Cats with Pharyngitis: Symptoms and Care Tips

Section 1: Symptoms of Feline Pharyngitis

When a cat is suffering from acute pharyngitis, it often exhibits several telltale signs. Firstly, the cat's body temperature may rise, leading to a fever. During this time, the cat may appear quite unwell and seek out secluded spots to rest and sleep.

Secondly, due to the swelling in the throat, eating can become a painful experience for the cat. Even when the overall condition is not severe, the cat's appetite remains good, but you might notice that it takes longer to eat its food, indicating difficulty in swallowing. As the condition worsens, the cat may refuse to eat altogether.

Thirdly, cats with pharyngitis may display common symptoms of dental issues, such as drooling and vomiting. Pet owners should be vigilant in identifying the cause of these symptoms.

Fourthly, the cat may exhibit symptoms similar to a cold, such as sneezing and a runny nose. Additionally, you might observe unusual behaviors, like the cat frequently licking its nose and lips, which is not typical for cats.

Fifthly, due to the swelling in the throat, the cat may experience heavy breathing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. This is often a result of the inflammation in the throat.

Sixthly, when the condition is severe, touching the cat's chin and throat may reveal swelling, which is caused by the enlargement of the pharyngeal and submandibular lymph nodes due to the pharyngitis.

Section 2: How to Determine If It's Pharyngitis

Besides the symptoms mentioned above, there are other methods to diagnose whether a cat has pharyngitis. For instance, if a cat is vomiting, pressing on its throat may worsen the vomiting. Upon opening the cat's mouth, you may notice that the pharyngeal mucosa is congested and there is discharge, along with ulcers in the mouth and throat. If the cat has ingested a foreign object, an examination of the throat or Xrays can help locate the object.

Dr. OxygenPet has shared all the symptoms of feline pharyngitis. We hope this information helps you effectively identify whether your cat is truly suffering from pharyngitis, enabling timely diagnosis, avoiding misdiagnosis, and providing the cat with the correct treatment.