My cat choked on a toy. Why is his meow raspy and broken?

Sometimes a raspy voice in a cat could be due to a respiratory infection. It’s sounds like Barney is getting better, so I would hold off on a vet for now. If the raspiness gets worse or he develops other signs such as lethargy, anorexia, coughing, or sneezing, then I would take him into the vet. I hope this helps!

This definitely seems suspicious of an airway blockage. If this was the first time you've seen this, then it would be good to try and check inside his mouth to see if anything is visible. It's best to do this with two people - where one holds a flashlight and looks, while the other holds the mouth open. If you see something, then I recommend taking him to the vet to get it removed, because if you attempt to remove it at home, you have a chance of pushing it further into the throat. If he has had something like this happen before, then I would be suspicious of a nasopharyngeal polyp (a soft mass that can develop in the throat), which can cause them to choke every once in a while. This would have to be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. The other possibility is that he got his claw stuck in his collar. This happens sometimes when they are scratching and can cause them to panic like this. If he is getting better, then I would not worry too much right now. It wouldn't hurt to get him checked-out by a vet sometime in the next week, to make sure that this won't happen again. I hope that helps and all goes well.

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

Hello. Jax may have a mild upper respiratory infection. As long as he is eating & drinking well, has no significant discharge from the eyes or nose, he really does not need treatment or medications. If it continues past a week or so, or seems to be worsening, please see your veterinarian. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would take the toy away. He could have strained his voice from meowing. If that’s the case his voice should return. If he continues to behave abnormally and not eat then he should be examined by a Vet. I hope this helps and good luck!

It is possible that Hampton could have inhaled a little bit of water during the bath and is trying to cough it up. I wouldn't worry too much unless you start seeing other signs of clinical illness, including a productive cough, lethargy, nasal discharge, or a fever. Hope this helps.