Cat Loses Voice

I received a query from a reader regarding a cat losing his voice and what could be done to help him.

Q: My cat Merlin has recently lost his voice (from my research I think he may have laryngitis). Two days ago his voice became raspy; after several days he lost his voice completely. He is a black half Siamese cat approx 2 years old and has always been very vocal. His habits are the same and still enjoys playing although he tends to look at us with a "what's going on with my voice?" look. Is there anything we can do to ride this out or help him.?

A: When a cat that is normally vocal loses his voice or become hoarse, it could indicate an inflammation of the voice box. This is laryngitis and may be caused by throat infections, tonsillitis, allergies to something he's inhaled or pulmonary disease. Sometimes, a stress-induced behavioral problem that involves extensive yowling or mewing may cause laryngitis. I advised the reader to make an appointment with a vet. A medical examination is in order to identify the cause of the cat's voice loss and to provide a proper course of treatment.