horse meow

Question
I have an orange male tabby (JayJay), he is about 7 years of age. The last few days I've noticed his meow is very horse/scratchy sounding. Any ideas what might be going on ? He's never had this before, so I thought it a little odd. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

Answer
Tim,
I had a main coon named Bill that would lose his meower.  I think it might be alleriges causing a sore throat or swallowing hairballs that might irritate the throat.  It will go away on its own, but if it appears to be bothering him where he's not eatting or drinking like he normally does, then he should go to the vet.  Any minor changes I don't worry about, but always look for changes in drinking, eatting, sneezing and the appearance of the third eyelid.  Also, if a change in his breathing starts, I would take him in to rule out an upper respiratory infection.
Let me know what happens with him.

Good luck,
Kris