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
Ojos Azules
Five Months
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Hoarse Voice And Liquid Stool
1) My cat is already pregnant and she’s just no more than 1 year old. She’s very near to give birth, what should I do??
2) she currently has a hoarse voice and her poos are diarrhea-like (liquidish), what should I do?
Thanks
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Cats who are very near to giving birth can be affected by intestinal parasites, and your cat may need to be dewormed. The best thing to do would be to have a Veterinary Examination for your cat before she has the kittens, so that she can be treated for worms if needed, and they can make sure that she is healthy to raise the kittens. It is very difficult to take a cat into the veterinary once they have kittens, so having that done sooner rather than later would be a good idea. There are many videos online about birth in cats, and watching a few of those would be a good idea so that you know what to expect. I hope that all goes well.
Sept. 29, 2020
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Mixed breed
Approximately 1
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Wet Under Mouth, Sneezing, Sleeping A Lot, Loss Of Appetite
My cat has been hiding & sleeping a lot the past couple days & doesn’t come when called. I can’t get her to eat, & I don’t think she’s drinking water, I haven’t seen her drink any but I’m also not at home the entire day to monitor her. She’s got some wetness under her mouth & her mouth smells. She’s also been sneezing a lot, as well as vomiting occasionally.
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Your cat sounds very sick, and needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Young cats are susceptible to parasites, intestinal infections, or foreign bodies. They will be able to examine her and see what's going on, and let you know what treatment she needs so that she can feel better. I hope she is okay.
Oct. 3, 2020
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Short hair feline
Eleven Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Hoars Voice
What is causing his hoars voice
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. You cat may have a hoarse voice if he is meowing more than normal, or if he has a viral or bacterial infection affecting his throat. If this problem is not improving, it would be a good idea to have him seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine him and see if he needs any therapy.
I hope that all goes well for him!
Oct. 5, 2020
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Stray
Three Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating And Acts Like Something Is Stuck In Her Throat But Has No Breathing Problems
My cat suddenly stopped eating and I think she has a sore throat. I adopted a new stray kitten and she was poisoned (now recovered) and my older cat continuously licked it while she was sick . My older cat also meowed a lot during that time. And now, I think she has a problem in her throat.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 21, 2020
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Tabby
Three Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
I heard one of my cats coughing twice in 24 hours and his voice has short raspy spells that aren't frequent. Could this be a seasonal change?
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
It may be seasonal allergies, but there may be more going on. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 22, 2020
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dsh
Jewel
3 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Cracky Voice
Low Meow
Hi There! Last Aug 10, we adopted Jewel. She was 13 weeks when we got her. Aug 12 she was hot already, and ate not much. Aug 13, she didn’t eat on her own so Force feed her and also gave her water via syringe. Aug 14, went to the dr. And she had fever and infection due to her spayed incision and maybe on the same day they gave her vaccine so they gave us amoxicillin good for 7 days. After 3 days she got better and until now she is awesome. But then I have notice when ahe is meowing its so weak or sometimes cracky or hoarse can’t describe it but i think thats the right word. But her appetite is good and she is active
domestic medium hair
Mr Pickles
14 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lack Of Appetite
Mr Pickles is 14 years old. He started off with a cough for two days and now has no voice at all. The week this happened he had a full panel blood work that was perfect and his booster shots. The same week I brought home a kitten who was vaccinated and had the ac unit changed out that caused a little dust. He also had a long fall/jump off of the loft. He had an exray that was normal. He is not doing any of his normal activities like following me around or sleeping with me it’s very sad and I’m worried his breathing is wheezy. Advice please
Laryngitis Average Cost
From 325 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
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