![]() ![]() Importantly, these cats will have no other symptoms and won’t be acting unwell in any way. Once they rest their voice, it will gradually return to normal. READ MORE: Why does my Cat Yowl at Night Can a Cat meow so much they lose their Voice?Ībsolutely, as discussed above, a cat who uses their voice too much for whatever reason could potentially lose it temporarily. To diagnose this condition, vets will view the larynx under light anesthetic to monitor what it does while a cat breathes in and out. ![]() The laryngeal cartilages fail to function as they should and fail to open adequately when a cat breathes. Laryngeal Paralysisĭogs are more likely to develop laryngeal paralysis than cats, but cats are not immune to this disorder. A simple blood test can check thyroid levels. Many will vocalize more, and this can undoubtedly irritate the throat. More often, those with an overactive thyroid will exhibit weight loss, diarrhea and an increased appetite. While not the most common symptom of hyperthyroidism, voice loss is possible. This viral infection is only present in certain countries and, sadly, those affected need to be euthanized to protect other animals and people. Non-respiratory InfectionsĬertain non-respiratory infections can cause an altered voice, such as the Rabies virus. While a vet will not always confirm infection with tests, where necessary, swabs and blood tests can be taken to verify which infection is present. This can be secondary to the irritation from a cough and/or a local inflammation. Cats may also sneeze, cough, and have discharge from their nose and eyes. Viral and Bacterial Respiratory InfectionsĬats are prone to infections such as Cat Flu (generally caused by upper respiratory viruses such as Calicivirus and Herpesvirus), and they are easily spread from one to another. Tumors may be visible from the outside if very large, but we usually need to sedate or anesthetize an animal to get a better view of things. Whether growth in the throat is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous and with the potential to spread around the body), it can interfere with normal vocalization. Sometimes, a foreign body can be seen when an animal is conscious, but more often than not we will need to sedate an animal and visualize their larynx and vocal cords with a laryngoscope to get a better idea of what is going on. Usually, we will see other signs such as retching, smelly breath and a reduced appetite. ![]() Foreign BodyĬats can sniff up or swallow foreign bodies such as blades of grass, fish bones, or grass awns, which can lodge in the throat and make it difficult to meow. ![]() You may find they hide away and eat less than normal. There can be some pain involved and cats typically feel somewhat under the weather. There can be many causes, including irritation from inhaled fumes or smoke and infections. LaryngitisĪn inflamed larynx can lead to difficulty swallowing and a hoarse meow. Cats will otherwise be well in themselves and acting as usual. Once they settle down and stay quiet for a while, their symptoms should resolve. These kitties rarely use their meow but can become slightly hoarse. Perhaps they have been left in the vets or in a boarding facility and are voicing their indignation, or maybe there is a new cat that has moved in next door and they are attempting to communicate with them. This is most often seen in females who are continually calling because they are in a season, or heat, but can be seen in any cat who has recently been very vocal. Typically, a weak meow or a total loss of voice has the same causes as a cat going hoarse. This may precede them going completely mute, or they may never go on to entirely lose their meow. Sometimes, rather than going hoarse, cats will develop an abnormal or a weak meow. Photo by Jonathan Sautter from Pixabay What about a weak meow or complete voice loss? ![]()
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