My cat has a raspy meow, sneezes, and swallows hard. What's wrong?

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!

I'm sorry to hear Nala is having issues. Changes in "meow" or respiratory changes are concerning and should be evaluated by your regular veterinarian. Respiratory changes can be indicative of foreign material ingestion, heart issues, pneumonia, asthma, upper respiratory infections, or allergies, for example. I would recommend she be seen by her regular veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for her respiratory issues, have any necessary testing done (X-rays, bloodwork) and come up with an appropriate treatment plan if warranted. Good luck!

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.

It could just be her attitude, or she could be sick. Upper respiratory infections, nerve issues, polyps or masses in the throat, and hyperthyroidism could cause lethargy and a change in "voice." If you are concerned about Melo being seing, then I would recommend that you have her examined by a vet. They can do a thorough exam and discuss diagnostics or treatment if there is concern.

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.

If your cat is otherwise happy, healthy, and eating, drinking, and acting normally, I would not be too concerned. If however your cat is not acting like herself she may have an upper respiratory infection or something going on. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

It sounds like it's time to take Mia to your veterinarian. Anytime the symptoms continue to get worse instead of better, it's time to get it checked out. Young cats will sometimes have those symptoms if they have gotten something stuck in the back of their nose/throat or have a polyp (a benign mass) there. Your vet may need to sedate Mia to get a good look and figure out what is going on, but hopefully it will be an easy fix. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Mia feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.