Although it's not very common, some cats may meow more often when they're sick than at other times. Some illnesses may make your cat feel afraid or may cause pain that will lead to more frequent meowing. This type of meowing will sound strained and mournful in tone.
If your cat is making weird noises, it could be a gurgling sound or just strange breathing. Luckily, a gurgling sound in your cat's throat will stand out more than a change in breathing or some other symptoms. This particular symptom, as with others, can be harmless. Often times, it won't need veterinary attention.
They reserve their unique vocal language for their humans only. Your cat could be meowing excessively because they are hungry, afraid, sick, or when they need your attention and love. There are different meow sounds that cats make at certain times.
Repeated meows may indicate that your cat is excited, while high-pitched meows can mean that your kitty is startled or hurt. Low-pitched meows express unhappiness and are a way for your furry companion to let you know you've done something wrong.
Howling, crying, hiding, and otherwise acting in a way that is out of character for your pet should alert you that something may be seriously wrong. Changes in litter box habits, particularly in male cats, can indicate a serious health problem.
Sure, some cats in pain will cry out, but if you see a cat crying out in pain, the problem is likely very severe indeed. Besides, cats cry out for many reasons, so even if you do see this, how can you tell if it is due to pain or some other form of stress?
Take Your Cat to the Veterinarian
Numerous diseases can cause cats to feel unusually hungry, thirsty, restless or irritable—any of which is likely to prompt meowing. Even if your cat has a history of meowing for food, you should still have her checked by your veterinarian.
Cats that whine or beg always have a very specific goal: they either look for attention or food or they have something else they want to tell you.
High-pitched meow
This kind of meow can often sound more like a yelp due to the high pitch—and that is often what it means! Your cat will make a high-pitched meow sound when they are suddenly startled or hurt.
Your cat doesn't feel well.
Sick cats try to hide illness, but there are exceptions. Some cry prior to vomiting or coughing up a hairball. Hypertension, cognitive issues of aging cats, and deaf cats often meow a great deal from discomfort, confusion or anxiety.
If you've spent enough time with cats, you've probably heard a cat's down-in-the-throat, wet, "glurk" sound that signals that vomit is on the way. Maybe it's a hairball. Maybe it's undigested food. Maybe it's clear or foamy liquid.
You may also notice that your cat starts pawing at their nose and mouth, has trouble swallowing, or makes wheezes or choking sounds while trying to breathe.
Make a Clean, Comfortable Bed Available
To make your cat feel more comfortable, add special touches to their cat bed or whatever place your cat likes to sleep. Add extra blankets for cushioning, and be sure to change the blankets regularly if your cat is having trouble getting to the litter box.
In most cases, cat colds are harmless and will go away within 1-2 weeks. You do need to monitor their health, however, and if there is no sign of improvement by the fourth day, you should make an appointment with your vet as a persisting cold that does not get treated properly may develop into pneumonia.
If your cat is in pain it might: Squint or close their eyes tightly. Flatten their ears so that they are pressed to the sides or back of their head. Project an overall facial appearance of tension with a tight mouth.
Signs of a Depressed Cat
Changes in body language, including ears held back, tucked tail, and hairs standing on end. Meowing more or less than usual or making low-pitched, mournful meows. Lack of energy or a decrease in activity level.
The most common sign of illness in some cats is hiding in a quiet, out-of-the-way place. Sick cats often lie quietly in a hunched position. They might neglect grooming. They may be purring, which cats do not only when they're happy, but also when they're sick or in pain.
If your cat is uncomfortable, he might sleep differently. Your cat might sleep in more of a crouched position and might not ever stretch out. He might sleep in a way that keeps weight off a sore body part, and he might appear stiff or braced while he sleeps.
That said, if your cat is suffering from pneumonia they may show one or more of the following symptoms: Shallow or laboured breathing. Persistent coughing. Gurgling or rattling respiratory sounds.
URI is rarely fatal and usually resolves in one to three weeks. Treatment generally consists of supportive care.
Some cats may also be left with permanent damage within the nose and may have persistent or recurrent nasal discharge (so-called 'chronic rhinitis'). In rare cases, a much more severe and often fatal form of FCV infection may occur.
Some cats become more clingy or demanding of attention, while others just become cranky. As a general rule, cats that are sick will have lower energy levels. The only thing you may notice is that your cat sleeps more, does not play as much, or is restless.
All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.