Help! My Cat Lost Its Voice!
Because cats are such vocal creatures, the loss of their meow can be worrying. Your cat may have lost its voice because of overmeowing, respiratory infections, throat irritation, stress, or vocal cord strain. Laryngitis, or inflammation of the larynx, is one of the main causes, and in some cases, the root cause may be serious and need veterinary care. Below, I’ll explain several ways you can help your cat regain its voice and feel healthier.
What Is Laryngitis in Cats?
Laryngitis in cats is an inflammation of the larynx (also known as the voice box). Several different conditions may cause it, as illustrated in the table below:
Possible Causes of Laryngitis in Cats
- Infections (upper respiratory infections, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis)
- Inhaled irritants (dust, smoke, irritating gas)
- Foreign object lodged in the throat
- Paralysis of the laryngeal nerve
- Hyperthyroidism
- Growth in the throat (benign or malignant)
- Eosinophilic granuloma complex
- Throat cancer
- Trauma or excessive meowing
Signs and Symptoms of Feline Laryngitis
- Change in vocalization or complete loss of voice
- Dry and harsh coughing
- Noisy breathing
- Lowered head while standing
- Open mouth breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- High-pitched breathing
- Increased effort to breathe
- Bad breath
- Watery eyes
- Discharge from the eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of energy or lethargy
- Hyper-excitability
How to Help Your Cat if It Loses Its Voice
When a cat loses its voice, it can be a worrying situation for cat owners. Assuming the source of the condition is not serious, your cat should soon have its voice restored in a matter of days (1). Some caring ways to help a cat suffering from laryngitis include running a humidifier, boosting their immune system, and offering appropriate pain relief.
1. Run a Humidifier at Home
Running a humidifier at home helps keep the environment more comfortable and can help with the recovery process. Because laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, it can cause hoarseness as well as loss of voice (2).
A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which will help soothe your cat’s inflamed vocal cords. There are two main types of humidifiers: cool mist and warm mist, both of which are equally effective. You can also run a hot bath or shower in the bathroom and let your cat relax in there with the door closed—a simple but highly effective way to make the environment more humid.
2. Wipe Away Eye or Nasal Discharge From Your Cat’s Face
Clean your cat’s eye or nasal discharge gently using a damp cloth.
- Vets recommend using a warm, not cold, damp cloth to remove the discharge, as doing this can help soothe a cat’s sensitive eyes and nose.
- It’s best to clean the area at least twice a day to keep it fresh and comfortable (3).
Source: Photo by Александар Цветановић
3. Boost Your Cat’s Immune System
Recovering a cat’s lost voice through diet and supplements can be a very beneficial way to help their body fight off infection and recover faster.
A diet rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, proteins, and amino acids is necessary to keep your cat healthy. Adding quality supplements, including probiotics, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants, can also help support their immune system.
However, it is worth pointing out that cats can be sensitive to sudden changes in their diet. Therefore, it is a good idea to transition slowly from one food to another. Please consult your local vet first for advice on which supplements to choose.
4. Offer Pain Relief
As cats naturally try to hide or mask their pain symptoms, it is helpful to be able to recognize when they are in pain and provide relief accordingly.
It is never safe to administer over-the-counter human pain relievers to cats. Human NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, as well as acetaminophen (Tylenol), are highly toxic to cats and can be fatal (4). Cats have deficient glucuronidation capabilities and are at greater risk of toxicity from many drugs (5).
Only your veterinarian should prescribe pain medication for your cat. They may recommend veterinary-approved NSAIDs like robenacoxib (Onsior) or meloxicam for short-term use, or other appropriate pain relief options (6).
You might also consider omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine as supplements to support your cat’s overall health. Other effective treatments for cat pain include heat/ice therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, and massage.
It is always best to check with your veterinarian about what kind of pain relief is most appropriate for your pet.
5. Observe Your Cat Closely
If your cat lost its voice, observing them closely and watching for further symptoms is your top priority.
An underlying condition, such as an upper respiratory infection, calicivirus, or rhinotracheitis, often causes laryngitis in cats (7). However, the loss of vocalizations could also result from other, more serious conditions.
Part of being a responsible pet owner is recognizing these changes in behavior and taking appropriate action. If you think your cat lost its voice because of an illness, it is wise to take it to the vet for a full examination.
Knowing When to Take Your Cat to the Vet
If your cat lost its voice and home remedies aren’t helping after a day or two, it is time to take them to the vet for a full examination. This is especially relevant if your pet is in distress or pain or showing symptoms of laryngitis.
Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice:
- Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
- Inability to eat or drink
- Severe lethargy or weakness
- Blue or pale gums
- Excessive drooling
The veterinarian may do tests such as blood and urine tests to rule out systemic problems. In addition, they may prescribe appropriate pain medication or other treatments to help your cat feel better.
After receiving treatment, most cats will get their voice back within 1-2 weeks. However, without addressing the underlying cause, symptoms may persist longer.
Final Thoughts
A cat that lost its voice can be a worrying sign, and it is an urgent matter to figure out the underlying cause and get your pet the appropriate care. The causes of laryngitis in cats can range from infections and inhaled irritants to diseases and throat cancer.
While mild cases of laryngitis may resolve on their own within a few days, there are several ways to help a cat that has lost its voice. From running a humidifier at home to gently cleaning away any discharge from the cat’s face, these caring measures can help your feline friend as they recover. If you ever have concerns about your cat’s health, be sure to contact your local vet for advice.
Sources and Further Reading
- Cat Laryngitis: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment – The Vets
- Laryngitis in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment – Cats.com
- Cat Laryngitis – What to Do if a Cat Loses Their Meow – Mooresville Animal Hospital
- NSAID Toxicity in Cats – PetMD
- ISFM, AAFP Update Guidelines on Long-Term NSAID Use in Cats – American Veterinary Medical Association
- Get the Facts about Pain Relievers for Pets – U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Laryngeal Disorders in Cats – Merck Veterinary Manual
