If you’ve ever had your cat fart in your face, you’re not alone.
While this isn’t an intentional behavior (I’m quite sure!), as a cat owner, it’s probably going to be something that happens from time to time.
But, why do cats fart in our faces, or even their own faces sometimes?
I can explain!
Why Does My Cat Fart in My Face?
There are two parts to answering this question;
- The first is addressing the issue of why your cat is passing wind
- The second is why their bum is in your face!
I can explain why both of these things are happening, and what you can do to reduce the possibility of it happening again!
Why Do Cats Fart – Is It Normal?
Yes, cats fart, and yes, it’s normal.
For most cats, it’s rare you’ll hear it, and thankfully it’s rare you’ll smell it – but cats definitely fart.
Just like humans and every other animal with a digestive system, gas is a by-product of the digestion process in cats.
As food moves through the intestines, bacteria break down certain components – this process produces methane and carbon dioxide.
These gasses escape from the intestines and are expelled through a cat’s bum. So, there you go; a lesson in how gas is produced and expelled!
If your cat is passing a lot of gas, and if it’s particularly smelly, however, it may indicate they have an issue with their food or some kind of health issue.
Related – Reasons why your cat farts in your face!
Why Do Cats Put Their Bums in Our Faces?
The other part of the equation here that results in your cat passing wind in your face, is the fact that they are putting their bum near your face.
Cats like to put their bums in our faces (well, most cats do), as I’m sure you’re aware.
This is usually their way of telling us they want to be petted. And, I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s certainly a way of getting our attention.
Cats also do this as a way of marking us with their scent. Not intentionally the scent of their flatulence, but this can inadvertently happen.
Cats have glands around their butts, and they use these to rub their scent on objects – I’m sure you’ve observed your cat doing this on the corner of a table, etc.
Whatever the reason, it’s a sign that your cat loves you, so that’s something to take from the experience!
How to Stop Your Cat From Passing Gas in Your Face
So, now you know why your cat is passing gas in your face, but what can you do to stop it happening?
There are a few things:
First of all, if your cat is eating a poor quality diet, or one that doesn’t agree with them, this could be the root cause of the problem.
Talk to your vet about changing your cat’s food, and try a few different options to see if this makes a difference.
Secondly, make sure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water. Dehydration can lead to constipation, which can then cause flatulence.
Encourage your cat to drink more by putting multiple water bowls around the house, and adding some wet food to their diet.
Finally, if your cat is overweight, this could be exacerbating the problem.
Talk to your vet about a weight loss plan for your cat, and make sure they are getting enough exercise.
A fitter, healthier cat is less likely to suffer from digestive issues that can cause flatulence.
Related content:
How to read your cat’s body language from their tail movements.
A look at cat yoga!
Do Cats Fart When They Are Happy?
There is a theory that cats fart when they are happy, but there is no scientific evidence to back this up.
So, while your cat might look like they’re having the time of their lives when they let one rip in your face, it’s more likely they just couldn’t help it!
It’s a positive sign that your cat is climbing on you though, so you can take the experience as a positive.
In my experience, cats will pass wind when they’re frightened or scared. So, if something spooks them when they’re climbing on you, this could cause a puff of gas!
Can You Teach a Cat That Farting in Your Face Is Wrong?
I almost didn’t address this, but someone I know actually asked me if it was possible to train a cat not to pass gas when they’re around us.
The short answer is no, you can’t train a cat not to fart.
Cats will do what they want, when they want – that’s just the way it is.
And, as we’ve established, there’s usually a good reason behind why they’re passing gas in our face.
So, rather than getting mad at your cat, try to understand their motivations and work with them, rather than against them!
In Summary
There you have it; everything you need to know about why your cat farts in your face!
It’s normal, it’s usually not intentional, and there are things you can do to reduce the likelihood of it happening.
Most importantly, remember that it’s a sign of your cat’s affection for you! They wouldn’t do it if they didn’t love you, honest.
Resources
Image credits – Photo by Erica Marsland Huynh on Unsplash
