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My 15-week-old kitten has a big belly. Is it FIP or parasites?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2 months and 28 days old | 7 lbs

15 week female kitten. Active, eating, growing. No diarrhea/vomiting. Is long and lean cat but has big belly esp. after food (she eats lots). Belly does go down if hungry, but never entirely flat. How likely is FIP? Does FIP always have other symptoms?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 29th, 2017

It is relatively common for younger kittens such as Sekhmet to have distended appearing abdomens. Their abdominal muscles are not as strong as adults and their organs are fitting into a smaller abdomen. This may simply be what you are noticing. It is also possible that Sekhmet has an intestinal parasite infection. Intestinal worms are also very common in young kittens. A deworming treatment from your vet will rid her of the worms. More information on FIP virus; infected cats develop a range of nonspecific symptoms like fever, lethargy, depression, poor appetite, and weight loss. In the wet form of the coronavirus causes FIP, fluid accumulates in the abdomen. It doesn't sound as though Sekhmet has FIP from what you are describing. You can watch for the above signs and take her to a veterinarian for testing if you are concerned. I hope that is helpful information.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It is highly unlikely that your cat has FIP if you are only noticing a large belly and no symptoms whatsoever. FIP cats have a multitude of problems including lack of appetite, fever, lethargy and sometimes coughing. It is more likely that your kitty has either a full stomach or intestinal parasites. Have the vet do a fecal exam on her to check for parasites and get her treated if she comes up positive for any. Intestinal parasites are quite common and typically easy to treat. Best wishes and take care.

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