How to Tell if a Cat Has a Sore Throat

Co-authored by Deanne Pawlisch, CVT, MA

Last Updated: September 20, 2022

Cats don’t let their owners know when they feel bad. As a survival instinct, they hide any weakness, even pain. If your cat has a sore throat, you may have trouble recognizing it. However, there are symptoms you can look for that indicate a sore throat. Watch your cat for a change in their meow, a decrease in appetite, and/or any drooling or coughing.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Sore Throat

1
Notice a change in the cat’s meow. Your cat’s meow can help you determine if they have a sore throat. Listen to them when they meow. Their meow might sound quieter, raspier, or thinner than usual. If there is a change in the way the meow sounds or a noticeable difference in the way the cat sounds, it might point to a sore throat. ^{[1]
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- Your cat may also stop meowing completely.
2
Monitor your cat’s eating habits. Cats who experience sore throats may stop eating because it hurts or is difficult to swallow. They may also stop drinking. Watch the way your cat eats to make sure their eating habits have not changed. If your cat stops eating or drinking, they may become dehydrated or weak.^{[2]
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3
Listen for any coughing. Coughing may be a symptom of a sore throat. The cat may cough excessively or sound like they are trying to get something out of their throat. The cat may also start gagging.^{[3]
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4
Notice any drooling. Cats may experience a sore throat that is related to some kind of mouth pain. If this is the case, they may begin drooling because their mouth hurts. Notice if your cat begins drooling, if there is excess saliva around the mouth, or if they start excessively licking their lips.^{[4]
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5
Decide if there is a reason for your cat’s sore throat. Your cat’s behavior may help you decide if they have a sore throat. Cats who meow a lot or more than usual in one single day may develop a sore throat. If your cat has certain medical conditions, like an upper respiratory infection, it may also lead to a sore throat.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Treating the Sore Throat

1
Take your cat to the vet. If your cat is showing symptoms that indicate a sore throat, you should take them to the vet. Sore throats may be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as cat flu, an upper respiratory infection, or laryngitis.^{[6]
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- Your vet needs to do an exam to determine the cause of the sore throat and figure out an appropriate treatment based on that diagnosis.
- Your cat’s vet may also perform an endoscopic exam and/or culture of the fluid in the back of the throat.
2
Give your cat soft food. Since hard food can irritate a cat’s sore throat, feeding them soft food can encourage them to eat. Use meat-based baby foods, like chicken or turkey. Your cat may be willing to eat if it is soft so it doesn’t hurt when they swallow.^{[7]
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- You can also try chopped up sardines or roast chicken.
- You may also ask your vet about an invalid diet.
3
Ask the vet for pain medication. Mild pain meds can help your cat’s sore throat and allow them to swallow. Talk to your vet about what pain medications will be appropriate for your cat.^{[8]
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4
Give your cat prescription medication. Your cat’s throat may be sore because it is inflamed or infected. If your vet determines this is the underlying cause, they will prescribe medication to treat the underlying condition.^{[9]
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- If the cat has an infection that affects the throat, the vet will prescribe antibiotics.
- If the sore throat is caused by inflammation from an allergic reaction, the vet will prescribe steroids.