Feline Acid Reflux Symptoms

Feline acid reflux is a chronic disease in which there is a constant irritation of the cat's esophagus, the tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach, caused by a backing up of gastric and intestinal fluids. These fluids are highly irritating and can injure and scar the esophagus. This condition is often referred to as "esophagitis," and if it goes undiagnosed, it can lead to the development of cancer cells in the esophagus. Being aware of the symptoms of feline acid reflux and getting early medical intervention will improve your cat's chances for recovery and a healthy life.

  1. Loss of Appetite

    • Feline acid reflux can cause a loss of appetite due to the pain caused by the chronic irritation from gastric and digestive juices backing up into the esophagus. This loss of appetite can lead to weight loss if not addressed.

    Excessive Gulping

    • Gulping is the cat's way of trying to swallow the gastric and digestive fluids that are backing up into the cat's esophagus and mouth. These fluids are highly irritating, and so the cat attempts to "gulp" them down.

    Coughing and Vomiting

    • Coughing, vomiting and gagging can be symptoms of feline acid reflux, especially as the condition worsens. These symptoms may indicate that the cat's throat has become very irritated from the chronic reflux of digestive acids.