Why My Cat’s Meow Is Weak and Raspy? Causes and Treatment

If you are a cat owner, you love hearing your furry friend’s meows and purrs. But you have your back if you notice anytime: my cat’s meow is weak and raspy or even disappears altogether. It could be a sign of laryngitis, a condition that affects the cat’s voice box. 

Laryngitis in cats can have various causes, ranging from mild to severe. It can affect your cat’s breathing, swallowing, and appetite. The following article will explain laryngitis, its causes, and how to treat it.

Laryngitis in Cats

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx, commonly known as the voice box. The larynx is located at the back of the throat and produces sounds, such as meows. It helps regulate airflow to the lungs and prevents aspiration.

When the larynx becomes inflamed, it can cause changes in your cat’s voice, such as weakness and loss of voice. It can also cause pain, irritation, coughing, and difficulty swallowing.

The Causes of Cat Laryngitis

There are many possible causes of laryngitis in cats, some of which are more common than others.

Here are some of the most frequent ones:

Voice Overuse

Like humans, cats can strain their vocal cords by meowing too much. This can happen when they are stressed, anxious, and bored. Excessive meowing can cause swelling and irritation of the larynx, leading to a raspy voice.

Upper Respiratory Infection

Viral infections that impact the nose, throat, and eyes are upper respiratory infections. Expected symptoms of allergies are sneezing, a runny nose, and loss of appetite. They can also cause discharge in the larynx, resulting in a hoarse meow.

Nasopharyngeal Polyps

These benign growths originate from the lining of the middle ear and the back of the throat. Nasopharyngeal polyps can grow into the nasal cavity and irritate. They can cause symptoms such as snoring, noisy breathing, and voice changes.

Trapped Foreign Body

Sometimes, cats can swallow objects stuck in their throat. This can happen when they play with toys, grass, and string. A foreign body can cause infection, bleeding, and ulceration in the larynx. It can also cause symptoms such as choking and voice loss.

Laryngeal Nerve Paralysis

This rare condition affects the nerve that controls the movement of the laryngeal muscles. When this nerve is impaired, it can cause the laryngeal muscles to relax and collapse inward. It can obstruct the airway and make breathing difficult for your cat.

Signs and Symptoms of Laryngitis in Cats

The main sign of laryngitis in cats is a change in their voice. Depending on the severity and cause of the inflammation, your cat may have a weak, silent meow. You may also notice other signs related to their throat and respiratory system.

• Dry cough
• Lowered head position
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Noisy breathing
• Open mouth breathing
• Less active than normal
• Bad breath

If your cat has any of these signs, you should take them to see your veterinarian. Laryngitis can be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention. It can also affect your cat’s quality of life and well-being.

Treating Cats With Laryngitis

The treatment for laryngitis in cats depends on the underlying cause, inflammation severity, and overall health. Your vet will examine your cat, ask about its history and symptoms, and perform tests to diagnose the cause.

The tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Swabs of the nose, throat, or eyes 
• X-rays of the throat and chest
• Direct visualization of the larynx using

Your vet will prescribe the appropriate treatment for your cat based on the diagnosis. It may include:

• Medications, such as anti-inflammatories, diuretics, or antibiotics
• Surgery to remove a foreign body or a mass in the larynx
• Humidification of the air to soothe the throat and ease breathing
• Rest and quiet to avoid further strain on the vocal cords
• Soft or moist food to avoid irritation of the throat
• Hydration to prevent dehydration and thin the mucus
• Supplements to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation

In most cases, laryngitis in cats is a temporary condition that resolves within a few days and weeks with proper treatment and care. However, some cats may have chronic laryngitis that requires long-term management and monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can cat laryngitis go away on its own?

Some cases of mild laryngitis in cats may go away without treatment. But you should contact your vet if you notice any changes in your cat’s voice. It is because laryngitis can indicate an underlying condition that needs medical attention. This can also affect your cat’s breathing, swallowing, and appetite.

Is cat laryngitis severe?

Laryngitis in cats can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause and your cat’s overall health. Mild laryngitis may only cause a slight change in your cat’s voice. In contrast, severe laryngitis may cause complete loss of voice. Severe laryngitis can be life-threatening if it obstructs the airway. 

What is the immediate remedy for laryngitis?

There is no specific home remedy for laryngitis in cats, as it requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment. However, you can help your cat feel more comfortable and recover faster by following these tips:

• Keep your cat in a warm, humid environment to soothe their throat and ease their breathing.
• Avoid exposing your cat to irritants like smoke, dust, and chemicals that can worsen laryngeal inflammation.
• Provide your cat with plenty of fresh water to keep them hydrated and thin their mucus.
• Offer your cat soft food that is easy to swallow and does not irritate their throat.
• Encourage your cat to rest and avoid excessive meowing that can strain their vocal cords.
• Follow your vet’s instructions regarding medications and herbs to help reduce infection in your cat’s larynx.

How long does laryngitis last in cats?

The duration of laryngitis in cats depends on the cause, the severity of the inflammation, and your cat’s response to treatment. In general, mild cases of laryngitis may resolve within a few days and weeks with proper care and rest.

However, some cases of laryngitis may last longer or recur frequently if an underlying condition causes chronic larynx inflammation.

How do I know if my cat has a sore throat?

A sore throat is one of the possible symptoms of laryngitis in cats. However, it can also be caused by other conditions that affect the throat, such as tonsillitis, esophagitis, and oral ulcers.

Some signs that your cat may have a sore throat include:

• Change/loss of voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Drooling
• Gagging
• Coughing
• Lowered head position
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Bad breath

Suppose you suspect that your cat has a sore throat. In that case, you should take them to your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

Conclusion

Laryngitis in cats is a condition that affects their voice box. It can cause changes in their voice. It can also cause other symptoms related to their throat and respiratory system, such as coughing. 

Laryngitis in cats can have various causes, ranging from mild to severe. The treatment for laryngitis in cats will depend on the underlying reason, the severity of the inflammation, and your cat’s overall health.

We hope this blog post has been valuable and informative in solving your query: My cat’s meow is weak and raspy.