What are Laryngitis?
When veterinarians explain laryngitis to pet parents, they tell them that the cat’s larynx or voice box has become inflamed as the result of illness, irritation, a blockage in the throat, or a sudden paralysis of the nerve controlling the laryngeal folds.
Laryngitis in cats may be one sign of several illnesses such as calicivirus or infectious rhinotracheitis. When a cat develops laryngitis, it may lose its meow for a few days. Pet parents may notice other signs, such as a cough, bad breath, or discharge coming from the cat’s eyes and nose. Even though the cat may try to hide signs of illness, it won’t be possible for very long. The cough can become painful. The pet parent may notice the loss of voice almost immediately, especially if the cat is normally communicative.
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Symptoms of Laryngitis in Cats
Symptoms of laryngitis in a cat may make themselves evident fairly quickly, especially if the cat has developed an upper respiratory infection (URI). These symptoms may include:
- Dry, harsh cough that becomes moist and painful
- Lowered head while standing
- Open mouth
- Vocal changes
- Difficulty swallowing
- High-pitched breathing and obvious efforts to inhale
- Noisy breathing
- Bad breath
If the laryngitis is the result of a URI, the pet parent may also notice:
- Watery eyes with discharge
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Loss of Appetite
Causes of Laryngitis in Cats
The causes of laryngitis in cats can range widely from a simple URI or irritant all the way up to an obstruction in the larynx or even a growth that affects the movements of the vocal cords. This condition is vague enough that it can be difficult for vets to determine the exact cause of the cat’s lost voice:
- URI (upper respiratory infection, calicivirus or infectious rhinotracheitis)
- Inhaled irritant, such as smoke or dust
- Obstruction in the larynx
- Object lodged in the throat
- Paralysis of laryngeal nerve
- Hyperthyroidism
- Growth in the throat (benign, cancerous, or eosinophilic granuloma complex)
- Throat cancer
Sometimes, cats lose their meows for unknown reasons. Here, pet parents need to watch their cats for other, more troubling symptoms. If the underlying cause is mild, the cat should have its voice back within a few days.
Diagnosis of Laryngitis in Cats
When a cat comes into the vetcare office with laryngitis, the veterinarian performs a head-to-tail physical on the cat. A significant part of the exam might include an endoscopic examination of the larynx, which means the cat will need to be anesthetized. X-rays may also be performed to try and determine if a mass or growth is causing the problem.
Treatment of Laryngitis in Cats
Once the vet has diagnosed laryngitis, as well as its cause, they will begin treating the cat’s signs. For a buildup of fluid in the larynx, the cat will take a diuretic medication. This can also help with any fluid buildup in the lungs, if this has contributed to the cat’s laryngitis.
When a cat has a sore throat along with laryngitis, it’s hard to swallow, much less eat or drink. A mild pain medication can help the cat to swallow more easily, which means it will be able to eat and make a faster return to good health.
Foreign bodies stuck in the cat’s throat are removed, which allows the larynx to return to normal. When this happens, the cat will soon begin to meow audibly again.
When an eosinophilic granuloma forms, the cat’s immune system releases substances that should fight an invasion of parasites. These substances induce an allergic response, such as swelling and inflammation of the cat’s throat. A course of steroids might allow the granuloma to disappear, unless it has become infected. In that case, the cat also needs antibiotic medication.
At home, the pet parent can increase the humidity inside with a humidifier, running hot water in a closed bathroom and keeping the house warm (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.). Cleaning the cat’s nose with a soft, damp washcloth helps it to breathe more easily.
Veterinarians may recommend diet changes or adding supplements to the cat’s food to strengthen its immune system and help fight viral illness.
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Recovery of Laryngitis in Cats
Once the cause of the cat’s laryngitis has been identified, prescribed treatments and simple at-home care should allow it to return to full health. If the cat had a URI, once the symptoms have resolved, the cat should have a good recovery.
If the cat has an obstruction caused by a tumor or eosinophilic granuloma complex, this needs to be treated immediately. A tumor can be cancerous and, if caught early, the cat may have a good prognosis.
If the larynx is severely obstructed, immediate treatment is necessary so that the cat has a chance of recovery. If the cause of the obstruction isn’t detected and removed immediately, the cat may not recover.
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Laryngitis Average Cost
From 325 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
Top
Laryngitis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
domestic short hair
Four Years
42 found this helpful
42 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My cats voice sounds like it’s really raspy at the moment, it happened after he vomited. He is eating and drinking fine at the moment and bowel movements are normal. He seems as if he is struggling to swallow though.
Dec. 13, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
42 Recommendations
The struggling to swallow is a concern.
There are a few possibilities such as laryngitis, an upper respiratory tract infection, a foreign body (such as a grass blade) etc.
Given what you have said, it would be best to have him examined by a vet. He may well need medicine such as anti inflammatories.
I would feed wet food rather than dry as it can be easier to swallow.
Dec. 13, 2020
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cat
Three Years
23 found this helpful
23 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Meow
My cat abruptly lost her voice, without any other symptoms. She literally was fine this morning and within a couple hours. She still hasn't any other symptoms. I don't know what to do.
Dec. 12, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
23 Recommendations
Hello, SO sorry to hear that your cat is having issues. This could be an infection in her throat or injury keeping her from meowing. If she is coughing or not eating, it would be best for your vet to look at her and make sure everything is okay. If she is acting okay she may be just fine just not wanting to meow right now.
Dec. 12, 2020
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domestic short hair
four months
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bad Breath, Tries To Meow But Nothing Comes Out
Do I need to take her to a vet. She was just fixed and examined by a vet and I've had her less then a week. Could stress of a new home or the tube in her throat from being fixed be the problem or could it be worse. She plays has no fever acts fine eats and drinks fine
Dec. 10, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
5 Recommendations
Hello, this could be all from the surgery but could be something more. It would be a best for your vet to examine your cat just to be for sure. Since she is eating and acting normal she should be able to wait until tomorrow when your vet is open again.
Dec. 10, 2020
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cat
7 Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cough& Raspy Meow
What can I do to help my cat. He's been going outside lately during this cold weather and now he has a easy meow and a cough
Nov. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
5 Recommendations
Couhhing is not normal, despite weather.
Potential causes include a respiratory infection, asthma or lungworm.
Your cat needs to see a vet so the most appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
Nov. 24, 2020
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domestic short hair or domestic brown Tiger
Twelve Years
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Voice Change
He has No other symptoms and no signs of trauma, he's an indoor cat with no other animals in the house, He was fine Wednesday the 11th of November when we went on vacation and on Monday the 16th his meow sounded a bit hoarse.
Nov. 17, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
8 Recommendations
Thank you for this reply.
A voice change can have a few causes including polyps (non cancerous growths), laryngitis, an upper respiratory tract infection, cancer etc.
It would be best to have him examined and he may well need some prescription medicine such as anti-inflammatories.
Nov. 17, 2020
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tabby
Leeloo
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Occasional Vomiting
Hoarse Voice
Gagging/Swallowing
Slightly Watery Eyes
Leeloo is an indoor/outdoor cat living in countryside environment. She was exposed to heavy rain 6 days ago. Her meow went raspy 4 days ago and began to lessen every day and now she barely can be heard.
Since I first noticed her meow going hoarse, she has been trying to swallow something that comes up to her mouth. I am not sure if there is anything in her mouth but it looks like there might be some liquid (like saliva) and she swallows it. This has been happening since the first day I noticed her meow going hoarse. I saw her vomiting two times with some liquid. However, when she gags for vomiting, usually there is nothing comes out.
She eats dry food but not much canned food. She drinks water. In the first day, I tried to give her treat biscuits in the first day but she didn't eat. Today she had two.
Her eyes are slightly watery, her nose is dry but I don't think the temperature is too high.
I don't let her go outdoors and except eating and drinking, she mostly sleeps and otherwise she wants to go outdoors and stand in front of the door.
I am thinking of observing her a couple of days more and if nothing improves with her voice or swallowing action, I will take her a vet. Do you think this is a good idea or should I take her ASAP?
Thanks in advance,
Burak
grey tabby
Tommy Meow
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Raspy Breathing
No Voice
Doesn'T Want To Be Touched
My cat can't meow. He just opens his mouth and no sound comes out. His eyes don't have much discharge in them. He is sleeping more often and his eating and drinking haven't change. His breathing has sounded a little raspy and he doesn't want to be touched. What should I do?
Laryngitis Average Cost
From 325 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
