5 Reasons Your Cat May Be Regurgitating and Tips to Help

Unfortunately, most cat owners experience it. And it's not exactly uncommon.

For accurate diagnosis and solutions, contact us.

The difference between regurgitation and vomiting for cats

Cats regurgitating and vomiting are two different things. 

Regurgitating occurs when a cat hasn't managed to get their food down fully and start digesting. It's an unconscious action in which the undigested food can be expelled from the oesophagus. 

In other words, the food didn't quite make it down, and your cat coughed it back up.

Some ways to tell the difference between regurgitation and vomiting for cats are:

• It will occur immediately or soon after eating

• The regurgitated food doesn't look digested

• There are small amounts of water or saliva with the regurgitated food

• Symptoms like nausea and abdominal contractions do not accompany it

Another straightforward way to tell is by watching your cat. If they're regurgitating, they will often lower their heads to dispel the food from their mouth more easily.

6 Reasons your cat regurgitates after eating and ways to help

For the most accurate help, you should always seek assistance. An accurate diagnosis is the first step to better health for your pet.

1) They're eating too quickly

To stop your cat from eating too fast, try using a food bowl with a larger surface area. 

Some owners choose to feed their cats with slow feeders, which you can find at most pet shops across the Gold Coast. 

You can also try an old dinner plate or baking tray that you don't use anymore. But, make sure that you clean it thoroughly before giving it to your cat.

Before choosing your new feeder, you could contact us to ensure your chosen product will work for your cat.

2) They're eating too much food

Try feeding your cat smaller amounts of food, or use smaller pieces that are easier to swallow.

3) The food may be too cold

Feeding your cat something like a refrigerated pet mince could cause regurgitation if it's too cold.

You can bring the temperature down quickly by putting the portion into a small zip-lock or plastic bag and submerging it in room temperature water for a minute or two before serving.

4) They feel stressed or anxious

Your cats regurgitating habit could be caused by its emotions, or more specifically, its nerves. 

To help, try moving your cat's food bowl to less populated areas without foot traffic so that they can eat more peacefully without worrying about someone walking into them. 

If your cat eats with other pets, you could also try feeding them separately.

5) They're drinking too much water immediately after eating

If your cat chokes or regurgitates after drinking water, it could be because it drank too much straight after eating. It could also be because of the temperature of the water. 

Try pouring room temperature water for your cat instead of chilled and space the water bowl a small distance from the food bowl (less than one metre).

6) They're struggling to chew their food

Kibbles and dry foods can get stuck in the throat or roof of cats mouths, particularly in older cats. 

If you think your pet is struggling to chew its food properly, you should determine if there are dental concerns that may be treatable.

How often is too often for cats to regurgitate?

While cats regurgitating and coughing isn't uncommon, you shouldn't expect your pet to repeat more than once a week or even fortnightly. 

If you notice that your pet has a regurgitation habit, you should contact your vet for a diagnosis and accurate advice. 

If the following symptoms accompany regurgitation, then contact your vet straight away: 

• Lethargy

• Sudden or extreme weight loss

• Change in behaviour like loss of appetite or disinterest in favourite activities

• Blood in regurgitated matter

Regurgitation isn’t uncommon for cats, however, if it’s happening often or other symptoms are present, it could be a sign of other health problems.