Why is my sick kitten struggling to meow after a chest cold?

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!

A change in the voice generally indicates an illness. I recommend to have your kitten seen by the veterinarian who may prescribe medications to ease inflammation and any discomfort in the throat. I hope Peabo starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I wouldn't be concerned if this is how he has always sounded. Upper respiratory infections are very common in young kittens and sometimes swelling can affect the vocal folds - it's possible that he had some scar tissue formed. It's also possible that this is how he was born. If he does have trouble swallowing or breathing, or if he regurgitates or vomits you should see your vet.

This can be from over use or from the start of respiratory infection that causing a sore throat. If she is eating and drinking well with no sneezing, coughing or runny eyes, then you can monitor her to see if it comes backs. If further respiratory signs develop or her appetite changes, then she needs to be seen by a vet

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!

It could be laryngitis from an upper respiratory infection. Usually, the symptoms will go away within 10 days or so. If she worsen or it doesn't go away your vet may have to do more testing to figure out what is going on. https://www.petplace.com/article/cats/keeping-your-cat-healthy/everything-need-know-cat-laryngitis/

Caboose is a cutie! An ear infection would not likely make him lose his meow but a severe respiratory tract infection could have damaged the vocal chords. Some cats however have very soft or absent meows and it’s not pathologic. It’s likely impossible to know which one is that play here. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.