Question:
Hi. My 15 year old cat (half Siamese, spayed, female, otherwise in good condition) has recently started to meow differently, in a sort of cracked, squeaky, high-pitched tone. I've just started working outside the house and I don't know if she's damaged her vocal cords meowing her head off when I'm not here (do cats meow when they're by themselves and feeling lonely ?), or if this is the symptom of another ailment. Has anybody got a clue ?
Thanks,
Denyse

Answer:
It could be a sore throat or strained vocal cords - cats do cry when alone.

But, because of your cat's age, I would take her for a checkup to be on the safe side if this doesn't clear up soon.

Answer:
My Puss-Puss is hyperthyroid. The first indication we had (about 2 years ago) was her meow. Suddenly it changed and she seemed to have laryngitis. (Do cats get that). We mentioned it to our vet when we took her in for her yearly vaccinations and he did a blood test. Because she had recently had bloodwork done when her teeth were cleaned, they were able to immediately see the change in her thyroid levels and she was put on medication. Other than the meow, there was no other indication. It was caught early before any damage to her heart was done. Agree with LR, a checkup should be done.

Answer:
Just as Lucky said, I would take her to the vet too if it's something that just came about!

Sorry Denyse, hope you don't mind....Hey Lucky, I was wondering also (just never posted because of how silly it is!)... One of my cats has the same meow but it's always been that way... I know there's nothing wrong with her vocal cords because when she smacks the younger ones she also 'says what's on her mind' at the same time and it's very loud. It's only when she meows that it's all broken and very low volume, or it doesn't even come out at all! Is that a normal thing or is she just weird?

Answer:
If the cat has always had a strange cry, then I wouldn't worry. It's just sudden changes that may be cause for concern.

I had a cat for 11 years who could not meow at all! He was completely silent, and if he tried to cry, nothing came out. He soon learned to stand behind my other two cats when they screeched for food.

Answer:
It's normally only when we talk to her that she tries to talk... it's kinda cute!

He soon learned to stand behind my other two cats when they screeched for food
Smart cat!! I guess any cat would be smart when it comes to food!

Answer:
My little(well,not anymore )Vinnie has the softest sweetest meow,you can hardly hear him,but Rocky makes up for it.
I am not surprised if a Siamese gets hoarse,they could wake up the dead with their meow
I agree though,with your cats age you should take her for a check-up just to make sure.

Answer: