Cats are renowned for having lovely, frequently singing, vocal tones. When it comes to communication, their meow serves as the cornerstone. But cats don’t stay kittens forever, so it seems sense to question whether a cat’s meow changes as it ages. A cat’s meow won’t often change as it gets older. A cat may meow and make other vocalizations more frequently as they get older, but the actual sound of the meow shouldn’t change in any way. A shift in a cat’s meow’s tone can signal an injury or illness in felines.
It’s not typical for a cat’s meowing tone to shift and sound unrecognizably different as it ages, however it may deepen. As a result, if your cat’s meow suddenly changes, you should always take them to the vet. We’ll go over more information regarding a cat’s meow, how their vocal chords function, and what to anticipate as they become older.
Can a cat’s voice change?
A cat’s voice can alter, yes. It may even undergo an abrupt, seemingly unforeseen alteration. This is not always the case, and most frequently a throat-related disease or injury is to blame for a cat’s voice changing abruptly. Therefore, if your cat’s meow suddenly changes or sounds strange, it is a good idea to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Is it normal for a cat’s meow to change?
A cat’s meow changing is unnatural, especially if it has altered significantly or sounds strange. Larynx and vocal cord injuries can result in abrupt changes in a cat’s meow. A sudden, harsh meow can occasionally accompany illnesses that give cats a sore throat. This can also be brought on by other problems, such as impaired cognitive function.
Rarely, problems affecting the vocal cords, such as malignancies or tumors, may be the reason why a cat’s meow suddenly alters. The most frequent cause, though, is injury, which cats are more likely to get because of their propensity for climbing tall things. If your cat’s meow has changed, especially if the change was abrupt, it is advised that you take them to the vet.
However, it is common for a cat’s voice to alter significantly as it ages. The majority of cat owners note that their cat’s meow sounds weaker and more raspy than before. Similar to this, a hearing-impaired senior cat may meow louder than usual.
Do cats’ voices get deeper?
A cat’s voice will get deeper when they transition from kittenhood to adult. You’ll notice a big difference from your kitten’s high-pitched meows to the lower, raspier meow of them as an adult. This is simply due to the development of their voice box.
Unlike humans, a cat’s voice does not get deeper based on whether they are male or female. In other words, male cats do not have a deeper meow than female cats generally.
Why Does My Cat’s Meow Suddenly Sound Different?
For cat owners, hearing their cat’s meow change unexpectedly can be rather scary. Unfortunately, a sickness, accident, or medical condition is frequently to blame for an abrupt shift in mood. This is particularly valid if the cat meows in an obscenely guttural or squeaky manner. Here are some feline diseases and ailments that may affect how they meow.
- An injury to the larynx, vocal cords, and other parts of the throat
- Respiratory infections such as calicivirus
- Tumors around the vocal cords
- Blood clots
- Kidney disease
A cat’s meow may occasionally be somewhat altered by abrupt mental changes. It won’t sound drastically out of the ordinary as a result, and it’ll probably merely sound different from your cat’s typical meow. Extreme tension or anxiety in cats may cause a shift in the way they meow. Similarly, as they age, cats can experience increased worry and disorientation, which can cause changes in their meow.
At What Age Do Cats’ Voices Change?
Two voice changes may occur in a cat’s lifetime. This involves the development of a kitten into an adult cat and the aging process of an adult cat. A kitten’s voice usually changes from that of a kitten to that of an adult cat’s meow at roughly six months of age. A kitten’s meow is typically softer and higher pitched than an adult cat’s meow. The meow of an adult cat may also get hoarser with time. Depending on their temperament and how well they hear, senior cats may meow less loudly or even louder.
Do Cats Lose Their Meow As They Get Older?
Cats do, in fact, gradually lose some of their meow as they become older. The typical sign of this is a weaker, hoarser meow than the cat had as a young adult cat. Similar to how human voices evolve slightly with age, this can be compared. Even if your cat is getting older, its meow shouldn’t change much or stop altogether. This can indicate a serious issue that needs veterinarian care.
Why Is My Cat Having A Hard Time Meowing?
Cats rarely struggle while meowing, so this is typically a clue that your cat is experiencing something unusual. If a cat is having trouble meowing, it may have vocal cord damage or another illness that interferes with its ability to meow. Additionally, some cats may find it difficult to meow simply because they have a painful throat brought on by an infection or another ailment. If your cat seems to be having trouble meowing for whatever reason, you should absolutely take them to the doctor right away. Here, the vet will be able to identify the root of your cat’s vocalization issues and create a successful treatment plan for them.
Things to consider with your cat’s changing voice
There are several more factors to take into account when a cat’s meow changes with age. This covers the query, “Do cats’ meows alter depending on their mood?” Many cat owners will tell you that their cat makes a variety of sounds, but many may still be unsure of the meanings behind the various meows. The following are some things to think about when cats change their meow.
Do cats change their meow with their mood?
It is typical and very acceptable for cats to have a variety of meows that they will employ depending on the circumstance. However, some new cat owners could still be unclear about the significance of these various meows and vocalizations. Here is a simple explanation of the meanings behind the many cat vocalizations.
A cat may meow at a low pitch to express displeasure, whereas a cat may meow at a higher pitch to express contentment. Of course, we’re only talking about the odd unusual meow here; if your cat’s meow is routinely lower or higher than normal, though, this could indicate an issue that calls for a trip to the vet. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that each cat is unique and that some meows are higher than others.
