Once we decide to bring a cat home, we must do everything possible to ensure it has a long and, above all, happy life. Therefore, it is very important that we take it to the veterinarian whenever we suspect it is unwell , as otherwise its condition could worsen considerably.
One of the most common ailments in cats is pharyngitis . Just as with humans, the discomfort associated with this inflammation is varied and can differ in intensity. It is essential that, as cat owners, we know how to identify the symptoms, the underlying causes, and the appropriate treatment to ensure a quick and full recovery.
What are pharyngitis and nasopharyngitis in cats?
Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx , which usually occurs as a result of a viral or bacterial infection . This condition can be triggered at any time; for example, a simple weakening of the immune system allows pathogens to enter the body more easily. The incubation period typically ranges from 1 to 3 days, although this time can vary depending on the strength of the pet's immune system.
On the other hand, there is acute nasopharyngitis , which is inflammation of the nasopharynx (the area behind the nose and throat). This is often linked to feline respiratory complex , a group of symptoms affecting the upper respiratory tract. The most common causative agents are feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) . These viruses are highly contagious and can remain dormant in the body, reactivating during periods of stress.
Besides infectious causes, pharyngitis can be caused by a foreign body , such as a piece of grass, splinters, or small objects accidentally swallowed. Environmental irritants can also inflame the area. Regardless of the cause, symptoms will appear quickly and require immediate action.
What are the symptoms of a sore throat in cats?
Detecting pharyngitis can be challenging because cats have a natural tendency to hide their discomfort . Therefore, we must pay attention to subtle changes in their behavior. The symptoms are very similar to those we humans experience when we have a sore throat:
- Pain when swallowing and difficulty swallowing food.
- Frequent swallowing movements (swallowing saliva repeatedly).
- ronquera or total loss of voice.
- Loss of appetiteWhen they are congested, they lose their sense of smell, which is vital for food to be appealing to them.
- Apathy and loss of interest in the game or its surroundings.
- General discomfort and lethargy.
- Fever, which manifests as elevated body temperature and weakness.
If the pathology is nasopharyngitis or feline flu, we might observe additional signs such as repetitive sneezing , nasal secretions (clear at first and purulent or greenish if there is a secondary bacterial infection), watery eyes with discharge, and noisier breathing due to congestion.
How is veterinary diagnosis performed?
Once we suspect our cat has pharyngitis, we should take it to the vet without delay. The diagnostic process begins with a detailed medical history , where the vet will ask about the observed symptoms and the timeline of the illness. A thorough physical examination will then be performed.
During the examination, the veterinarian will likely ask you to hold the animal firmly to prevent it from moving or scratching, as the stress of the appointment can alter the cat's behavior. In more complex cases, the veterinarian may require additional tests to differentiate between a viral infection, a bacterial infection, or the presence of a throat tumor, especially in geriatric cats.
Treatments for pharyngitis in cats
Treatment will vary drastically depending on the diagnosed cause. If the veterinarian confirms an infectious inflammation, they will prescribe antibiotics to combat bacteria or prevent secondary infections that could lead to pneumonia. In cases of herpesvirus, antiviral medications such as famciclovir may be used to reduce the severity of symptoms.
If the problem is a foreign object, the veterinarian will anesthetize the cat and remove the object with specialized forceps. In cases of severe congestion, decongestants or antihistamines may be prescribed under close supervision.
Essential home care
Medical treatment should be complemented with intensive home care. The first step is to provide your cat with a quiet room , free from drafts and loud noises, where it has its bed, water, and food. Even if the cat seems lethargic, it's advisable to gently encourage it to play each day, as long as it doesn't appear excessively exhausted.
Hydration is critical. If you notice your cat is drinking less water due to congestion, a water fountain can encourage them, as they prefer running water. For feeding, since the pain when swallowing is intense, you should give them wet cat food (brands like Applaws or Animonda). It's recommended to avoid foods with grains or by-products, as their weakened digestive system won't process these ingredients well.
Extra tip: Try gently warming the wet food for a few seconds to intensify its aroma and stimulate your cat's appetite. If more than 24 hours pass without your cat eating anything, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Prevention and maintenance of respiratory health
Although pharyngitis cannot be 100% prevented, as it is highly contagious among felines, we can strengthen their defenses by following these guidelines:
- Implement a carnivorous dietCats are obligate carnivores. Opt for brands that contain at least 70% real meat (such as Orijen, Taste of the Wild, or True Instinct High Meat) and avoid grain-based foods.
- Control access to the outsideKeeping doors and windows closed prevents them from catching viruses from other stray cats, especially on colder days.
- Promote body heatAllow your cat to take refuge under the blankets or sleep with you. As the temperature drops, their immune system may weaken, making them more prone to respiratory symptoms.
- Follow the vaccination scheduleThe vaccines protect against the main viruses of the respiratory complex, reducing the likelihood of serious complications.
- Rigorous hygieneIf you have multiple cats, do not share food or water bowls during an outbreak. Disinfect the litter box by removing the soiled litter, rinsing with warm water, and applying a pet-safe disinfectant spray.
It's crucial to remember that you should never give your cat human medications or home remedies without a prescription, as many ingredients are toxic to felines. If you notice your pet is having difficulty breathing, has a high fever, or is extremely lethargic and doesn't improve within 48-72 hours, professional veterinary intervention is the only safe way to ensure their recovery.
Maintaining a warm environment, a diet based on animal protein, and regular veterinary check-ups is the best strategy to combat pharyngitis and ensure that our furry companion enjoys a full and healthy life.