Can Cats Get Infections That Cause Sore Throats?

Can Cats Get Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a common bacterial infection in humans caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. This infection leads to inflammation and irritation of the throat and tonsils. However, cats do not actually get "strep throat" since that refers specifically to a strep infection in humans.

Do Cats Get Sore Throats?

Although cats cannot get strep throat, they can suffer from other types of sore throat conditions. Some common causes of sore throats in cats include:

• Upper respiratory infections
• Throat inflammation
• Dental disease
• Foreign objects lodged in the throat
• Cancerous growths

Feline Upper Respiratory Infections

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are one of the most common reasons for sore throats in cats. The viruses and bacteria that cause these contagious infections can lead to irritation, inflammation, and discomfort in a cat's throat and nasal passages.

Some of the most common pathogens involved in feline upper respiratory diseases include:

• Feline herpesvirus
• Feline calicivirus
• Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria
• Chlamydophila felis bacteria

In addition to sore throats, symptoms of feline URIs can include sneezing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, fever, and loss of appetite. Most cats recover, but antibiotics or supportive care may be needed in some cases.

Other Causes of Sore Throats in Cats

While upper respiratory infections are the most common cause of sore throats in cats, other possible causes include:

• Throat Inflammation: Irritation from vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, or hiatal hernias can lead to inflammation of the throat. This causes significant discomfort and pain.
• Dental Disease: Infections in a cat's teeth or gums may spread internally, leading to sore throat issues.
• Foreign Objects: Cats sometimes ingest foreign objects like bones, needles, or splinters that can become lodged in the throat and lead to pain and swelling.
• Cancer: Rarely, tumors developing in a cat's mouth, throat or nasal passages can lead to throat irritation.

Cat Strep Throat Symptoms

While cats can't actually contract strep throat, feline sore throat symptoms often mimic common signs of strep infections in humans. These may include:

Difficulty or Discomfort Swallowing

Throat irritation often makes it uncomfortable or painful for cats to swallow food, liquids, or even their own saliva. You may notice your cat drooling more or making exaggerated gulping motions when trying to eat or drink.

Fever

Throat infections often coincide with fevers - just as they do in human strep cases. Take your cat's temperature at home if she seems sick. Any temperature over 102.5 F is considered an abnormal fever in cats.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

The lymph nodes around head and neck may become swollen and painful in response to a throat infection. Check for swollen glands under your cat's jawbone if she seems to have a sore throat.

Bad Breath

The bacteria involved in some feline throat infections can cause foul-smelling breath. Dental diseases can also lead to bad breath if they spread internally to cause sore throat issues.

Nasal Signs

Upper respiratory infections often coincide with sore throats. So nasal discharge, sneezing, wheezing, and other respiratory signs may develop along with throat irritation in cats.

Poor Appetite

Difficult and painful swallowing causes many cats with sore throats to eat and drink less. Weight loss, dehydration, and lethargy can develop if throat pain leads to decreased appetite.

Pawing at the Face or Mouth

Cats often paw at their face or mouth when experiencing throat discomfort. Excessive lip licking or head shaking can also signal an irritation inside a cat's mouth.

Cat Strep Throat Causes and Transmission

While viruses and bacteria are the most common infectious causes of sore throats in cats, other factors can also contribute to throat irritation and inflammation.

Infectious Causes

Bacteria and viruses that directly attack a cat's throat tissue or upper respiratory tract are the most common culprits. As contagious pathogens, they can spread easily through:

• Direct contact with infected mucus, saliva, etc.
• Contaminated surfaces, food bowls, water bowls, etc.
• Airborne sneezes or coughs
• Contaminated hands, clothing, toys, litter boxes, etc.

Other Contributing Factors

While infections are the primary cause of sore throats, other issues may contribute to throat irritation like:

• Allergies leading to postnasal drip
• Gastroesophageal reflux pushing stomach contents back up
• Hiatal hernias allowing stomach protrusion into chest
• Recent anesthesia intubation scratching the throat
• Sharp foreign objects scratching the throat lining

Diagnosing Sore Throats in Cats

There are several approaches a veterinarian can use to diagnose the cause of a sore throat in cats:

Physical Exam

Checking for fever, swollen lymph nodes, dental disease, or throat irritation during an oral exam. Carefullying the neck and throat for tenderness, swelling, lumps, etc.

Lab Tests

• Bacterial cultures to identify infectious organisms involved
• Biopsy of abnormal oral growths to test for cancer

Imaging

• Dental x-rays to check for tooth root infections
• Neck/chest x-rays to view the throat and esophagus
• Fluoroscopy to view real-time swallowing function

Endoscopy

Inserting a tiny veterinary endoscope camera down the throat allows firsthand visualization of irritation, foreign objects, growths etc.

Treating Sore Throats in Cats

Treatment choices often depend on the specific cause of a cats sore throat. Common approaches may involve:

Antibiotics

Prescribing oral antibiotics to fight underlying bacterial throat infections, especially those involving dental infections spreading internally.

Anti-inflammatories

Providing steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and discomfort in inflamed throats.

Pain Medication

Managing pain levels with cat-safe oral pain medications to reduce throat discomfort and improve appetite.

Antacids / Acid Reducers

Treating gastroesophageal reflux disease with medications to reduce stomach acid levels reaching the throat.

Foreign Object Removal

Carefully removing any lodged foreign bodies like sticks, needles, or bones from the throat under anesthesia.

Tooth Extractions / Oral Surgery

Extracting infected teeth or draining dental abscesses helps resolve dental pain spreading internally.

With appropriate treatment guided by a veterinarian, most sore throats in cats resolve within several weeks. However, long-term medication and pain management may be necessary in some cases.

Preventing Sore Throats in Cats

You can help protect your cat against painful sore throat issues by:

• Keeping your cat's vaccines current to prevent contagious respiratory diseases
• Eliminating exposure to irritating smoke, dust, chemicals etc
• Treating any nasal discharge, dental disease, or other health issues promptly
• Avoiding sharing food/water bowls between cats to reduce cross-infection
• Disinfecting food bowls, toys, and litter boxes regularly
• Gently wiping your cat's face daily to keep the nasal area clean

Catching and treating any early throat symptoms quickly can help prevent prolonged discomfort, dehydration, malnutrition, and other complications.

When to See the Veterinarian

Make a veterinary appointment right away if your cat shows any signs of a sore throat or respiratory illness. Early treatment can help resolve many throat infections before they become severe.

Seeking prompt veterinary attention is especially important if your cat has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or seems very ill or weak. In severe cases, throat swelling can potentially obstruct airways.

While sore throats in cats should never be ignored, most feline cases can be successfully managed with veterinary medical care. Supportive treatment at home may also help soothe your cat's throat irritation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.