While some cats can be very vocal, others rarely utter a word. However, if your cat loses its voice and emits a rasp or a squeak or is unable to make any noise at all, this may be a sign that something is wrong.
Laryngitis can be caused by your cat meowing too loudly and for too long. It could also be caused by inhaling an irritant, such as dust, or it could be a sign that your cat has eaten something toxic. Although rare, it can even be a sign of some cancers, and if your cat has had treatment for hyperthyroidism, it can also lead to a change in the cat’s voice.
Below, we will examine some of the most likely reasons why a cat may lose its voice and what can be done about it.
The 9 Reasons Why Your Cat Can’t Meow
1. Chronic meowing
If your cat spends a long time meowing, perhaps because they were locked in a room or trapped by another cat while outside, they may lose their voice due to the constant pressure on the larynx and muscles in the around it.
Your cat’s meowing should return on time and with rest. Make sure they have plenty of water to speed up the healing process.
2. Upper Respiratory Infection
Upper respiratory infections are one of the most likely causes of a change in a cat’s meow. Upper respiratory infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and rarely fungi. The infection can also come out of the nose, sneezing, and coughing. It can also make breathing through the nose more difficult, resulting in wheezing or mouth breathing.
Infections require veterinary treatment so you should take them to your vet’s office. They can determine the cause and provide effective treatment. Once your cat has recovered, you should make sure to update their vaccinations if they are not up to date. Vaccination can help prevent viral upper respiratory infections such as Feline Herpesvirus and Calicivirus.
3. Foreign Objects
Cats may not be as inclined to chew everything as dogs, but they still use their mouths and taste buds to investigate certain things. They especially enjoy picking up small things to play with, as it simulates hunting.
If your cat picks up a small object and tries to swallow it, it may be stuck in his throat. This obstruction is enough to change the pitch and volume of your cat’s meow, cough, and in some cases, it can cause suffocation.
When the object gets stuck, it can irritate the throat and cause inflammation. You may need to visit a veterinarian so they can safely remove the alien object from your cat’s throat.
4. Damage to the throat
Throat injuries can be caused by fighting, eating toxic substances, or in a variety of ways. In general, signs such as pain, swelling, discomfort, and loss of meow can indicate damage around the throat.
A veterinarian can ensure that the injury is treated so that the cat has the best chance of a speedy recovery. They can also look for any other possible problems that the same incident may have caused.
5. Toxic Substances
Cats can be exposed to many toxins, both indoors and outdoors. Some popular houseplants and flowers can be highly toxic to cats. For example, plants that contain insoluble calcium oxalates can cause severe irritation and inflammation around the mouth and throat when ingested. Peace lilies and mother-in-law’s tongue contain these irritating compounds.
Other possible toxins include chemicals and poisons, and just because your kitchen cleaning products are locked away doesn’t mean your cat hasn’t found some in the kennel or someone else’s house. It is important to rinse surfaces after cleaning if you have a cat.
6. Abscesses
An abscess is a pocket of pus that can form anywhere on or in the body. They are most common after an injury or accident; when one develops, it usually grows and grows. If your cat has an abscess in or near the throat, it can block the airways.
Not only is this likely to cause a loss of meow, but it can also mean that your cat is struggling to breathe freely. The abscess may need to be drained, which can be difficult if it is in the throat.
7. Polyps
Polyps are small, noncancerous growths that can form anywhere, including the back of the throat. Although these tumors are benign, they can cause serious problems for cats. Common signs include sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose.
You may also see your cat shaking their head, and they will likely change their eating and drinking habits. The polyp must be removed, and your vet may want to test the growth to make sure it’s benign.
8. Tumor in the throat
A tumor is a serious problem that requires immediate medical attention. A cancerous tumor continues to grow, and this will cause swallowing and even breathing issues, as well as leading to a change in your cat’s voice.
Some cancers can be treated, but they need to be caught early so that your cat has the best possible prognosis, so make an appointment and see the vet as soon as possible.
9. Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism in cats can be treated by surgical removal of the thyroid or by ethanol injection. Both of these treatments can lead to cats losing their meow. Voice problems are rare after these procedures so you should call your vet for advice if they occur.
Should You Contact a Vet?
You should always contact your veterinarian if your cat is unable to meow. If your cat loses its voice, you should look for other signs of illness. If your cat is weak, has swelling, is not eating, foaming, or has trouble breathing normally, you should take them to an emergency clinic as these are signs of something serious.
Conclusion
Cats can lose their meow for a number of reasons, from overusing their voice to serious problems, including throat cancer. It’s important to note any signs of illness in your cat, make sure they have plenty of fresh water to drink, and talk to a vet. They can advise on the best course of action and possibly put your mind at ease.
Featured Image Credit: Krakenimages.com, Shutterstock
