Our moggie has been on holiday to my sons where he was spoilt rotten. When he came back I thought he had put weight on, but apparently he had his normal diet. I dont mean his tummy sticks out underneath, it doesnt. Its when he is standing and you look at him from above, its as if the sides of his tummy are more rounded at the sides. Almost like a barrel effect. He has always been a slender cat and still doesnt really seem overweight. He doesnt seem ill. He is 14. Any ideas?

I'd get him checked out if you are concerned, don't know much about cats but in guinea pigs it can be fatal and a sign of a blockage

If the food is going in at one end and coming out at the other and he's OK in himself then it may or may not be anything to worry about.

When cats are in unfamiliar places they quite often stop moving about which means that they stop burning lots of calories and therefore can put on weight very quickly.

Is there any possibility that he's got worms? They bloat the belly in a lot of cases.

I'm not going to deny that there's a risk that he could have an age related problem like liver disease, a tumour or similar, all of which produce bloating, but I also wouldn't be panicking about it.

If you're worried investing in a professional opinion is rarely a waste though.

Thanks medusa. I will worm him tonight. He didnt go out at my sons so consequently didnt get much exercise. If he is no better after the worming "turn out", then he will be bound for the vets. Just cant take him tomorrow, our lad has 2 hospital appointments!