Cat?s Meow Sounds Strange

CatChannel veterinary expert, Arnold Plotnick, DVM, explains what could cause a cat?s voice to change.

By Arnold Plotnick, DVM | Posted: July 25, 2008 2 a.m. EDT

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Q: My 7-year-old cat's meow has changed, and now he sounds hoarse. Could you tell me why?

A: There are several possible reasons for your cat’s change in voice. 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.

Less common causes include tumors involving the vocal cords or larynx and a condition called laryngeal paralysis, in which the nerve that controls the vocal folds becomes damaged, causing the larynx not to open properly, resulting in a change of voice.

Even though most cases are due to upper respiratory infections, which are fairly benign, a change in voice should be evaluated by your veterinarian. In most cases, a cause is never identified. However, your vet might want to sedate your cat to perform a detailed evaluation of the throat and vocal cords to make sure there are no masses or obstructions and to evaluate for laryngeal paralysis.

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Cat?s Meow Sounds Strange

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CatChannelEditor    Irvine, CA 6/19/2012 9:53:09 AM Hi Jeanette -- Please look for a vet's office that is open near you. a vet is the only person who can truly tell you what is going on with your cat's voice. Good luck Jeanette    Tucumcari, NM 6/18/2012 12:47:10 PM Thank you for information. my cat sounds like a bird real squeeky voice and yes a runny eye. It has been very hot here today 104. Last month the vets place burned down. I do not know when she will re-open. Is there anything I can do for my cat to help her get her voice back? Alyce    Newberry, MI 12/5/2010 7:55:23 AM I would like to know how long a cat stays in heat Judy    Indianapolis, IN 6/19/2010 3:19:09 PM Very helpful information. Thank you.