Laryngitis and Cats

June 4, 2026

Can You Hear Me?

Nancy Kerr

Your cat opens its mouth to meow, and all that comes out is a faint sound. And, no, you are not not hearing things; your cat could have laryngitis: the inflammation of the larynx (also known as the voice box). It is a “cylindrical group of muscles, cartilage and soft tissue which contains the vocal cords and is located in the upper opening of the trachea. It can result from infections, irritants, or other underlying health issues and can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-standing).”¹ It is an uncommon but not rare disease in cats.

Causes

Since the “larynx is part of the upper respiratory tract, inflammation or irritation in this area can have multiple triggers that affect breathing and vocalization.”² This can occur due to various factors, including “upper respiratory infection (like feline herpesvirus and calicivirus), bacterial and fungal infections, exposure to irritants such as smoke, dust or strong fumes, vocalization from meowing excessively putting a strain on the vocal cords, physical trauma to the throat or foreign objects lodged in the throat, regurgitation of stomach contents (megaesophagus or reflux), placement of an endotracheal tube”¹ as well as “fluid buildup and swelling (edema) of the mucous membranes. If severe, the upper airway may be obstructed. Edema of the larynx can also result from allergic reactions, placement of a breathing tube during anesthesia, or surgery in the area.”³

Less common causes like “pneumonia may cause coughing, difficulty breathing, or lethargy. Fluid accumulation around the lungs, known as pleural effusion, could also lead to respiratory distress. Additionally, airway collapse (although less common in cats than in dogs) could cause noisy or difficult breathing.”² While uncommon but serious, “in rare cases, tumours or growths near the throat or lungs might cause symptoms similar to laryngitis in cats.”²

Symptoms of Laryngitis

Symptoms may vary in appearance and severity and can include a “change in vocalization where the meow may sound deep and raspy and can progress to a complete inability to vocalise. Other symptoms may include a harsh and dry cough and wheezing. In some cases, a granuloma can form which is a benign mass made up of inflammatory cells. Oedema (fluid build-up), inflammation, or a granuloma can cause a blockage of the airways”¹ and “bad breath.”³ In severe cases, cats may have loud or labored breathing. If there is an underlying infection, symptoms may include tiredness, diminished appetite, or discharge from the nose. Swallowing may be difficult and painful. “Death due to suffocation may occur, especially if the animal is over-exercised or stressed, or if a mass, lesion, or swelling is severely obstructing the larynx.”³

In some cases, serious breathing difficulties can develop that require immediate veterinary care. Signs to watch for “include open-mouth breathing or gasping for air, blue or pale gums, which may suggest low oxygen levels, rapid or laboured breathing that seems unusual or persistent, collapse or extreme weakness, struggling to catch their breath, or obvious distress.”² These might all indicate life-threatening situations where your cat is not getting enough oxygen.

Diagnosing

Determining and treating the underlying cause is essential. A veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of the cat and obtain a medical history including vaccinations and symptoms. “Palpation may reveal an enlarged larynx. A definitive diagnosis is based on an examination of the larynx with an endoscope. Inflammation and oedema will be visible and trauma or a foreign object may be seen. This will require short-acting anesthesia for the procedure. If a mass is present, a sample will be taken for cytology or histopathology to rule out cancer. Diagnostic imaging may be necessary to look for evidence of pneumonia and metastatic tumours.”¹

Further diagnostic tests may be recommended such as: “X-rays to view the chest and airway structures, blood tests to check for infections or other systemic problems, measurement of oxygen levels to assess respiratory function.”² The veterinarian may also include “tracheal wash and allergy testing (food elimination trial and/or skin prick tests).”¹ To get a clearer picture, ultrasound or advanced imaging techniques are sometimes used to assess the respiratory tract and surrounding tissues.

Treatment

Treatment will be needed to address the underlying cause and to relieve the symptoms.

“Most upper respiratory infections are viral and are managed with supportive care which includes fluid therapy, nutritional support, and rest while the cat’s immune system mounts a response. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections but may be prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections. Irritation from the placement of an endotracheal tube or inhaled irritants should resolve without therapy. Removal of a foreign object can be carried out during endoscopic evaluation of the larynx. Corticosteroids can be prescribed to reduce inflammation and analgesics to reduce pain. Diuretics to reduce fluid build-up. If the larynx is obstructed, it will be necessary to place a tracheostomy tube to allow the cat to breathe until the obstruction can be corrected. Once the underlying cause has been addressed, recovery should take a week or two.”¹

Home-care options can include soothing the cat’s throat and breathing by running a humidifier. Cats with a sore throat may find it easier to eat wet food. Try to avoid irritations such as smoke, strong odors, and dust. Avoid overexerting your cat as it could strain their breathing. Provide a quiet area where your cat can relax and recover.

Prevention

While not totally preventable, there are ways to reduce the risk. To help prevent infections that affect the respiratory tract, keep up to date with your cat’s vaccinations. Since a cat’s sense of smell is more sensitive to fumes than ours, where possible, use natural products and try to limit the use of harsh chemicals. If they must be used, keep the cat away from the area and open windows to reduce the concentration of fumes. Avoid exposure to smoke where possible by smoking outside. Don’t feed cooked bones or other hard objects which can irritate or damage the larynx. Using a harness instead of a collar may reduce pressure on the throat and airway.

Take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible if there are persistent signs of laryngitis, especially if there is difficulty breathing, a severe cough, or a significant change in behavior. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome. “Note: Always be alert to changes in meow or a loss of voice as this can also be a sign of tick paralysis, which is life-threatening if not treated immediately.”¹

Sources

1. Julia Wilson, Laryngitis in Cats, Accessed 04/10/2026. https://cat-world.com/laryngitis-in-cats/
2. Emily Hartwell, DVM, Laryngitis in cats, Accessed 04/10/2026. https://vetpedia.ca/laryngitis-in-cats/
3. Maureen H. Kemp, BVMS, PhD, Calcoed Vets Limited, Holywell, UK, Laryngeal Disorders in Cats, Modified Sept 2024, Accessed 04/10/2026. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-cats/laryngeal-disorders-in-cats