Why does my cat suddenly meow in such a different way?

I’ve noticed something odd lately… my cat has started meowing suddenly and out of nowhere. Usually, she’s just sleeping, and then wakes up to make this deep, serious meow. It’s not the usual high-pitched one she does when she wants food or affection. She makes this sound with her mouth shaped in an ‘O’ and it just seems different. She’s been with me for 12 years, so I know her usual sounds well, and this is a definite change. Could it be because of her age, or does anyone know what might be causing it?

My older cat started doing something similar, and after a while, we figured out she’s gone completely deaf. She can’t hear herself anymore, so her meows changed a lot.

Jody said:
My older cat started doing something similar, and after a while, we figured out she’s gone completely deaf. She can’t hear herself anymore, so her meows changed a lot.

Interesting… that hadn’t crossed my mind, but it does make sense. My cat hasn’t shown obvious signs of hearing loss, but maybe it’s gradual and harder to notice. Did you see any other signs before realizing she couldn’t hear? My cat still responds to noises in the house, but maybe I’m just imagining it, or she’s sensing vibrations instead?

Jody said:
My older cat started doing something similar, and after a while, we figured out she’s gone completely deaf. She can’t hear herself anymore, so her meows changed a lot.

It’s definitely tricky to tell, especially since cats are so good at adapting. I noticed my cat started reacting less to sudden sounds or her name being called unless she could see me. Sometimes she’d meow very loudly as if she was trying to call me from another room, even if I was just a few steps away. I think as they get older, they find ways to adjust to changes in hearing, so it might be subtle.

Jody said:
My older cat started doing something similar, and after a while, we figured out she’s gone completely deaf. She can’t hear herself anymore, so her meows changed a lot.

That’s really helpful to know. I might try testing her response to sounds a bit more carefully to see if it could be hearing loss. I know it sounds strange, but could the lower-pitched meow be her way of ‘feeling’ the sound if her hearing is fading? Maybe it feels different to her than the usual high-pitched meows she used to do?

My cat went through something like this after his brother passed away. Sometimes he wakes up panicked, meowing loudly, almost like he’s still disoriented. I wonder if it’s a mix of aging and the stress of losing his sibling. He’s also had some health issues—renal disease and Addison’s disease—which might be affecting him, and we think his vision and hearing aren’t what they used to be. He’s almost 16, so a lot of changes are happening.

@Benn
I hadn’t thought about stress or grief being a possible cause, but it makes sense that losing a companion would affect them deeply. My cat hasn’t experienced anything like that, but it’s clear that aging brings so many changes. Did you notice any other behaviors that might suggest he’s struggling with memory or recognizing familiar places?

@Benn
Definitely. After his brother was gone, he started wandering around the house more, like he was looking for him, and sometimes he would stop and just stare as if he was lost. At times, he seems to wake up and be unsure of where he is or what he’s doing. It’s heartbreaking to watch because you can tell he’s a bit confused, and I feel like he’s searching for comfort or familiarity.

@Benn
That must be tough to see. My cat sometimes paces or meows in what seems like a confused way, too. I wonder if it’s just part of the aging process for them. It makes me feel like I should give her extra comfort during these times, even though I’m not entirely sure what she needs. Does your cat respond well to anything specific, like petting or treats, when he’s in that state?

@Benn
Yes, I try to give him as much reassurance as possible. I’ve found that gentle petting and talking to him calmly helps him relax. Sometimes he even settles down if I just sit quietly nearby without doing much, almost as if my presence alone makes a difference. Treats also help, but I try not to overdo it since he’s on a special diet for his health. It’s really about being there for them, I think, even if they’re not entirely sure themselves what they need in that moment.