Hard and big belly on both sides

Hi! (First just to say I did read the other similar topic on the forum, but it seems to me this problem is a bit different, so I hope it's okay to start a new thread). (Sub)question: if there are no dosage rules on cat treats (e.g. liver paste), can it still do damage if you give too much? PROBLEM: So, my cat's belly has gotten pretty <span style="text-decoration: underline;">wide</span> and in the last few months even <span style="text-decoration: underline;">hard.</span> It's been getting wider for some time now because she eats a lot (bit by bit, but a lot throughout the day), but it's only recently that I noticed it became hard <span style="text-decoration: underline;">on both sides equally</span> (not so much in the middle as far as I can tell). But she's not all-around fat, only has that wide belly. That goes for when she's standing/walking. When she's sitting/lying, I can't feel anytning hard, but don't want to actually press, so I don't hurt her. Since she shows absolutely no other signs of something being wrong (fur is fine as always, eyes, nose, walking, purring, eating, drinking, etc., all of that is fine. And from what I can tell, poop and pee are fine too, but we lost our 20yo cat about half a year ago, so it's hard to be 100% sure on the amount, since there's less of everything in general now), I'm not sure if her belly can get hard from all the food or not. My mum's been giving her a bit too much of those liver paste treats (in my opinion, even though there is no reccommended dosage on the package), even up to 4 packs a day (one pack is about the size of a thumb or maybe a bit smaller). She finally stopped, and is now on max. 1 a day or 1 every few days (though she started giving her vitamin paste now), but I saw that too much liver or just too rich food can also cause a hard belly. However, she shows no other symptoms of that problem. So, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">can a cat's belly really get hard just from too much food</span>? Or should I be worried anyway? (Haven't taken her to a vet yet, because I'm trying to find a good one - one of the local vets killed our cat some time ago by giving her the wrong medicine, even though he knew better. So that's why I'm weary of going to just any vet). <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Can liver treats cause trouble and could a hard belly occur before other symptoms</span>? I mean, she's been having that hard belly for <span style="text-decoration: underline;">at least 2-3 months </span>now, without any other visible symptoms. She doesn't go outside, so it can't be worms, pregnancy or whatnot. If the type is important, not sure what type she would be, but her mom is a completely white (and deaf) cat, and her dad is either a street cat or from some neighbours, so I don't know exactly how he looks. (Probably brownish with various shaded and black stripes, spots, etc. You know, a bit of everything on there. Since my cat is white with patches of such mixed brownish fur). Thanks!

Hello!   And yes, it's great that you've made a new post for this interesting question. It sounds as though your cat has expanded in the abdomen, but not across the rest of the cat.  She did go through a period of getting excessive treats, so it may be that she's getting fat.  You rule out pregnancy on the basis that she can't get out (presumably there are no unneutered Toms in the household and no other cats can get in). I agree with you that you need to be sure about the cause before you start a weight-loss program, as the other reasons for cats getting podgy across the abdomen can involve severe illness that ought to be picked up right away.  For example, water or excessive tissue can collect in the abdomen secondarily to heart disease, liver disease, cancer, some kidney-related malfunctions, hypothyroidism and so on. Your vet will be able to have a good feel and, if they have any suspicions about the contents of the abdomen, may propose an ultrasound scan, blood tests or radiography.  They may decide to blood-test for hypothryoidism or scan to check for abdominal fluid, for example. However, if it feels like normal fat-gain, they will review the diet to see whether that explains what you are seeing, and discuss ways in which they can help.  If this proves to be the case, it is great to get on top of things early - cats are expert energy manufacturers and naturally rely on protein for energy, so it is easy for them to become obese.  Luckily, if that proves to be the case, your vet should be well-placed to provide good dietary advice from here.

Regarding 'liver treats,' I am not sure what you are giving.  If cats eat too much actual liver, they can become ill so it's worth being aware of that and checking with your vet as soon as possible if that seems likely.  Many treats, however, contain too much fat or energy and this is extremely bad for cats, so it's definitely worth taking them along to the vets and asking how many are appropriate;  the answer is often surprisingly few.   Best of luck and please let us know how you get on!

Hello!   I have checked "liver treats" as they're not something I was aware of and indeed, it appears that they are actual liver, rather that treats to support the liver.  The concern here, with giving actual liver, is that it contains vitamin A and therefore an overdose can be toxic.  It sounds as though your vet is aware of this and they have planned accordingly?   If they are not, you should them know very quickly in case it changes their plan.