voice loss in 15 yr old male cat

Question
hi there, i have a 15 year old male cat, who in the last few days has lost his voice (his meow) he still meows but we cant hear anything, and when we do its not his normal meow (usually quite loud),   also he seems to heave every so often, (like he's trying to cough up a fur ball,) but nothings happens,  he is still eating well, and manages to meow a little for food, but we are still concerned, any help would be so much appreciated, thank you.     helen

Answer
***** Hi Helen, I am glad to hear you are going to get him seen right away and I will be interested in the outcome. I hate to get your hopes up regarding the treatment/surgery. And the only reason I say that is because he is 15. He is at high risk for anesthetic problems. He is also at high risk for cancerous growths.. I would advise  you to prepare for the worst and then you can be pleasantly surprised if it is just an abscess and all he needs a week of antibiotics!! I am crossing my fingers for you that you get the best diagnosis possible! this sounds like a lovely cat that deserves to enjoy a few more years with his voice back, and you for his owner !
Teresa********

Hi Helen, In a 15 year old cat I would take anything like this quite seriously. My guess would be that he had growth in his throat.. such as a tumour. This  would cause voice loss and he would be trying to cough it up as it is pressing on his esophagus and he wants to clear it. imagine if someone was pressing on your adams apple area. It would immediately make you want to cough. Please get him checked asap and can you let me know how it goes?? Thanks, Teresa