Swallowing Difficulties in Cats

If a cat is having trouble swallowing this can be a sign that there is a more serious medical condition. The medical term for a cat that has trouble swallowing is called dysphagia. This condition can be caused by a number of issues. 

Oral Dysphagia 
A cat with this condition can have trouble swallowing can be due to dental issues and paralysis in the mouth. The muscles in the jaw can be worn away as well which can lead to discomfort. The cat may eat in a different way and may tilt its head when eating. 

Pharyngeal Dysphasia 
The cat is able to grab the food but will attempt to swallow the food several times and may have excessive gagging. There may be some discharge coming out of the nose as well. 

Cricopharyngeal Dysphasia 
It may take at a couple of attempts to swallow the food and even after swallowing the cat will gag and may throw the food up. Since the food is not able to get into the digestive tract the cat is often underweight. 

Symptoms 
If a cat is having trouble swallowing there may be some common things that the owner should be on the lookout for. If the cat is eating in an odd way such as tilting their head back or eating on an angle they may have trouble swallowing. Other symptoms include increased salivation, poor appetite, weight loss, and vomiting. 

Diagnosis 
If the owner notices that their cat is having trouble swallowing they should bring it to the vet right away. The vet will perform tests and will be able to determine if the cat has suffered an injury. The cat may be given an x-ray to check the oral cavity and their throat. 

Treatment 
The treatment for swallowing difficulties in cats will vary based on the cause. If the cat has trouble swallowing due to an infection, they will need antibiotics and may need steroids to help with inflammation. If the cat has a muscle strain, they may need muscle relaxers so they can swallow. The cat may have an abscess and surgery may be needed to correct this issue. If this condition is caused by an infection in the mouth or teeth, antibiotics may be needed to treat it as well. 

Swallowing difficulties in cats cannot be ignored. A person will need to take their cat to the vet so the cause of this condition can be treated and the cat can be in good health once again.