Cats are unique animals, and their sounds are just as varied as their personalities. Some cats meow all the time, while others squeak instead.
If your cat is one of the latter, you may have wondered, “Why does my cat squeak instead of meow?” Let’s dive into the world of cat sounds and find out why your cat makes the sounds it does.
Reasons Why Your Cat Might Be Squeaking
Cats communicate in many different ways, and squeaking is just one of the sounds they make. But why do some felines squeak instead of meowing? Here are some reasons that might explain this phenomenon.
Attention-Grabbing Tactics
Cats are smart. They learn that making a high-pitched squeak can quickly grab your attention. When your cat wants food, playtime, or some cuddles, they might use this sound as a clever way to let you know.
A Sign of Excitement or Happiness
Just like people, cats can get excited or feel really happy. When they see their favorite human, or it’s time for a tasty meal, they might express their joy with a soft squeak.
Showing Trust and Affection
A squeak can also be a sign that your cat feels safe and loved. When they’re relaxed and cozy, they might communicate with softer, gentler sounds.
Feeling a Bit Anxious
On the flip side, sometimes a squeak might mean your furry companion is a little anxious or unsure about something.
If there’s a new pet in the house or a change in their routine, they might squeak to voice their concern.
Meows and Squeaks
When kittens are born, their world is full of new sounds and experiences. One of the first ways they communicate is by making a high-pitched squeaking sound.
These squeaks let the mother cat know they’re hungry or need comfort. It also helps them bond with their siblings as they start to explore their environment.
Why Cats Meow
As kittens grow, their vocalizations begin to change. You might notice that they meow more frequently, especially around us humans. This change is part of their learning process.
Cats do not naturally meow. However, they are smart and they notice that meowing gets our attention. So, they adapt their way of ‘talking’ to better communicate with us.
What If Your Cat Has Never Meowed?
If your cat has never meowed in the time you’ve known it, it’s possible that it simply doesn’t meow at all. There might be multiple reasons behind this:
Physically Unable
It might be unable to meow due to damaged vocal cords, a result of rare birth defects. Thus, your cat resorts to making other sounds, such as squeaking, chirping, trilling, purring, or yowling.
Never Learned
Some cats may simply have never learned to meow. Cats usually pick up meowing from their mothers or other adult cats.
If they don’t observe this behavior from an early age, they will never know how to do it. This problem has mostly been observed in feral cats.
Quiet Nature
Some cats may naturally be quiet. It depends on the breed of the cat as well as its individual nature. For example, Siamese cats tend to be quiet.
Keep Context In Mind
It’s essential to consider the context of the squeaking.
If your cat is squeaking while playing or during a happy moment, it might just be a quirky expression of joy.
However, if squeaking happens during eating, grooming, or other routine activities, it could be a hint that something’s not quite right.
It’s important to assess the body language of your cat to understand its mood.
What If Your Cat Suddenly Stopped Meowing?
If your cat used to meow but has suddenly stopped, there may be something wrong with its health. Some possible health issues include:
Larynx Problems
Your cat’s voice box, known as the larynx, is located at the top of its throat. Laryngeal diseases such as laryngitis can cause inflammation, preventing your feline friend from mewing as it usually does.
Paralysis, nerve issues, or tumors can also affect the larynx and stop your cat from vocalizing.
Upper Respiratory Infection
Respiratory infections are common in cats. They can cause changes to your cat’s vocalizations, alongside other symptoms such as lethargy, nose or eye discharge, poor appetite, and sneezing.
Cancer
Cancer can affect cat’s ability to meow. Some types can spread to your cat’s throat and prevent it from meowing. Tumors can develop along the head, neck and lungs as well, causing changes in vocalization.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid gland. It is a common illness in older cats. A larger thyroid gland can cause changes in the kinds of sounds that cats make.
Talk To Your Vet
If your usually talkative cat stops meowing, it is best to seek veterinary attention immediately.
The vet can diagnose the issue, helping you understand if a medical issue is why your cat makes squeaking sounds instead of meowing.
If it’s another issue, such as stress, they can give you tips on how to handle it.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Your Cat’s Meows Squeaks
Cats might squeak for all sorts of reasons. They might be excited or anxious, or they may simply want your attention. It could also be due to ill health.
If your cat’s squeaking is just part of their charm, enjoy the cute sounds! But if you think there might be more to the vocal changes, it’s always best to talk to your vet.
