Has your kitty's meow been reduced to a squeak, scratchy rasp, or complete silence? They could have come down with a sore throat, or even laryngitis. In this blog post, our vets in Bonita Springs share more information about laryngitis in cats, including symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Can a cat get laryngitis?
The larynx, also known as the voicebox, has several important functions in cats, including enabling them to make sounds. A health issue with a cat's larynx can affect its ability to meow.
Laryngitis in cats occurs when their larynx becomes inflamed due to irritation, illness, or a blockage in the throat.
What causes laryngitis in cats?
Cat laryngitis is often the result of infectious diseases, such as upper respiratory infections (otherwise known as a cat cold or URI), calicivirus, or rhinotracheitis. However, there are a number of other conditions that can cause your cat to lose their voice, including:
- Inhaled irritants, such as smoke or dust
- Blockage in the larynx
- Object lodged in the throat
- Paralysis of laryngeal nerve
- Hyperthyroidism
- Eosinophilic granuloma complex
- Throat cancer
What are the most common symptoms of cat laryngitis?
The signs and symptoms of laryngitis that your cat displays will vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include:
- Changes in your cat's vocalizations
- Bad breath
- Lowered head while standing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dry, harsh cough that may be painful
- Noisy breathing
- Open mouth
- High-pitched breathing
- Increased effort to breathe
If your cat's laryngitis is being caused by a virus or cold, you may also notice symptoms such as:
- Watery eyes
- Discharge from eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of energy
It's important to remember that a sore throat could also lead to difficulties breathing and an inability to eat, both of which are symptoms that deserve emergency veterinary care.
What are treatment options for cat laryngitis?
Many a kitty owner has come to us asking, "My cat has laryngitis. How can you treat it?"
Treatment for your cat's laryngitis will depend on the underlying cause.
A diuretic may be prescribed if your vet detects fluid buildup in the larynx. If your kitty shows signs of pain, your vet may prescribe a mild painkiller to help your cat feel better.
If a foreign body is lodged in your cat's throat, surgery may or may not be required to remove the object.
If your cat's loss of vocalizations has been caused by eosinophilic granuloma (which is rare, but can happen), your kitty may be treated for parasites since this condition is often an exaggerated immune response to insect bites. Corticosteroids or steroids may also be prescribed.
An excellent way to help your cat feel more comfortable as it recovers from laryngitis is to run a humidifier at home and gently clean away any eye or nasal discharge from its face using a soft, damp cloth. Boosting your cat's immune system through improved diet and supplements may also be recommended.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.