sure philosophical questions can occupy even the most disciplined of minds . Do foreigner exist ? Can a soul ever be measured ? Docatsfart ?

While the latter may not have consider heavily on some of story ’s expectant brains , it ’s sure no less deserving of an result . And in demarcation to existential enquiry , there ’s a fairly definitive response : Yes , they do . We just do n’t really hear it . “ If a tree falls in a woods and no one is around to hear it , does it make a sound ? ” veterinarian Mickila Collinstold Chewy . “ I ca n’t say I have ever find out a cat fart but that does n’t mean they do n’t . I for sure reckon CT could ! ”

According to veterinary who have realized their job sometimes involves answer inane head about animal lapse gas , cat have allthe biological hardwarenecessary for a fart : a gastrointestinal system and an anus . When excess air builds up as a result of big inhales or gut bacteria , a acrid swarm will be release from their rear end . Smell a kitten ’s butt sometime and you ’ll take the air off convince that cats fart .

Sorry cat, the secret is out.

The discreetness , or deficiency of hearable fart , is probably due to the fact that cats don’tgulp their foodlike dogs do , lead to less air collect in their digestive tract . If your cat seems outstandingly gassy , it ’s adept to consult their veterinary . “ Sometimes cats can have excessive bloating , discomfort , and bad - smelling flatulence . Cats who have excessive gas or foul - smelling gas may suggest that there is a GI upset , ” veterinary surgeon Zac Pilossophtold Parade Pets .

So , yes , quat do fart . But they typically do it with the same state of grace and stealth they apply to approach everything else . Think about that the next time you blame the frump .

Have you got a Big Question you ’d like us to answer ? If so , get us know by emailing us atbigquestions@mentalfloss.com .

A version of this story originally ran in 2017 ; it has been updated for 2023 .