If your cat's voice sounds hoarse or they seem to be losing their voice, your kitty might have laryngitis. Cat laryngitis is usually caused by inflammation of the throat and vocal cords, and it can lead to a painful cough if left untreated.

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about cat laryngitis, including what causes a cat to lose their voice, the symptoms you may observe, and common treatment options.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cat laryngitis is characterized by larynx inflammation, resulting in changes to a cat's voice.
  • Treatment for cat laryngitis may include medication for infections and inflammation and, in some cases, surgery to remove foreign objects.
  • Seek veterinary care if you notice symptoms to ensure your cat's well-being.

What Is Cat Laryngitis?

Cat laryngitis occurs when a cat's larynx (voice box) becomes inflamed, resulting in changes to their voice. However, it's important to note that similar symptoms can indicate an upper respiratory tract infection or calicivirus (FCV), necessitating a veterinarian's evaluation.

Signs & Symptoms of Cat Laryngitis

When your cat has laryngitis, their voice becomes raspy, weak, and hoarse. However, the same symptoms could also mean your cat has an upper respiratory tract infection or calicivirus (FCV), so it's important to get them checked by a veterinarian.

Here's an overview of the common symptoms of an inflamed larynx in a cat:

Hoarse or loss of voice

Loss of voice in cats is one of the most apparent laryngitis symptoms. Their meows may become raspy, hoarse, or even completely absent.

Loss of appetite

Cats with laryngitis may appear less active and show a reduced interest in food due to the discomfort associated with swallowing.

Painful dry cough

Laryngitis in cats may develop into a dry, hacking cough. This cough is often associated with irritation in the throat and can be uncomfortable.

Open-mouth breathing

Cats with laryngitis may resort to open-mouth breathing due to the inflammation in their larynx and throat that makes it challenging for them to breathe through their nose. By keeping their mouth open, they can take in more air.

Difficulty breathing

Along with high-pitched breathing, your feline friend may exhibit signs of struggling to inhale properly. They may take rapid, shallow breaths or appear to make an extra effort to draw in the air while having upper respiratory infections.

Difficulty swallowing

Voice loss in cats can be due to irritation and inflammation in the throat, making swallowing uncomfortable. You may notice your feline friend hesitating before swallowing or stretching their neck in an attempt to relieve pain in their sore throat while swallowing.

High-pitched breathing sounds

When a cat has laryngitis, the upper respiratory infection can interfere with the smooth flow of air during inhalation. This obstruction can lead to a high-pitched or wheezing sound as the cat breathes.

Decreased activity or energy level

Discomfort, pain, and breathing difficulties can cause your cat to be less active. For example, when inflammation in the larynx restricts the air passages, it makes breathing more challenging. This can result in decreased oxygen intake and fatigue, resulting in fatigue. 

Bad breath

When your feline friend has an upper respiratory tract infection, you might notice a distinct, unpleasant odor when they breathe or yawn.

Read more about Cat Dental Care to prevent bad breath

Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?

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Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?

Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?

1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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What Causes Cat Laryngitis?

There are several potential causes for a cat to lose their voice:

  • Viral illness (cat cold) and bacterial infections are common culprits. Infections such as calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, or bacterial infections can lead to inflammation and irritation of the larynx, resulting in your feline friend getting laryngitis.
  • Exposure to irritants and allergens can trigger your cat's immune system, leading to respiratory and larynx inflammation.
  • An object lodged in the cat's throat can also cause prolonged irritation or pressure on the larynx, indirectly contributing to feline laryngitis.

Other causes of a cat losing its voice include voice box nerve paralysis (or other forms of throat paralysis), hyperthyroidism, and throat cancer or benign tumors.

Diagnosing Cat Laryngitis

When your veterinarian examines your feline friend, they will conduct a thorough physical examination of your cat and look for signs of inflammation. They will also ask about the specific symptoms you have observed in your cat, as this information helps to narrow down potential causes and determine the severity of laryngitis.

Depending on the case, your veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostics to confirm the underlying cause of your cat's laryngitis.

Cat Laryngitis Treatment

After a careful evaluation, the underlying cause and severity of the condition will determine the appropriate treatment options for cat laryngitis. The veterinarian may prescribe appropriate medications for viral or bacterial infections and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

If the cause of the cat's laryngitis is a foreign body lodged in the throat, surgery may be recommended. Once the object has been removed and the inflammation has subsided, your feline friend will be vocal again.

Home Remedies for Cat Laryngitis

When it comes to laryngitis in cats, treatment mostly focuses on reducing inflammation of the larynx. However, there are also things pet parents can do at home to support their furry friend's healing process:

  • Boost your cat's immunity through an improved diet and supplements to help them recover faster.
  • Laryngitis gets worse in dry air, so run a humidifier or steam shower at home to moisten the air.
  • Clean eye and nasal discharge using a damp cloth.
  • Offer wet food (canned). Hard foods, such as kibble, can irritate the throat.

Prevention of Cat Laryngitis

Preventing a cat's sore throat might not be entirely possible. However, there are measures you can take to minimize the risks. Here's what you can do:

  • Vaccinate. Ensure your cat is up to date on vaccinations to protect against common viral respiratory infections.
  • Maintain a clean living space. Regularly clean your home to reduce the accumulation of dust, mold, and other potential irritants.
  • Avoid smoking around your cat. Smoke can irritate the delicate tissues in the throat and contribute to respiratory issues.
  • Schedule regular veterinary checkups. Regular wellness/preventative care visits can help detect any signs of respiratory issues, allow for prompt treatment, and ensure your cat's overall health.

 

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Conclusion

Cat laryngitis is a condition that causes discomfort and voice changes in cats. To ensure your feline companion is healthy and happy, take preventive measures such as vaccinations, regular medical checks, and maintaining a clean living space. Contact your veterinarian whenever you notice hoarse meowing in your cat or detect changes in their behavior.

With timely veterinary care, you can help ensure the well-being of your furry friends and reduce the impact of cat laryngitis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cat laryngitis go away on its own?

Mild cases of cat laryngitis may resolve on their own without specific treatment. However, although the symptoms may improve over time, the underlying cause may persist.

How long do cats have laryngitis?

If your kitty's laryngitis is caused by a viral infection, it may last three or four days. However, you should schedule a veterinary visit as the underlying cause needs veterinary attention.

Is cat laryngitis fatal?

Laryngitis is not considered a fatal condition. However, if left untreated, it may progress to a cough, or the underlying cause may affect your cat's overall health.

What is the cat laryngitis recovery time?

Recovery time depends on the cause and severity of laryngitis.

Is cat laryngitis contagious?

Depending on the cause, laryngitis can be spread to other cats, Laryngitis caused by calicivirus is highly contagious.