Key takeaways
- Sometimes, our kitties can be quieter than usual. Often, this isn't anything to worry about, but on rare occasions, it can indicate a serious health problem.
- We're exploring the top 3 reasons why your cat has lost their voice so you can get them the care they need.
- We'll also offer our top tips on how to care for a sick kitty so you can be the best pet parent possible.
3 Reasons why your cat can't meow
If your furry friend suddenly can't meow, it means your cat's larynx is inflamed. Cat laryngitis can be caused by many things, some serious and some very common. So, before you begin to panic, check out these top reasons and observe your kitty.
1. Upper respiratory infections
Like humans, a cat's immune system can often be compromised by infectious diseases and general illnesses. When this affects your kitty's upper respiratory tract, it can inflame your cat's throat, leading to cat laryngitis.
Some common infections and their symptoms include:
- Feline Herpes Virus: This viral illness causes nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and fever. 97% of cats are exposed to this virus in their lifetime, so it's super common. Depending on the severity of your kitty's case, they may need antibiotics, but in most cases, they just need lots of rest and care! (source)
- Feline Calicivirus: This is another common infection that can inflame and irritate all areas of your cat's upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms like discharge and swelling. However, when left untreated, it can have the potential to cause pneumonia as it spreads to the lungs. This is why it's essential to get your cat checked up if they don't start to get better with care and hydration.
- Fungal infections: This is a more serious condition that should be treated as soon as you suspect it. Fungal infections may start in the nose and throat but can quickly spread throughout the body, like vital organs or the central nervous system. It's common for your cat's vocalization to be altered and for painful swelling to occur.
2. Injury
If your feline friend is an adventurer, they may have gotten into some trouble during their most recent exploration. Whether they've fallen from a height, become trapped or stuck, or got into a fight with some other neighborhood cats, it's possible they've injured their throat.
If this has occurred, your cat's larynx will begin to swell. This can change their vocalization and make it difficult or even impossible to meow!
It can be difficult to identify injuries in cats. If they're in pain, they will usually isolate themselves and avoid anyone going near the area that's sore. Look out for the following signs that your kitty may be injured:
- Purring: It may seem counterintuitive because we associate purring with a happy kitty, but it's actually a form of self healing. So, if they're experiencing pain, they will try to comfort themselves by purring.
- Excessive licking: Cats will instinctually lick the area that is causing them pain in an attempt to soothe it.
- Hiding and not eating: Not eating is a common symptom of pain, especially in a cat's throat. Alongside this, hiding and isolating themselves in an instinctual response when they recognize that they are in a vulnerable position.
Whether they've fallen from a height, become trapped or stuck, or got into a fight with some other neighborhood cats, it's possible they've injured their throat.
3. Object lodged in their throat
Sometimes, when your cat loses their voice, it isn't to do with underlying health conditions at all. In fact, often, they've managed to get something stuck in their throat.
If you've got a particularly adventurous hunter, it's likely they've managed to catch birds, mice, and other small animals. Most often, cats will naturally leave the bits of the animal they don't want to eat. However, hungry cats may try to eat them whole. This can lead to bones getting stuck in their throat.
But this is just one scenario! There are many situations every day that could lead to our cat munching on something that's not safe. Look out for the following signs that something is blocking their throat:
- Pawing at their mouth
- Gagging
- Drooling
- Coughing
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
How to care for your cat when they're sick
If your kitty has a cat cold or is showing cat laryngitis symptoms, it's important you give them the care they need. After all, our furry friends are always there to comfort us when we're ill!
Give them wet food
Avoiding dry and crunchy food can help sooth your kitty's sore throat. They'll also have an easier time swallowing and it'll prevent any further damage to your cat's larynx.
Alongside wet food, you can try liquid treats and nutritious human food, like chicken. Whatever will encourage them to eat more is worth trying!
If your kitty has a cat cold or is showing cat laryngitis symptoms, it's important you give them the care they need. After all, our furry friends are always there to comfort us when we're ill!
Keep them company
It's likely your furry friend is feeling a little sorry for themselves. They may also feel worried or scared if they don't know what's wrong with them. Providing extra comfort and love in these times is essential, especially as they'll want to hide away.
If they are hiding, try to get them out by:
- Sitting with them and talking softly with them
- Leave tasty treats and strong-smelling food near them
- Keep the house nice and quiet and avoid visitors
Take them to the vet
When you notice symptoms that your cat hasn't previously had, your first step should always be to get professional advice. Unfortunately, there is plenty of misinformation online, so it's not enough to simply Google your cat's symptoms.
Talk with your vet over the phone, and if they need to see your kitty in person, book an appointment with them straight away. They'll be able to check your best bud over and prescribe any medicine that will help them recover.
FAQs
Final thoughts
As we've said, if your cat has lost their voice, it's probably just a little cold. But it never hurts to check it out and get some professional advice! For now, observe your kitty and see how they go.
Remember, your cat is also probably a little worried and confused, so make sure you give them some extra love and cuddles and maybe even a little treat!
