Cat has wimpy meows

miketheferg

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Hello all, first post for me, but I browse the forum frequently.

We got a new kitten last week that is up to date on his shots and is a neutered male. We have a 4 year old cat that is also a neutered male. The older cat had a very prominent meow that has faded to a wimper that actually sounds just like our new kittens meow. Both of their behaviors haven't really changed and their eating habits/bm's seem normal. I don't know if maybe he could have a hairball stuck in there, or is trying to mimic the other kitten. The older one did have respiratory problems when he was 3 months old but has never had anything since. He may have gained a little bit of weight over the past week but it's probably due to territory and the kitten eating his food. I'm thinking about making a vet appt. if it is still noticeable in a couple days but it's hard to take him in when he is feeling fine otherwise.

If anyone has any ideas or experience please share,

Thanks-
 

snickerdoodle

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Does he have a history of hairballs? My cats (Boca now, Boo earlier) would get them and get hoarse or their meows would sound a bit strange, and then blarf, up came the hairball and they were fine. But other posters will have more experience and better advice. I say when in doubt go to the vet. Better safe than sorry, but it is good he is eating and normal bm's and what not. Could possibly just be the new kitten and the other cat is trying to adjust... perhaps?


I don't know about other users but I use cat lax (on the cats that will take it willingly) for hairballs. seems to help. but ask a vet first.
 
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miketheferg

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You know what, he does actually get a lot of hairballs for a short hair orange tabby. Our kitten is long hair and he has been "cleaning" the kitty so i'm thinking that is most likely our culprit. I'll keep an eye on him but I'm expecting a surprise anytime now lol.

Thanks for the recommendation on the cat lax for hairballs, that may be something he needs.
 

gingersmom

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Wimpy meows. I love it!


All cats have different voices. My biggest cat, Ferris, has one of the smallest, most kittenish meows I've ever heard, and he's a huge boy!

I tell him he's my big baby boy, and he gives me a pitiful little mew in return just before he headbutts me.


Your kitty may just be adjusting his "voice" because he might think that since the kitten sounds that way and gets lots of attention, maybe it'll work for him, too!
 
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miketheferg

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Originally Posted by GingersMom

Your kitty may just be adjusting his "voice" because he might think that since the kitten sounds that way and gets lots of attention, maybe it'll work for him, too!
This is my second idea and it sounds pretty spot on. We have been doing a better job at giving more attention to the adult than the kitty, but the kitty will still butt in while the adult is eating and it sounds like he either has something like a hairball in the throat or he is definitely trying to sound like the kitten with his wimpy meows


Thanks for the feedback
 

otto

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Just go easy on the Cat Lax as it is very high in vitamin A. Too much vitamin A can cause a toxicity in cats.

I rotate hairball remedies between Cat Lax, Petromalt and Tomlyn brand laxatone.
 

darlili

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My adopted boy never meowed until he realized I responded to my girl's chattering. And my girl will vary her meows until she gets attention - very early in the morning, when I refuse to wake up, she works up to the most pathetic little sobby meow you could imagine - and it never fails. And she's perfectly fine and proud of herself for getting me up.

Seriously, I would suggest that when you come home, always greet the 'old' resident cat first - feed him first - tell him you love him and the kitten is his kitten - try and devote consistent alone play time with him. He could well be feeling a bit displaced now that the cute kid on the block has taken over!
 
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miketheferg

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Originally Posted by darlili

Seriously, I would suggest that when you come home, always greet the 'old' resident cat first - feed him first - tell him you love him and the kitten is his kitten - try and devote consistent alone play time with him. He could well be feeling a bit displaced now that the cute kid on the block has taken over!
Thanks!


He has substituted his big boy lion meow for the little kitty meow so i was getting worried at first, I kind of like the old meow so maybe we'll get it back soon
 

blueyedgirl5946

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My daughter had a pot bellied pig that lived inside for awhile with her dog. The pig slept on the end of the bed just like the dog did. He barked like the dog too. It was hilarious. So it could be the older cat is trying to sound like the kitten.
 
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