It is normal and healthy if you do not hear any sounds coming from your cat’s abdomen. The gurgling or rumbling noise you might expect to hear is medically termed borborygmi, which is the sound of gas and fluid moving through the gastrointestinal tract. While these sounds are a natural part of digestion, their absence to the unaided human ear is typically not a cause for concern. This silence is usually a sign that your cat’s digestive system is functioning efficiently.
Why a Cat’s Digestion is Naturally Quiet
The primary reason a cat’s digestive sounds are often inaudible relates directly to their specialized anatomy as obligate carnivores. Cats possess a significantly shorter digestive tract relative to their body size compared to omnivores like humans. This shorter length means food passes through the system much faster, typically within 12 to 24 hours, which limits the time available for gas-producing fermentation.
Their carnivorous diet also contributes to quiet digestion. A cat’s natural diet is highly digestible, consisting mainly of protein and fat, which produces less bulk and gas during breakdown than a human’s varied, fiber-rich diet. The muscular contractions that propel food, known as peristalsis, are often quieter and less forceful than in other species.
Even veterinary professionals frequently need assistance to detect normal gut sounds. They use a stethoscope, a process called auscultation, to amplify the subtle movements of gas and fluid within the intestines. This confirms that the human ear is simply not sensitive enough to pick up the routine sounds of a healthy feline digestive system.
The Mechanics of Audible Stomach Gurgling
When you do hear a sound, it is the result of gas and fluid being pushed through the intestines by the rhythmic muscle contractions of peristalsis. The sound becomes audible when there is a greater proportion of air or liquid relative to solid food, which acts as a natural sound dampener.
One common non-pathological reason for hearing borborygmi is an empty stomach, often called the “hunger rumble.” When the stomach is empty, the digestive muscles continue to contract. With no food to muffle the sound, the movement of air and digestive juices becomes much louder.
Sounds may also be briefly audible shortly after a cat has eaten a meal. This increased activity occurs as the body begins the initial stages of digestion, mixing the food with stomach acids and enzymes before it moves into the small intestine. Additionally, a cat’s position or sudden movement can sometimes briefly shift the contents of the abdomen, causing a temporary gurgle.
When to Consult a Vet About Digestive Sounds
While silence is usually normal, a sudden and sustained change in digestive sounds can signal a problem. One concerning extreme is hyperactive gut sounds, which are excessively loud, frequent, and persistent gurgling noises. These sounds often indicate gastrointestinal distress, such as acute gas buildup, diarrhea, or inflammation.
If loud borborygmi are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, lethargy, a reduced appetite, or straining to use the litter box, veterinary attention is necessary. These combined signs suggest an underlying issue like a food intolerance, intestinal parasites, or inflammatory bowel disease.
The other extreme that warrants concern is a complete, sustained absence of all digestive sounds, known as hypoactive gut sounds. If you hear nothing for an extended period, especially if the cat is also showing signs of severe constipation, abdominal pain, or persistent lack of appetite, it could indicate a serious issue. A total lack of peristalsis can be a sign of an intestinal obstruction or a condition called ileus, which requires immediate veterinary evaluation.