Does my cat have a defective larynx?

[David90]

I ask because (a) he does not miaow. (Although he does make a sort of chirruping-purring noise and has squealed when his tail has been accidentally trodden on.) and (b) twice he's had this kind of half-choking thing as if something has "gone down the wrong way" which lasts a few seconds.
He's a lovely cat, 6 months old, black British short hair. I wondered if any cat experts have any ideas about this.
Thanks.

[Count-A-Strong]

We had a cat that only made a little croaking sound when she tried to miaow but could howl like a wolf when she wanted to come in.

[Emily Ball]

The choking thing could be that he's gagging on fur after grooming himself. It's not uncommon for cats which are over-zealous in the grooming department to cough up sizeable fur balls.

[pastafreak]

Do you want to trade...mine is deaf-pure white-and shouts for England....he's never silent.

[karenmac60]

I previously had a cat who would only kind of whisper miaow and one of my cats now just makes a wee squeak. But they can/could both give it laldy when the circumstances demanded it. I wouldn't worry about it, just as humans come with all sorts of voices - from Joe Pasquale to Barry White - so will cats. As long as he's happy and healthy. And think yourself lucky - my other cat is very vocal and it drives me potty :)

[wolf63]

My two have quite an array of different chirps, eeks etc - and they both sound totally different.

Frankie meows when he is arguing with me, it is a cute little meow but it is very persistent and annoying.

Princess Merlin runs around the flat saying - "wow wow wow wow".

British short hairs are lovely looking cats and he is just a baby - enjoy working for him. I find that cat and cat behaviour is fascinating and living with a cat is never boring (frustrating - but never boring).

Susan