Laryngeal Paralysis in Cats: Understanding a Rare Airway Disorder
Laryngeal paralysis is an uncommon but serious condition in cats, affecting their ability to breathe normally. While it's much more prevalent in dogs, especially older large breeds, cats can also develop this disorder—though cases are rare and often present unique challenges for diagnosis and treatment.
What Is Laryngeal Paralysis?
This disorder occurs when the arytenoid cartilages and vocal folds of the larynx (voice box) don't open as they should during inhalation. The result? Airway obstruction and significant breathing difficulties. The root cause is usually dysfunction of the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which control the muscles that open the airway.
Laryngeal paralysis can be either:
- Congenital: Present at birth due to genetic or developmental defects (very rare in cats).
- Acquired: Develops later in life, often from trauma, tumors, surgeries, polyneuropathy, hypothyroidism, or unknown (idiopathic) causes. Most feline cases fall into this category and are seen in older animals.
How Does It Affect Cats?
Cats with laryngeal paralysis typically show signs that progress slowly over months or even years. Owners might notice subtle changes at first—maybe a dry cough or a hoarser meow—but these can worsen over time.
- Noisy, harsh, or raspy breathing (especially during inspiration)
- Changes in voice—hoarseness or complete loss of vocal ability
- Coughing or gagging during/after eating and drinking
- Lethargy and reduced exercise tolerance
- Rapid breathing at rest; increased respiratory effort
- Panting or open-mouth breathing (unusual for cats)
- Abrupt stop in purring
- Regurgitation
If the condition progresses without intervention, severe symptoms may develop:
- Cyanosis (blue/purple tongue and gums)
- Collapse—especially after stress, exercise, or exposure to heat
Cats tend to mask illness well, so these signs might not be obvious until the problem is advanced. Stressful events or hot weather can suddenly make symptoms worse.
Diagnosis: Piecing Together the Puzzle
The path to diagnosis involves several steps:
- A thorough physical and neurological exam by a veterinarian.
- A detailed history from the owner about clinical signs and their progression.
- Boodwork and routine laboratory testing to rule out other causes.
- X-rays (radiographs) of the chest and possibly neck area.
The definitive test is direct visualization of the larynx—usually under light anesthesia—with an endoscope or laryngoscope. Here, vets look for failure of the laryngeal cartilages to move properly when the cat breathes in. Sometimes advanced imaging (like CT scans) or genetic tests are used if an underlying cause is suspected.
Treatment Options: From Conservative Care to Surgery
Treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are and what's causing them. Mild cases might be managed with lifestyle adjustments:
- Weight control to reduce airway strain
- Limiting strenuous activity
- Avoiding heat and stressful situations
Cats should wear harnesses instead of neck collars to avoid pressure on their throats. During acute crises—when breathing becomes suddenly difficult—vets may use corticosteroids (to reduce swelling), oxygen therapy, sedation, or external cooling. If aspiration pneumonia develops (a common complication), antibiotics and supportive care become essential.
If medical management isn't enough—or if airway obstruction becomes severe—surgery is considered. The most common procedure is Unilateral Arytenoid Lateralization, also known as "tie-back" surgery. In this operation, one side of the larynx is permanently pulled open with a suture to improve airflow while minimizing aspiration risk by not opening both sides.
Aftercare & Complications: What Owners Should Expect
- Restricting activity for 6–8 weeks post-surgery; limiting meowing/barking.
- Feeding canned food (sometimes formed into small meatballs) from elevated bowls to help prevent aspiration.
- No swimming; avoid activities that increase aspiration risk.
The most significant complication remains aspiration pneumonia, both before and after surgery. Other possible issues include coughing during meals, incision infection or seroma formation after surgery, suture failure, cartilage damage, loss of voice, persistent airway obstruction—or recurrence if only partial improvement occurs.
Prognosis: Quality of Life After Diagnosis
If treated promptly and appropriately—especially with successful tie-back surgery—many animals enjoy improved quality of life. However, lifelong monitoring is critical because risks remain. In cats specifically, prognosis is more guarded due to limited data; surgical treatment can still be effective for selected patients willing to undergo intensive care and follow-up.
Summary Points for Cat Owners
- Laryngeal paralysis is a rare but potentially life-threatening upper airway disease in cats caused by failure of laryngeal cartilages to open on inspiration.
- Mild cases may be managed conservatively; severe cases often require surgery.
- Main complications involve aspiration pneumonia; vigilant monitoring is needed long-term.
- The disorder isn't contagious nor preventable; treating any underlying illness helps recovery if present.
If you notice noisy breathing, voice changes, coughing after eating/drinking—or your cat seems anxious about breathing—don't wait: consult your veterinarian promptly for evaluation and possible intervention. Early recognition makes all the difference when it comes to this rare but serious feline condition!
