Megaesophagus in cats causes regurgitation, malnutrition, and serious aspiration pneumonia risk, requiring intensive management to maintain quality of life.
Megaesophagus creates a profound welfare challenge. The cat experiences persistent hunger despite feeding, progressive weight loss, and the distress of repeated regurgitation. The intensive management required — upright feeding multiple times daily, monitoring for respiratory signs, frequent veterinary visits — places significant demands on owners. The welfare of the cat depends entirely on owner commitment and the capacity to identify and manage aspiration pneumonia rapidly when it occurs. For cats whose quality of life cannot be maintained despite maximal management, euthanasia is a compassionate option.