TL;DR: While throat clicking in cats is often a harmless physiological quirk related to the palate or larynx, you should monitor for breathing difficulties and record the sound to help your veterinarian provide an accurate diagnosis.
What causes my cat to make a clicking sound in their throat?
Hearing a clicking or snapping sound from your cat's throat can be a confusing experience for pet owners. Often, this sound is related to the movement of the soft palate or the larynx (voice box) as your cat breathes, swallows, or purrs. It can also be caused by small amounts of fluid in the upper airway or even a dental-related sound where the teeth or jaw click together. While it sounds unusual, in many cats, it is a benign physiological quirk.
When should I be concerned about my cat's throat clicking?
- Monitor your cat's behavior; if they are eating, staying active, and breathing comfortably with their mouth closed, the urgency is typically low.
- Schedule a routine veterinary check-up if the sound is a new development or becomes persistent.
- Seek immediate veterinary care if the clicking is accompanied by gasping, blue-tinged gums, or a total loss of appetite.
How does a video or photo of my cat's symptoms help with triage?
- Capture a video with clear audio because these sounds are often intermittent and may not occur during a veterinary appointment.
- Record your cat's body language and the specific pitch of the click to help the vet differentiate between throat clearing, dental issues, or respiratory concerns.
- Share these recordings with a triage professional to ensure your cat gets the right care without unnecessary stress or diagnostic delays.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cats, a clicking noise auscultated in the throat may represent a systolic click, a short, sharp sound occurring during mid to late systole. While similar in sound to a gallop rhythm in cats, systolic clicks typically indicate an otherwise normal heart, whereas gallop sounds are usually associated with severe heart disease. If the heart is not enlarged, a systolic click is more likely. Thoracic radiographs can aid in distinguishing between the two sounds.
Chapter: Cardiology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 88)