Why is my senior cat gurgling when she meows? Is it serious?

Hello, thank you for your question about Princess. A gurgling noise after eating/drinking/after activity can be secondary to a few different things. My primary concern is that she could have a polyp; polyps are benign growths are not uncommon in cats and can grow in the back of their throat/airway. It is also possible that Princess could have an upper-respiratory infection leading to inflammation and a small amount of fluid build up. I would recommend having Princess evaluated by your veterinarian so that they can examine her. They will listen to her lungs and look for any evidence of abnormalities. Depending on their findings they may recommend further workup such as bloodwork or a sedated upper airway exam to look for evidence of a polyp. Hope this helps, good luck!

I'm sorry to hear that your cat isn't quite right. I would be concerned about a tumor or polyp in her throat/mouth, or possibly that she's retching, without actually vomiting. I would agree that getting her to the vet soon (in the next few days, as possible with the holiday) would be wise.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A few main concerns are coming to mind for Bubbles. 1) Hyperthyroid disease- the vocalizing fits with this but usually an increase in appetite is noted. We also usually see weight loss. This can be diagnosed with a blood test that may or may not be a part of the "regular" bloodwork done. 2) Pain - a severe arthritis flare up can cause vocalizing and reluctance to move. If bloodwork comes back normal, x-rays and or a pain medication trial would be my next steps. 3) Cognitive dysfunction (senility) or other neurological problem - Though it is not as well documented in cats as in dogs, we do definitely see cats that have dementia. This usually manifests as: wakefulness/vocalizing at night, loss of litterbox training, seeming to be lost, sudden anxiety, and other signs. I have seen cats act like this with sudden blindness (a few underlying causes) because they are anxious to leave the places they know best (bed, food, litter box). Finally, brain tumors, clots in the brain (underlying heart disease) and other neurological problems may manifest similarly to this. Long story short, get a good eye exam and some bloodwork done. Then consider x-rays and/or a pain medication trial. If none of these help, discuss possible next steps with your vet. Best wishes to you and Bubbles!

Voice change can be caused by many things. Cats do not get colds like people do. Most cats are exposed to several upper respiratory viruses over their lifetime that can flare up occasionally causing sneezing, runny eyes or nose, and occasionally voice change. A change can also occur with anything going on with the larynx (voice box) including trauma, masses (benign or malignant), nerve or muscle disorders, etc. Additionally some cats who have asthma or heartworm disease may manifest this with a voice change. So, if your kitty is exhibiting any other symptoms and/or is not feeling well the best plan would be to have your family vet examine her. If upper respiratory virus related and she is otherwise normal it may run its course in a few days to a week. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic laryngitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

There are a few medical reasons for a change in voice in a cat, including upper respiratory infection, hyperthyroidism, nasopharyngeal polyps, and other oral concerns. I would recommend having Rosco examined by a vet to see if this could be the case.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is possible that Mody's purr has changed due to an obstruction in the nose/back of throat. Cats tend to get polyps at the back of the throat that can cause a change in meowing and purring and result in some nasal discharge or sneezing. I recommend having Mody seen by a vet as soon as possible to rule out these conditions or any secondary infections. I hope all is well!