Why a cat’s voice changes
A hoarse or raspy meow means something is affecting the voice box (larynx) or the airway around it. Sometimes the cause is mild and passes quickly. Other times it points to an illness that needs treatment. Cats with a hoarse voice may also meow less, sound squeaky, or lose their voice for a while.
Common causes
- Laryngitis: inflammation of the voice box, often linked to infection or irritation.
- Vocal strain: a lot of meowing, for instance from distress, heat cycles or being shut in a room, may tire the voice.
- Upper respiratory infections: the viruses behind a cat cold can inflame the throat.
- Irritants: smoke, dust, strong scents or a blade of grass or other small object in the throat.
Less common causes that need a vet
- Growths: polyps or tumors in the throat or voice box.
- Laryngeal paralysis: the voice box does not open properly, which may change the voice and cause noisy breathing.
- Hyperthyroidism and other illnesses: some cats with other medical conditions can have voice changes.
- Throat injury or swelling.
These are less common than mild irritation, but they are the reason a lasting voice change should be checked.
Hoarse voice or noisy breathing?
It helps to separate a rasping meow from a breathing sound. A hoarse meow with normal, quiet breathing is usually less alarming. Noisy, rattling or labored breathing, or a harsh sound each time your cat breathes in, is a different matter and needs prompt veterinary attention. If you also notice a cough, see cat coughing mucus.
What you can do at home
If your cat is otherwise acting normal, eating, drinking, playing and breathing quietly, you can usually watch for a few days:
- Keep the home calm and reduce reasons for excessive meowing
- Avoid smoke, sprays and dusty products
- Offer fresh water and tasty food
- A humidifier or a short time in a steamy room may feel comfortable for some cats
Do not give human throat remedies or medicines.
When to see a vet
Contact your vet if the hoarseness:
- Lasts more than several days, or comes back
- Comes with sneezing, nasal discharge, a cough, fever or low appetite
- Comes with noisy or labored breathing, or changes in how your cat exercises
- Is accompanied by drooling, difficulty swallowing or pawing at the mouth
Seek emergency care if your cat is breathing with an open mouth, gasping, or has blue or pale gums. Also see our guide to cat nose discharge if nasal signs are present.
What a vet may do
A vet will look at the mouth, throat and chest, and may recommend bloodwork, X-rays, or an examination of the voice box under sedation or anesthesia. Treatment depends on the cause, from supportive care or medication for infection to surgery for some growths and airway disease.
Laryngeal paralysis: what to know
Laryngeal paralysis is uncommon in cats. It can cause a changed voice and noisy breathing, especially with excitement or exercise. Outlook varies depending on the cause and the treatment chosen, so ask your vet instead of relying on general numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Is my cat hoarse because it cried a lot? Prolonged meowing can leave a cat with a raspy voice that recovers. If it does not improve, have it checked.
Can heart disease affect the voice? Voice changes alone are not a typical heart sign. Breathing trouble, fast breathing at rest or coughing is more worrying, and any such signs should be checked.
What are the common causes of throat problems in cats? Infection, irritation, growths and airway disease are among them. A vet exam is the way to tell them apart.