A shocking viral video shows a kitten named Naer, described as “an abnormally bloated stray kitten found on the street.” The video appeared on a social media website from Hong Kong.
The highly unusual orange kitten is seen in a box and on the street. Naer is so bloated that he appears inflated with air and has some difficulty walking. Many commented the cat appeared like a bodybuilder, and the video says the bloating “wasn’t because of a protein shake.”
Image screenshots via Facebook/9GAG TV/Meowed
Showing Naer with what appears to be a vet, the caption suggests it’s normal for air to get under a kitten’s skin. But obviously, this isn’t typical because who has seen something like this? Then we see the vets compressing the meowing kitten with their hands with a caption Naer needs to be decompressed daily. Yes, it’s really disturbing, so let’s look closer at what could be happening.
Note: Please do not try decompressing or squeezing a cat or kitten. (or other pet) Always consult a vet.
Fortunately, the next scene shows Naer eating, so it appears he’s ok. But he’s wearing a tight wrap around his body ostensibly to prevent the air buildup.
Then, we see Naer in subsequent scenes with improved health, still wearing the mesh wrap. He appears like a playful little guy, running and jumping. The caption says he’s fully recovered.
Video below via Meowed/9GAG TV:
What is Happening to Naer?
Comments on the video ranged from sincere concern to flippant remarks typical of social media these days. One translation of “Naer” is “laughter.” But what’s really happening? One person commented that the kitten had a hole in his windpipe, which allowed the air to collect in his tissues.
While we can’t be sure what’s happening for certain, this type of problem is indeed real and called Tracheal perforation. Air from the cat’s nose or mouth travels down the trachea to the lungs. A puncture can result if the trachea is punctured due to a traumatic injury, such as a fall, being hit by a car, or a neck bite. Or something could happen inside the trachea, like trying to swallow something sharp.
A perforation can indeed create air pockets under the skin, and in the body, such as around the heart and chest cavity. Perforations can also happen in the digestive system. Or, Naer could have some other condition.
Please Don’t Try ‘Decompressing’ a Cat
It’s extremely unlikely you would encounter such a bloated cat, but of course, one should immediately take them to a vet for treatment. When we see them placing Naer in the metal chamber, this is most likely for oxygen therapy. This is one treatment, per PetMD.
Surgery for a perforation is often necessary, but we don’t see anything about wrapping cats to decompress them, so this gives us pause. We would never suggest wrapping a cat tightly or squeezing them to “decompress” them. This could easily harm or kill a cat by preventing breathing or harming internal organs. So, please, always consult a veterinarian in such life-threatening situations. Never wrap a cat tightly or squeeze them and follow a vet’s advice.
Perhaps, Naer had a minor problem and managed to heal without surgery. We hope so. He does seem to be doing fine which is great!
