Ask the Expert: Cat’s Hard Tummy Troubling

Your Pet Question:

Why does my cat have a hard stomach for two weeks now? She does not have pain, and she runs around, eats good, wet food. She is an indoor cat and she is 17 years old.
Lillian Hallman, Ajax, Ontario

The Expert Says:

Even though she does not look like she is feeling pain, with a cat it can be hard to tell since they instinctually hide being hurt or vulnerable so as not to appear weak to their natural enemies. But although she could be feeling okay, something might not be all right going on in her belly–it could be worms, or a growth or something very serious, or she could be simply constipated. But so you should have her checked out by your vet if it does not improve right away because even at 17 she still has some good years left and it would be a shame if she spent them in discomfort.
Dr.Jule Senay is a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) practicing in Vaudreuil, Quebec