sudden eating change and bloating

[AngelMyne]

I have the neighbors barn cat whos moved in. Hes suddenly started wanting to eat and eat-Im sure if I left the food down hed eat him self to death :/  Hes not just after his or the dogs food any more either and constantly hounds to be fed But I restrict him because of knowing he very well could kill him self.

Hes Not fat, and not loosing weight. his coats thick and nice and hes not shedding either.

Hes come in bloated over the past week as well. The other out door cat has shown a rise in his appetite as well. Now to an extent this Is normal. Its colder now. But its reached a concern point. Ive never seen this in our barn cats before. I wormed the one that stays in my home alot a month ago or so with the customary dosages.

whats causeing this? I cant afford a vet but can order and administer anything.

[Justine Lee, D.V.M., DACVECC]

Thanks for trying to take care of this barn cat! A bloated belly in a cat can be from numerous things: pregnancy (if female/spring time), different types of parasites (which may not be "covered" in your dewormer), cancer, or even FIP - feline infectious peritonitis. This last one FIP is potentially contagious to other cats, and results in abnormal fluid to accumulate in the abdomen. It also results in a really high blood protein level.

You can try a more broad-spectrum dewormer that covers everything (like Drontal for cats or Panacur). If that doesn't improve things, I'd really recommend a vet exam to make sure there's no abnormal fluid in the abdomen from FIP - otherwise, you may have a lot of really sick cats at your barn for the next few years!

[Justine Lee, D.V.M., DACVECC]

Giving the wrong type of dewormer can, yes, kill an animal. If you use one that could potentially kill heartworms, and your pet is positive for heartworm disease, it can result in an anaphylatic reaction (potentially resulting in death).

Generally, the OTC dewormers you buy don't typically cause this. That said, you should consider bringing him to a vet for Drontal (a full dewormer).

[AngelMyne]

I saw worms again Just this am as I let him out. I dont think I'll even bother worming my pup with the same stuff. Ive heard if a cats badly wormy that deworming can actually kill them- is this a wives tale? or an over doing it with the wormer by giving to much of it and to often?