Cats come in different personalities, be they loud or calm but you as an owner know when your cat is quieter than usual. There are a few reasons for that.
An unusually quiet cat could be bored, depressed, upset, going through the changes of aging, or suffering from a physical illness.
Your goofy and loveable cat is certainly up to something again but this time from sudden silence. Let’s tackle this issue and find out.
Why Is My Cat Acting Quieter All of a Sudden?
It makes us worry for our cats that they aren’t as vocal and active as they used to be. In the sections below, you’ll find that there are 5 common reasons why your feline is behaving strangely quiet.
Aging Up
For a start, it’s normal for kittens to adopt a calmer attitude as they age. When they transition from year 2 to 3, they are starting to fit into their personalities. In general, cats make for quiet pets. People even use the term “cat person” to refer to themselves as being quiet and introverted whereas “dog persons” are loud and extroverted, aside from referring to which animal they prefer.
For adult cats, it’s expected that they become less active and more silent compared to their younger years. As long as your cat isn’t hiding and signaling that they’re unwell, there is nothing to worry about.
Read: Signs Your Cat Hates You and How to Fix It?
Illness and Injury
There’s a broad range of medical conditions possibly interfering with your cat’s quality of life but take note of their low energy level, unkempt coat appearance and amount of shedding, sticky discharge from eye and nose, house soiling, and disinterest in socializing.
Injuries can be obtained from fighting with strays and other housemates, and as fracture or ligament injuries from jumping great heights. Your proud feline is likely to hide an injury due to how vulnerable it makes them feel.
Read: Where Can to Declaw Cat for Free?
Depression
Depression in cats is real. The behavior is similar to that of grieving, especially when a recent companion has passed away. They act withdrawn, eat and drink less, and are quiet. They can also be vocal. Each cat deals with depression differently, and for the quiet cats suffering from it, you’ll notice their change of behavior.
When they do make a sound, it’s low and perceivably unhappy to our ears. They sleep more, retreating into crevices you can’t reach into. Sometimes they become clingy, randomly aggressive and fearful.
Boredom
Dr. Joanna Woodnutt notes that boredom is commonly observed among indoor cats. You might expect your feline to engage in destructive behaviors and do anything to get your attention. Boredom causes a lack of interest in their environment.
They overgroom, sleep too many hours, and are very lethargic but show no signs of concerning symptoms that point to an illness.
Read: Why Having a Cat Helps You Reduce Stress and Anxiety?
They’re Upset
Changes upset our cats, even the minor ones. These could be moving to a new home, adding a new member to the pack, losing a loved one, and changing their daily routine. Another scenario is when owners leave for vacation and come back to be greeted by their cat avoiding them.
Recall what changes you could’ve unintentionally brought to the house that upset your feline. You can always win their favor with treats and constant affection.
What to Do When My Cat Is Acting Too Quiet?
Investigate and observe what could be causing your cat to act this way. Your primary concern is your cat’s health. Are they eating and drinking enough? Do they urinate and defecate in the litterbox or do they soil the house? Do they appear weak and lethargic?
If your cat appears to be unwell, the expertise of a veterinarian should be acquired. If not, investigate your habits as well if it’s affecting your cat. Vices such as smoking will affect your pets.
Recall if there have been major changes in the house that likely disturbed your cat’s daily living such as bringing home a child or a pet, a guest who’s been coming over, or the lack of interaction between you and your feline friend.
Read: Why Do People Love Their Bengal Cats So Much?
How Can I Get My Cat to be Energetic Again?
- Initiate play time with your cat. Use a cat toy that ignites their hunter instincts and it’ll get them on their paws pouncing on their pretend prey in no time. Reward them with treats to encourage the behavior you’d like to see more of.
No cat toys? No problem. A cheap cat laser toy can suffice. Make them jump on short heights to exercise their legs. Make them run to get the adrenaline pumping. For a better result, use a physical toy that they can latch on to because you can’t keep them chasing forever. Let them catch it and repeat the chase.
- Add electrolytes to their water and keep up with their multivitamin intake if they are finicky with their food. Electrolytes help restore balance in their bodies and help with their low energy levels.
Is My Cat Quiet and Lonely?
Although cats aren’t pack animals and prefer to be by themselves, they still get lonely. A lonely cat may fall to be quieter than before and increase their sleeping hours. Some cats express it through excessive vocalization and some prefer to keep it silent.
Getting your cat a playmate be it a dog or a fellow cat might improve your cat’s moods and overall behavior. However, don’t be in a haste to adopt or buy. Try rekindling the bond with your cat again through scheduled playtime.
Read: What Makes Bengal Cats So Special?
Why Doesn’t My Cat Meow?
Some cats are more vocal than others. A quiet cat that shows no symptoms of a probable medical condition is simply, by nature, more silent. It gets concerning when they don’t make a sound for days and if they do, the meow sounds sick or your cat has difficulties saying it.
They could be suffering from Upper Respiratory Infection, Hyperthyroidism, or a damaged larynx that can cause a cat to be mute. A feline with problems vocalizing squeaks or grunts in an attempt to make a noise and get the attention of its owner.
A hoarse voice accompanied by sneezing, coughing, difficulty vocalizing, and mucus discharge from the eyes or nose may be a sign that your cat is suffering from a respiratory infection. Once it is interfering with your cat’s quality of life, this case should be brought to the veterinarian.
How Can I Get My Cat to Talk to Me?
There’s a presence in your house but it barely peeps – a quiet cat. Here are a few tips to get them talking:
- Talk to them like you would with a friend. When you prepare your cat food and engage with them, use your voice. It can be a mimicked meow or just you talking to them.
- Respond when they meow at you. In the rare opportunities that you hear them talk, attempt to have a cat conversation!
- Copy the way they meow to you.
Conclusion:
To summarize this post, your cat may be bored, depressed, or upset when it starts to act quieter than usual. It could also be a symptom of an illness and an injury or the effects of growing older.