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The Daily Insight

Can a cat get a sore throat?

Author

James Olson

Updated on March 21, 2026

Cat flu is like a human cold – it can cause a runny nose and eyes, and a sore throat. Other symptoms include aches and pains in the muscles and joints, mouth ulcers, dribbling, sneezing, loss of voice and fever. Cat flu is not usually serious in adult cats, although they can be quite ill.

Similarly, can cats get a sore throat from meowing?

It may result from upper respiratory tract infection or by direct irritation from inhalation of dust, smoke, irritating gas, or foreign objects. It can also be caused by trauma, excessive meowing, or a tumor of the larynx. Laryngitis may accompany infectious rhinotracheitis and calicivirus infection in cats.

Furthermore, what are the symptoms of a cat cold? Cat Colds: Signs & Symptoms

  • sneezing.
  • sniffles.
  • watery eyes.
  • runny nose.
  • mild fever.

Also, can cats catch a sore throat from humans?

As far as strep throat goes, it is actually the human that can infect the animal. The cat or dog, once infected, however, can in turn infect another human.

What can you give a cat for sore throat?

Because your cat may have lost its sense of smell and have a sore throat, sloppy, strong-smelling foods should be offered. Suggestions include sardines, pilchards, roast chicken, or one of the invalid diets available from vets.

Related Question Answers

How long does cat sore throat last?

Cat flu recovery time is around 5 to 10 days for mild cases, and up to 6 weeks in more severe cases. The duration of the condition is often related to the type of virus or bacterial infection causing the symptoms.

What medicine can I give my cat for a cold?

Don't give your cat any medications, especially cold medications, without checking with your veterinarian first. Cats are sensitive to many medications that people and dogs can both tolerate, sometimes to the point of liver or kidney failure and death.

Can cats get sore throat or laryngitis?

A-Cats can catch colds and laryngitis but not from the same bacteria or viruses that cause those problems in humans. There are other possible causes of feline laryngitis. A growth in the laryngeal area could affect the voice.

Can cats carry strep throat?

Although there are diseases that cats can transmit to people — including toxoplasmosis, cat scratch disease and ringworm — Streptococcus A, the bacteria that causes strep throat, is not believed to be among them.

How do indoor cats get colds?

It's common for the virus to affect multiple cats in a household. Cats can also contract URI's without contact from other cats, a fact that often surprises indoor cat owners. Most of the viruses that cause these infections are airborne, and some are transmitted through water.

Why is my cats meow hoarse?

Viral upper respiratory infections (herpes virus and/or calicivirus) are a common cause. In most cases, the cat will exhibit other signs of a respiratory infection, such as runny eyes, snotty nose and lots of sneezing. These viruses can cause laryngitis on occasion, and a hoarse or lost voice can be the result.

How do I know if my cat has laryngitis?

Symptoms of Laryngitis in Cats
  1. Dry, harsh cough that becomes moist and painful.
  2. Lowered head while standing.
  3. Open mouth.
  4. Vocal changes.
  5. Difficulty swallowing.
  6. High-pitched breathing and obvious efforts to inhale.
  7. Noisy breathing.
  8. Bad breath.

How do you know if your cat has an upper respiratory infection?

What are the signs of URI?
  1. Sneezing.
  2. Runny nose.
  3. Red and or runny eyes.
  4. Sores on the tongue, lips, nose or roof of mouth.
  5. Fever.
  6. Lack of appetite.
  7. Decreased energy, lethargy.

Can cats eat honey?

Honey is not toxic to cats. Depending on how many cheerios your cat consumed, you may see some stomach distress. For some cats, even a half teaspoon of honey can cause issues with your cat's digestive system. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or other symptoms of an upset stomach, stop honey completely.

Can you give your cat tonsillitis?

While tonsillitis is uncommon in cats, when it does occur, it is usually the result of a bacterial infection and is treated with antibiotics.

When should I go to the doctor for a sore throat?

In most cases, your sore throat will improve with at-home treatment. However, it's time to see your doctor if a severe sore throat and a fever over 101 degrees lasts longer than one to two days; you have difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids; or a red rash appears.

How did I catch strep throat?

Streptococcal bacteria are contagious. They can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks. You can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose, mouth or eyes.

Can strep throat go away on its own?

If you have strep throat—which is caused by bacteria—your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, such as penicillin. But strep throat goes away on its own in 3 to 7 days with or without antibiotics.

What else can cause sore throat?

Breathing through your mouth — often because of chronic nasal congestion — also can cause a dry, sore throat. Irritants. Outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution such as tobacco smoke or chemicals can cause a chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat.

How long does strep throat last?

Symptoms of strep throat usually begin within 2 to 5 days after you come in contact with someone who has a strep infection. Strep throat usually goes away in 3 to 7 days with or without antibiotic treatment.

Can you get mono from a cat?

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan that can cause a mononucleosis syndrome in immunocompetent individuals. It is well known for causing disease through human contact with cat feces, as well as causing ring-enhancing lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) in AIDS patients.

Where does strep live?

Strep A bacteria normally live in your nose and mouth, and on your skin. Many people carry these microbes but don't get sick. SOURCES: American Academy of Family Physicians: "Sore Throat Causes & Risk Factors."

What cat diseases can humans get?

The following diseases can be transmitted to humans by cats:
  • Campylobacteriosis.
  • Cat scratch disease.
  • Cat tapeworm.
  • Cryptosporidiosis.
  • Giardiasis.
  • Hookworm.
  • Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus (MRSA)
  • Rabies.

Can you get the same strep twice?

People can get strep throat more than once. Having strep throat does not protect someone from getting it again in the future. While there is no vaccine to prevent strep throat, there are things people can do to protect themselves and others.

How do you tell if a cat is not feeling well?

Cats that are not feeling well may just look a little “off.” The cat might sit in a hunched position, might not move as gracefully as before, might not lift its head properly, might have a head tilt, or might carry its tail in a different way than normal.

How do you comfort a sick cat?

Ways to Make Sick Cats Feel More Comfortable
  1. Turn to pain medication when necessary. Pain medication can alleviate a lot of the discomfort.
  2. Encourage your cat to drink as much water as possible.
  3. Keep the noise level down.
  4. Many cats crave contact and giving warmth through body contact is a great way to keep your sick cat comfortable.

Can you use Vicks on cats?

A small amount of Vicks® VapoRub® can be applied to the chin. Do not give any other human medicines to your catcats are not small humans and many of our home remedies are toxic to them.

Can cat sneezing infect humans?

A: It is extremely unlikely that your cats got their colds from you because most cold viruses tend to be species specific. However, cats do occasionally have an organism called chlamydia psittaci, which causes runny eyes and sneezing and could be spread to humans.

How do you decongest a cat?

At home, you can try using a plain (non-medicated) saline nasal spray (available over the counter at any drugstore) if your cat tolerates it. It will help thin any “stuck” mucus and often stimulates sneezing, which helps expel mucus and bacteria. Tip the bottle upside down to drip 1-2 drops onto each nostril.

When should I worry about my cat sneezing?

If your cat is sneezing frequently, has discharge from the eyes or nose, coughing with excessive swallowing, loss of appetite, dehydration, fever and lethargy, your cat could have an upper respiratory infection. You should visit your vet for diagnosis and best course of treatment.

Does my cat have a cold or allergies?

In addition to frequent sneezing, signs of rhinitis and sinusitis in cats include: Clear nasal discharge in mild cases OR yellow, green or bloody in severe cases. Labored breathing, snoring and/or breathing through the mouth. Pawing at the face.