There are several causes behind the sore throat in cats and as guardians it is our responsibility to detect it in order to know what steps we must follow. In this article on our site we will see what the most common causes are, what symptoms may indicate that our cat feels discomfort in that area and, having diagnosed the reason by the veterinarian, what would be the most appropriate treatment.
Know that cats have tendency to hide their discomfort, so we must pay attention to subtle changes that may occur otherwise we may take time to provide treatment.
Symptoms of sore throats in cats
Some signs may make us suspect that our cat feels discomfort in its throat. They are as follows:
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Arcades
- Drowning
- Swallow frequently
- Hypersalivation
- Extended Neck
- Hoarseness or hoarseness
- Loss of appetite
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Careless Cloak
- Slimming
- Masses in the area
Likewise, we can also observe that the cat has swollen glands in the neck area as a sign of reaction from its immune system against external pathogens.
Cat Throat Diseases
In addition, there are several pathologies that can be responsible for sore throats in cats. The following stand out, which we will see in the other sections:
- Rhinotracheitis
- Tumors
- Strange bodies
- Irritating agents
Rhinotracheitis
This inflammation of the throat in cats is one of the most common diseases in cats, especially in younger cats. Produced by herpesviruses and caliciviruses, it consists of inflammation of the trachea and nasal cavity, resulting in symptoms such as eye and nasal discharge, sneezing or sore throat in all affected cats. This prevents them from eating, due to loss of smell and pain when swallowing.
Requires Quick Veterinary Attention as an animal that stops eating can become dehydrated and even die. Also, if left untreated, eye damage can progress to ulceration and blindness. throat infections in cats caused by bacteria can occur secondary to rhinotracheitis.
In these cases it is treated with antibiotics, fluid therapy may be required and, above all, we have to get the cat to eat, for which we can use its favorite food or cans formulated for convalescence. Warming up the food we offer him a little stimulates his sense of smell and, consequently, his appetite. It is a highly contagious ailment in cats.
Throat tumor in cats
Another situation in which we can detect a sore throat in cats occurs when a tumor appears in it. Generally it is about masses that grow rapidly and, if they grow inward, they will be incompatible with life.
Cancer can be treated but, first, it is necessary to diagnose, through a biopsy, what type it is. This will also inform us of its benign or malignant character, which will allow the veterinarian to issue a prognosis.
Unfortunately pharyngeal tumors are usually malignant. Surgery to remove the mass, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments may be used.
My cat has something stuck in his throat
Another clinical picture compatible with a sore throat in cats is throat obstruction caused by the presence of a foreign body Although it is more common in dogs, cats can also ingest objects such as plant fragments, bone or thorns, splinters, threads, etc., that remain in the throat.
If our cat is restless, coughs, opens its mouth or touches it with its paws, seems to be choking or we notice breathing difficulties, we can suspect that it has swallowed a body weird.
We must go to the vet urgentlybecause, if there is a complete occlusion of the airflow, the cat will die of suffocation. It will be this professional who must recover the object, with endoscopy or surgery.
Irritating agents
Finally, there are substances that will act on the throat producing an irritation, more or less serious, that will cause pain throat in cats. In general, by eliminating this agent, the cat will recover, but if not, the veterinarian will examine the cat and seek appropriate treatment for the damage that has occurred.
If we know the poison involved, we must take the container, if applicable. This point can include allergic reactions The cat must be kept in a safe environment since its access to substances such as cleaners or bleach can end up injuring the throat or the mouth if the cat licks them.
