My older cat makes plastic-like noises when swallowing. What's happening?

This sounds like your cat has an abscess, foreign body, naso-or oro-pharyngeal polyps, or ulcer or other type of purulent infection in her throat. She will need to be seen by a veterinarian who will need to thoroughly inspect her throat and upper airway, possibly under sedation and then remove the offending problem or lance an abscess. Please make an appointment for her tomorrow.

Sometimes a viral upper respiratory infection can affect the back of the throat and cause swelling that could affect your cat’s ability to meow. Difficulty swallowing can also occur when something is lodged in the esophagus or if there is a problem with a tooth. I’m glad Lily ate some chicken, but if her normal appetite does not return soon I’d recommend seeing your vet for an examination.

Margo could have something lodged in her throat or this could be a sign of nausea. As long as she is eating and not vomiting I think it’s probably okay to wait until Monday. If she has any other symptoms or seems to be getting worse you should see your vet sooner.

What a pretty girl! If there is a change in the tissue in the back of her throat, that could potentially cause the "gurgle." If theres a lot of inflammation in her throat, or a mass or tumor of some kind. Ideally, take her to your vet for an exam. If you can get a video of exactly what your concern is, that may be helpful, in case she isn't doing it at the time you take her in to the vet. It sounds like she is meowing more... it would be a good idea to check her bloodwork including her thyroid to see if she needs her dosage adjusted as well, though I doubt this is related to the "gurgle." Your vet may recommend X-rays, and/or a sedated exam so they can visualize the entire mouth and throat. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It's hard to say what could be causing this. Possible reasons include oral pain, something stuck in the mouth or throat, periodontal disease, oral mass, viral infection, among other things. You can try liquid foods, baby food, or even putting canned cat food in a blender to make a liquid.

AT her age there may be an infection or mild obstruction causing the problem. If there is no improvement, then she may need to be sedated to get xrays on her neck and throat and a good exam down her throat to check for anything abnormal. If there was something irritating it at one point, then this will be evident and they can adjust medicine to help get her better.

Yes she could have a polyp in her throat causing problems. I would feed wet food with added water which should be easy to swallow. I’m glad you are taking her in. They may need to sedate her to examine the throat for a mass or problem. Then they can discuss the best treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Mo Diddly.