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Regurgitation of food in cats

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Urgent see a veterinarian within 24 hours

RED for shortness of breath, repeated regurgitation, Cough after eating/drinking, Fever/apathy (suspected aspiration pneumonia), or suspected foreign body/esophageal obstruction.

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Definition

RegurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems., also known as regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems., is the passive backflow of undigested food from the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). in cats, without the typical signs of Vomiting such as Nausea or Gagging.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

Regurgitation differs from Vomiting in that the process is passive and does not require involvement of the stomach or central nervous systemThe CNS (central nervous system) consists of the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for processing information and controls most functions of the body and behavior.. In cats, regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. occurs when food is not successfully transported into the stomach, indicating a disorder in the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis).. The esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). is a muscular tube that transports food from the pharynxThe pharynx is the part of the neck behind the oral cavity and nose. It serves as a passage / transit for air and food and plays an important role in breathing and swallowing. to the stomach. Various mechanisms can impair this transport.

A common cause of regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. is a mechanical obstructionobstruction refers to the blockage or narrowing of a hollow organ or canal, which hinders the normal flow of liquids or gases. In dogs and cats, an obstruction can occur in the digestive tract, airways, or urinary tract and often requires immediate medical treatment. in the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis)., which can be caused by a foreign body, a stricture (narrowing), or a massIn pathology, the term "mass" is used to describe an abnormal lump or growth in the body. A mass can form in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, or even inside the body. The causes can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). such as a tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions.. Such obstructions prevent food from being passed normally and cause it to flow back. Another cause could be a functional disorder of the esophageal muscles, known as megaesophagus. This condition causes the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). to dilate and lose its ability to actively transport food into the stomach.

Neurological problems affecting the nerve supply to the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). can also lead to regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems.. These problems can result from damage to the nerves controlling esophageal function and can be caused by diseases of the central or peripheralPeripheral refers to areas located outside the central part of a system or body. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to peripheral nerves, blood vessels, or tissues that are distant from central organs such as the heart or brain. nervous system. Furthermore, inflammatory diseases such as esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophageal lining caused by irritants or infections, can also lead to regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems..

In some cases, congenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. anomalies that occur in young cats may be the cause. This includes persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. right aortic archThe aortic arch is the curved portion of the aorta (main artery) that leads away from the heart and branches into various large arteries that transport oxygen-rich blood to the body. It plays a central role in the circulatory system., a malformation that causes narrowing of the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). and thus difficulties in food intake. Finally, metabolicMetabolic refers to metabolism, i.e. the entirety of chemical processes that take place in a living organism to enable life processes. Metabolic disorders can cause a variety of Diseases in Dogs and cats. diseases, such as hypothyroidism or adrenal insufficiencyInsufficiency refers to the inadequate function or performance of an organ or system. This can include, for example, heart failure, kidney failure, or venous insufficiency., can also indirectly impair esophageal function and triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems..

Typical accompanying symptoms

Weight loss: If the cat regularly regurgitates food, it cannot absorb enough nutrients, leading to gradual Weight loss. Affected cats may lose weight despite a normal or increased appetite.
Cough: If food or liquid gets into the tracheaThe trachea, or windpipe, is a tubular organ that carries air from the upper respiratory tract to the bronchi in the lungs. It consists of ring-shaped pieces of cartilage that ensure it remains open., this can cause cough or even respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress, indicating possible aspiration pneumonia, a serious complication.
Pain on swallowing: Cats that have problems swallowing may show difficulties when they eat, e.g. increased salivation or frequent swallowing.
Salivation: Excessive salivation can occur if the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). or pharynxThe pharynx is the part of the neck behind the oral cavity and nose. It serves as a passage / transit for air and food and plays an important role in breathing and swallowing. is irritated, which often accompanies regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems..
Vomiting: Although regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. is not the same as Vomiting, cats that show regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. may occasionally also vomit, especially if they are trying to clear the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). of irritants.

When to see a vet?

It is important to consult a veterinarian if your cat regularly regurgitates food, as this can indicate serious health problems. A veterinary visit is particularly urgent if the cat also shows signs of aspiration pneumonia, such as Cough, shortness of breath, or Fever. Even if the cat is rapidly losing weight or showing signs of Pain on swallowing, prompt action should be taken.

A veterinary visit is also necessary if regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. is accompanied by other symptoms that could indicate a systemic disease, such as lethargy or general weakness. Since regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. can be due to a variety of causes, a professional diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is essential to identify and treat the underlying cause.

Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure

It is important for the pet owner to observe the behavior of the cat closely. RegurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. often occurs shortly after eating, and the expelled food is usually undigested and tubular, as it retains the shape of the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis).. In contrast, vomited food is usually partially digested and accompanied by stomach fluid.

The veterinarian will conduct a thorough medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. and physical examination to distinguish between regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. and Vomiting. An X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. of the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). can be used to identify an obstructionobstruction refers to the blockage or narrowing of a hollow organ or canal, which hinders the normal flow of liquids or gases. In dogs and cats, an obstruction can occur in the digestive tract, airways, or urinary tract and often requires immediate medical treatment. or structural anomalies. If megaesophagus or other functional disorders are suspected, a contrast study may be necessary. EndoscopyEndoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light source and a camera at the end) to examine and visualize the inside of the body, often for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. can also be used to directly examine the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). and take samples for biopsy.

Additionally, blood tests may be performed to rule out systemic diseases that could affect esophageal function. In some cases, a neurological examination may also be necessary to identify possible neurological causes of regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems..

What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options

As a pet owner, you can take some measures to reduce the risk of regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. while waiting for a veterinary diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and therapy. This includes changing the feeding height by elevating the bowls, which uses gravity to help food move into the stomach. Additionally, food can be divided into smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pressure on the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis)..

It is also important to keep the cat in an upright position after eating to minimize the risk of regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. and aspiration. Avoid giving the cat hard or large pieces of food that are more difficult to swallow. Moist or pureed food may be easier to manage. Ensure the cat always has access to fresh water to prevent dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse..

If the cat shows signs of shortness of breath or severe Cough, it should be immediately presented to a veterinarian, as this could indicate aspiration pneumonia, which requires immediate therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions.. Adhering to the veterinarian’s instructions and regularly observing the cat are crucial to improving the cat’s condition and avoiding possible complications.

Outlook on current research

Regurgitation of food, also known as regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems., is a frequently observed symptom in cats that can have various causes. In current veterinary medical research, great emphasis is placed on distinguishing between regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. and Vomiting, as they require different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The distinction is based on how food is expelled, with regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. being a passive process without warning signs such as Nausea or Gagging. Current studies use advanced imaging techniques such as endoscopyEndoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light source and a camera at the end) to examine and visualize the inside of the body, often for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. and X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. with contrast agents to better understand the anatomyAnatomy is the scientific study of the structure of living things. It deals with the construction and organization of organisms, including their systems, organs, and tissues. and function of the upper digestive tract.

Another focus of research is on identifying biomarkers that could help better diagnose the underlying causes of regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems.. Genetic studies in cats with known predispositions to certain anatomical anomalies, such as megaesophagus, offer insights into the genetic factors that could contribute to the development of these symptoms. Researchers are working to reduce the incidenceIncidence refers to the number of new cases of a disease or condition that occur within a specific time period in a specific population group. It provides information about the risk of contracting the disease. of such diseases through targeted breeding programs and genetic tests.

Additionally, research is being conducted in nutritional therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. to understand how special diets can influence the frequency and severity of regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. in cats. Studies focus on the composition of food, including texture and nutrient content, to develop food that is more easily digestible and less likely to be regurgitated. It is also being investigated how feeding techniques, such as elevating the food bowl or more frequent, smaller meals, can reduce the risk of regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems..

In pharmacology, new medications are being researched that specifically aim to reduce regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. by improving esophageal motility or strengthening the function of the lower esophageal sphincterThe esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle at the top and bottom of the esophagus that controls the passage / transit of food and liquid into the stomach and prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.. The development of such medications could play a significant role in the future therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. of cats with chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems..

Ongoing research aims not only to improve diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. options but also to develop preventive strategies. These could contribute in the long term to improving the quality of life for cats with regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. and their owners.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the difference between regurgitation and Vomiting in cats?

Regurgitation is a passive process in which undigested food is expelled from the esophagus, often without warning or effort. Vomiting, on the other hand, is an active process accompanied by Nausea, Gagging, and abdominal contractions.

2. What symptoms often accompany regurgitation in cats?

In addition to the actual regurgitation of food, symptoms such as cough, weight loss or nasal discharge may occur, especially if the food gets into the airways.

3. How can I tell if my cat is suffering from regurgitation?

Look for the appearance of undigested food that resembles the food in the bowl in shape and consistency. It often happens without warning, unlike Vomiting, which is often accompanied by Gagging.

4. What home remedies can help with regurgitation?

There are no specific home remedies, but small, frequent meals and raising the food bowl can help to use gravity to facilitate the transport of food into the stomach.

5. Should I take my cat to the vet if it regurgitates food?

Yes, it is important to consult a veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause and begin appropriate therapy. Chronic regurgitation can lead to serious health problems.

6. Can stress trigger regurgitation in cats?

Yes, stress can affect digestion and lead to an increased likelihood of regurgitation. Stress reduction and a calm environment can help reduce this.

7. How can food selection influence regurgitation?

Special diets with easily digestible ingredients and adapted texture can reduce the risk of regurgitation. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian to make the best food choice.

8. Are there medications that can be helpful for regurgitation?

Yes, there are medications that can improve esophageal motility or strengthen the function of the lower esophageal sphincter. These should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

9. Can regurgitation disappear on its own?

In some cases, especially if triggered by a temporary cause such as stress or a change in diet, it may improve on its own. However, for persistent or frequent cases, a veterinary examination is required.

10. What long-term complications can arise from regurgitation?

Chronic regurgitation can lead to Weight loss, malnutrition, and aspiration pneumonia if food enters the airways. It is important to treat the underlying cause to avoid these complications.