TL;DR: Regurgitation is the passive expulsion of undigested food and is generally a medium-priority concern that requires veterinary attention if it occurs frequently or is accompanied by weight loss.
What is the difference between regurgitation and vomiting in my cat?
Regurgitation is the passive expulsion of undigested food or liquid from the esophagus. Unlike vomiting, which is an active process involving abdominal heaving and nausea, regurgitation often happens suddenly and without warning. The food often looks exactly as it did when it was in the bowl, sometimes formed into a cylindrical shape.
When should I consider my cat's regurgitation a medical emergency?
- The urgency level for sudden or frequent regurgitation is Medium.
- While a single episode might just be a result of eating too quickly (often called "scarf and barf"), chronic regurgitation can lead to malnutrition or aspiration pneumonia.
- Contact a veterinarian if this occurs more than once a week or if your cat is losing weight.
How can taking a photo help with my cat's triage and diagnosis?
- A clear picture helps your veterinarian determine the difference between regurgitation and vomiting.
- Visual evidence allows the vet to evaluate the color, consistency, and presence of bile.
- A photo helps narrow down if the medical issue is located in the throat or the stomach.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Regurgitation immediately after eating in cats can be attributed to several causes, including congenital or acquired megaesophagus. For megaesophagus, the consistency of diet that best prevents regurgitation varies; a soft gruel, dry food, or canned food formed into a meatball shape may be suitable. Frequent, small meals are recommended, and feeding from an elevated position with the forelimbs higher than the hindlimbs, maintained for 10-15 minutes after eating, can assist food passage into the stomach.
Chapter: Gastroenterology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 390)