParasitic refers to diseases or conditions caused by parasites. Parasitic infections can affect the digestive tract, skin, and other organ systems. infestations, or structural abnormalities in the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. tract.

What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options

As a pet owner, you can initially ensure that your cat’s diet is balanced and suitable for its digestive tract. A slow transition to a new food can help stabilize the gut microbiota.

Make sure your cat has access to fresh water to avoid dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse., especially if Vomiting or DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. occurs. Small, frequent meals can aid digestion and relieve the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract.

Avoid stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. situations for your cat by creating a calm environment and paying attention to changes in the household or daily routine. A stress-free environment can help normalize digestive activity.

If parasiticParasitic refers to diseases or conditions caused by parasites. Parasitic infections can affect the digestive tract, skin, and other organ systems. infestation is suspected, you should carry out regular deworming in consultation with your veterinarian to rule out possible causes of increased bowel sounds.

Outlook on current research

Increased bowel sounds in cats, also known as borborygmi, are a topic that is increasingly attracting scientific attention. Researchers are focusing on better understanding the mechanisms behind these sounds and deciphering their significance for the cat’s overall health. These sounds are caused by the movement of gases and fluids in the intestines and can be influenced by various factors, including the composition of food, the gut microbiota, and the cat’s general health status.

One research focus is on the role of the gut microbiota and its interaction with the cat’s digestive tract. Scientists are investigating how changes in the composition of the gut microbiota can lead to increased bowel sounds. It is believed that certain bacterial species influence gas production in the intestines and thus alter the loudness and frequency of the sounds. Advances in metagenomics make it possible to analyze the complex bacterial communities in the gut more precisely and to evaluate their influence on digestive physiologyPhysiology is the science of the normal functions and mechanisms in a living organism. It includes the study of how organs and systems work at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level..

Furthermore, the connection between diet and bowel sounds is being intensively researched. Studies show that the type of food consumed can strongly influence intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. activity. Dry food and wet food have different effects on digestion and can therefore also influence the extent of bowel sounds. Researchers are investigating how certain ingredients, such as fiber or proteins, modulate bowel sounds and whether dietary adjustments could serve as therapeutic measures.

Another interesting area of research involves the study of the neural control of the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract. The communication between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, could play a key role in regulating bowel movements. Scientists are trying to find out whether stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. or other psychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. factors influence the frequency and intensity of bowel sounds by altering the neural signals that control intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. activity.

Overall, these research directions open up new possibilities for understanding and managing bowel sounds in cats. Future studies could help develop specific therapeutic approaches that not only alleviate symptoms but also improve the underlying physiological processes.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are increased bowel sounds in cats?

Increased bowel sounds, also known as borborygmi, are loud, frequent noises caused by the movement of gas and liquid in the gastrointestinal tract.

2. Are increased bowel sounds in cats a cause for concern?

In many cases, they are harmless, but can sometimes indicate digestive problems or other health problems that require veterinary examination.

3. What can cause increased bowel sounds in cats?

Causes can vary and range from diet, to stress, to infections or other health conditions.

4. How can increased bowel sounds in cats be reduced?

A balanced diet, stress-free environment, and regular veterinary check-ups can help minimize the noises.

5. Are certain cat breeds more prone to increased bowel sounds?

There are no specific breeds that are particularly susceptible, but individual differences in sensitivity to food may play a role.

6. Can a cat's diet affect its bowel sounds?

Yes, certain food components, especially those that are difficult to digest, can increase bowel sounds.

7. Should I worry if my cat has increased bowel sounds but shows no other symptoms?

If no other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea occur, it is often not a cause for concern, but a veterinarian should be consulted if the noises persist.

8. Can bowel sounds in cats be related to stress?

Yes, stress can affect intestinal motility and thus increase bowel sounds.

9. What role does the gut microbiota play in increased bowel sounds?

An unbalanced gut microbiota can increase gas production in the intestines and thus amplify the sounds.

10. Can I do anything myself to treat my cat's increased bowel sounds?

You can try changing the diet or reducing stressors in the cat's environment, but veterinary advice is always recommended to rule out serious problems.