Your usually vocal cat suddenly struggles to find their voice. They open their mouths, but either nothing comes out at all, or all they’re able to muster is a quiet, raspy meow; what gives? They could be dealing with feline laryngitis. Read on to learn more.

Can Cats Get Laryngitis?

Yes, cats can absolutely get laryngitis. Just as with humans, this condition is marked by a cat’s inability to vocalize or a quieter/raspier/different voice than usual. Laryngitis can make it uncomfortable or even painful for them to meow, which can be quite startling if you’re used to having conversations with your kitty all day.

What Is Cat Laryngitis?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. It can be caused by many different things, including infectious diseases, inhaled irritants, growths, or blockages. Although it is not a well-studied condition in cats, as with humans, it is possible  that cat laryngitis can also be caused by the overuse of the vocal cords.

What Can I Do for My Cat With Laryngitis?

Treatment for feline laryngitis will be dependent upon the underlying cause of the condition. Your veterinarian will need to run some tests to determine what’s causing your pet’s laryngitis and will develop a treatment plan based on the cause.

A good way to help your cat feel more comfortable as they recover is to use a humidifier in your home. Increasing the moisture in the air will help ensure your cat’s throat doesn’t get drier and more painful. Either type of humidifier (cool or warm mist) can be effective.

As with any other health condition, close observation is important. Keep a watchful eye on your kitty to see if further signs develop. Contact your vet if you notice any out-of-the-ordinary behavior or if concerning signs develop.

Should I Take My Cat to the Vet?

Part of being a responsible pet owner is responding to changes in your cat’s health or behavior. Laryngitis can be a sign of several more serious conditions, so it’s not a bad idea to have your kitty evaluated by your veterinary team to rule out other potential issues.

We always recommend erring on the side of caution when it comes to the health of our pets, especially because cats are excellent at hiding any signs of illness. By the time they start exhibiting behaviors that indicate they’re unwell, they may have been sick for some time already.

If inflammation is to blame, your vet may simply instruct you to monitor your cat closely at home and try at-home remedies. However, if your vet determines a different cause for your cat’s laryngitis, they’ll be able to get them started on a treatment plan right away.

Final Thoughts

Cat laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx (or voice box). It can be caused by many different things, including infections, inhaled irritants, health conditions, or growths. The signs of the condition and recommended treatment plan will vary depending on the underlying cause. While something as simple as overusing their voice can cause laryngitis, we always recommend erring on the side of caution and speaking to your veterinary team about your cat’s condition. If there is something more serious behind your cat’s laryngeal inflammation, the sooner you can catch it, the better.

Featured Image Credit: Oscar Wiedemeijer, Shutterstock