My senior cat's meow is suddenly soft like a kitten. Is this normal?

hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Charlie! There are a lot of things that can change metabolically as cats age. One thing that can cause increased night time vocalization in cats is an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). I think due to Charlie sleeping more and his other changes in behavior having him checked by your Vet and getting senior blood work done would be a good idea. Sometimes cats vocalize more if they lose their hearing. I would also suggest getting him dewormed due to his hunting. I hope this helps and good luck!

Sometimes the time of a cat's meow will change based on their mood or emotion. As long as all else Is normal with him ( he's eating, drinking and normally active) I wouldn't worry. Could just be behavioral.

A change in the voice generally indicates an illness. I recommend to have your kitten seen by the veterinarian who may prescribe medications to ease inflammation and any discomfort in the throat. I hope Peabo starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I would wait it out at this point in time because he is eating and drinking normally, using the litter, and acting normally otherwise. He might have a respiratory infection, and losing his voice is the only sign. I would keep an eye on him for the next 72 hours. If he still has no voice at that point, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. Should he develop other signs in these 72 hours, such as stopping eating and drinking, then I would take him into the vet sooner. Hopefully, his voice will return on it's own.

If he is acting otherwise normally I would give him a few days to see if the problem resolves. If not, he should see the vet. You didn't mention Loki's age but if he is a bit older a thyroid problem can cause a loss of the "meow".

This can be from over use or from the start of respiratory infection that causing a sore throat. If she is eating and drinking well with no sneezing, coughing or runny eyes, then you can monitor her to see if it comes backs. If further respiratory signs develop or her appetite changes, then she needs to be seen by a vet

Voice change can be caused by many things. Cats do not get colds like people do. Most cats are exposed to several upper respiratory viruses over their lifetime that can flare up occasionally causing sneezing, runny eyes or nose, and occasionally voice change. A change can also occur with anything going on with the larynx (voice box) including trauma, masses (benign or malignant), nerve or muscle disorders, etc. Additionally some cats who have asthma or heartworm disease may manifest this with a voice change. So, if your kitty is exhibiting any other symptoms and/or is not feeling well the best plan would be to have your family vet examine her. If upper respiratory virus related and she is otherwise normal it may run its course in a few days to a week. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!