My cat’s meow is weak and raspy because my cat has an upper respiratory infection.
When my cat’s upper respiratory infection flares up, her meow is weak and raspy and sounds like she is struggling to breathe.
So, Why is my cat’s meow weak and raspy? What should you do if your cat’s meow is weak and raspy?
Let’s dive in.
Why Is My Cat’s Meow Weak And Raspy?
Laryngeal Nerve Paralysis
Recently, my cat Fluffy was diagnosed with cancer.
At first, I didn’t think much of her symptoms. She seemed lethargic and uninterested in food, but I assumed she was just sick.
One day, I noticed that Fluffy couldn’t meow. Her meow was weak and raspy and it sounded like she was trying to whisper.
I realized then that her symptoms were serious, so I took Fluffy to the vet immediately. My vet performed a biopsy to find out the underlying reason for fluffy’s condition.
It turned out that fluffy had laryngeal nerve paralysis (LNP), a neurological disease that occurs when the nerves that control the cat’s vocal cords are damaged.
The cat’s larynx is affected as well, so the larynx can’t open and close properly.
If the disease isn’t treated, the cat’s voice will weaken and raspy until it disappears completely.
So, your cat’s meow may sound weak and raspy because of laryngeal nerve paralysis.
If you notice your cat is having trouble breathing or speaking, you should take her to a vet right away to make sure there isn’t an underlying issue like LNP causing the problem.
Hyperthyroidism
My cat was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which is when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
My cat’s meow isn’t as loud as usual, which is because she’s probably tired all the time.
Her meow is also raspy and weak, so it’s hard to understand her message sometimes.
Luckily, hyperthyroidism is easily treatable with medication.
Trapped Foreign Body
Polyps at the back of the throat can cause a cat to have trouble breathing or speaking properly.
The polyps are benign growths made up of mucus and other tissues that can block the airway.
Sometimes they become infected as well, which causes more swelling and discomfort in the throat area.
Polyps are abnormal growths of tissue that develop in various parts of the body including the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive tract.
These polyps are usually curable, but treatment depends on their size and location.
Nasopharyngeal Polyps
While your cat may seem to be fine, something may be wrong with her if she is constantly sneezing and her cough sounds strange.
If she’s constantly rubbing her face on furniture or walls, it could also mean she has a nasal blockage that’s causing her to scratch at her nose excessively.
If she’s drooling a lot too, she may have fluid in her nasal passages.
This could make her breathing difficult and cause her voice to sound weak and raspy.
Upper Respiratory Disease
Cats may have respiratory infections, which can result in a dry cough that sounds scratchy and painful.
The dry cough can be mistaken for a hairball, but it’s actually a symptom of a viral or bacterial infection.
A chronic upper respiratory disease can also cause inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose.
This inflammation can affect the way a cat breathes and can make it difficult for her to speak clearly.
A virus can also be to blame for a dry cough that is persistent and does not go away after a few weeks.
Excessive Use of the Voice
If your cat develops a harsh meow, it may be the result of excessive use of the voice over a long period of time.
This can happen if your cat spends a lot of time vocalizing because of boredom or if she’s stuck in a cage all day without any toys to play with.
Because she’s using her voice so much, her voice can get tired and become hoarse as a result.
How to Treat Cat Laryngitis
Kitten Food in Cans
It might be difficult to feed your kitten wet food if she has a sore throat, but a kitten food in cans can help soothe her throat while she gets better.
A bland diet can also help soothe the throat and prevent her from eating something that could irritate it further.
I suggest giving canned kitten food temporarily since these tend to be lower in fat than other wet foods.
Make a Veterinary Visit
Spending time with your cat is always fun.
However, it can be a little tricky because cats don’t always like to be touched or handled.
If your cat is sick or injured, however, you’ll need to interact with it in order to properly treat it.
Veterinary visits are an important part of cat care, so it’s important to properly prepare for them.
First, you’ll need to bring your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Second, you’ll need to provide your cat with a comfortable environment.
Third, you’ll need to help your veterinarian understand your cat’s condition.
Finally, you’ll need to provide your pet with proper veterinary care.
Keep an Eye Out for Any Other Symptoms
When you observe a hoarse voice in cats, look for other signs of illness too.
For example, if your kitty has a runny nose or a hacking cough, she may have a respiratory tract infection or other problem that’s causing the hoarseness.
Keep a watch out for any changes in your cat’s behavior or appetite as well.
Notify your veterinarian if you find anything else unusual about your cat’s health or behavior.
Also Read: Can Cats Hear Ultrasound?
Final Words
Most cats that meow in a clear voice are healthy, but if you’re concerned that your feline friend is sick, take her to the vet right away.
This implies they might need to be handled and checked over by a vet before they can be released back to their owners.
It might also be an indication a cat has a serious medical condition and needs to be examined by a veterinarian immediately.