Laryngitis in Cats

Laryngitis in your cat, as in humans, means your pet has lost its voice. In cats, this condition is caused by throat and vocal cord inflammation and is often a symptom of an underlying disease. Our veterinarians in Harlingen explain what you need to know about cat laryngitis, including how to identify it, what can cause it, and how to treat it.

Laryngitis is described as an inflammation of your cat's larynx, also known as the voice box. A number of diseases can cause it. This condition is characterized by your cat's meowing being much weaker than usual.

It may even be uncomfortable or painful for him to "talk." As some cats are more vocal than others, depending on their personality and breed, this condition can be easy or quite difficult to detect, depending on your unique companion.

Cat Laryngitis Symptoms

Besides a quiet meow, laryngitis in cats can cause various symptoms.

The specific symptoms your cat will experience when suffering from laryngitis will depend almost entirely on which condition is causing the inflammation of the vocal tract.

Cat Laryngitis Causes

There could be various reasons for the inflammation around your cat's larynx, including infections, diseases, and physical obstructions. Laryngitis in cats can be caused by a number of factors, such as:

Since the causes of this condition can be quite wide-ranging, it can actually be quite difficult for your veterinarians to pin down its exact cause unless it's pretty obvious.

Diagnosing Cat Laryngitis

Your veterinarian will begin by performing a thorough physical examination of your cat to try to assess the underlying conditions that could potentially be causing your cat's laryngitis.

Next, your veterinarian will recommend diagnostic tests based on their suspicions as to the root cause of the condition. Your veterinarian may perform tests ranging from X-rays and blood tests to endoscopy to look for physical obstructions or tumors.

Cat Laryngitis Treatments

Once your cat has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan tailored to your feline friend's unique needs and situation. Depending on the severity of the condition, injury, or disease-causing your cat's laryngitis, the treatment process can range from a few days' rest to a series of antibiotics, steroids, diuretics, or even invasive treatments such as surgery.

Your vet will also give detailed instructions on how best to care for your cat once it's back home. These instructions will vary according to the underlying cause of the laryngitis. Still, they will often involve increasing the humidity in your cat's environment to prevent his throat from becoming drier and more painful. You can do this by using a humidifier or running warm water in a closed bathroom while your cat relaxes. You can also help your cat breathe easier by wiping its nose with a damp cloth.

Your vet may also recommend changing your cat's diet during recovery. In particular, eating wet food may be beneficial for your cat, as it's not as hard on sore throats as dry food. Vitamin supplements may also be recommended to boost your pet's immune system.

Recovery From Cat Laryngitis

Once your cat has been diagnosed and the underlying cause of his condition identified, the prognosis for the vast majority of cases of laryngitis is quite good.

In cases where the cause of your cat's sore throat is more serious, such as tumors, serious obstructions, or cancer, prompt treatment is essential to help your pet recover. If the cause is serious enough and your cat isn't diagnosed and treated quickly, he may never return to his previous state of health.

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.