My cat lost her meow. Is it a cold from the new foster kitten?

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign is often secondary to an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a pharyngitis (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!

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!

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (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.

I’m wondering if you meant to say that Kitty is trying to meow but unable to make noise. Sometimes a chest cold or upper respiratory infection could cause laryngitis and make it difficult to meow - this usually resolves with time. If she seems to be gagging or having trouble swallowing you should recheck with your veterinarian. If this is not what you meant to ask feel free to repost your question.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Hallie! How long has she had these symptoms and how old is she? It is likely a viral infection she got form the kitten. It should run it's course in 2 weeks or so. As long as she is eating and otherwise fine you can ride it out. If she has a fever or isn't eating she will need support and medications from your Veterinarian. If she is an older cat and this has been going on for several weeks to months I would ask your Vet to do a sedated oral exam to check for a mass. I wish you the best!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on your description and the pictures, I suspect that he has an upper respiratory infection. Many times upper respiratory infections can be contributed to the herpes virus in cats. I would recommend taking Catty in to be seen by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. An antibiotic will likely be prescribed / administered to help with any secondary bacterial infections. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction and that Catty feels better soon. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Midnight is absolutely beautiful! It could be that she is suffering from laryngitis, which is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the larynx. Signs of laryngitis include hoarseness and/or loss of voice. It could also be that she's just a quiet cat who doesn't meow. I'd have her checked out by a vet this week just to be sure everything is ok. I hope this helps, and enjoy your new kitten!