My Kitten is Making Weird Noises! Should I Worry?

You’re sitting there, enjoying a peaceful moment, when suddenly your kitten lets out a strange, silent meow. Is something stuck in his throat? Is he in pain?

New kitten parents, I’ve been there! It’s natural to worry when your tiny feline friend does something out of the ordinary. Let’s break down those silent meows and figure out if a trip to the emergency vet is needed.

What Does a Silent Meow Mean?

First things first, let’s decode those mysterious silent meows. Cats are masters of communication, and while we may not speak their language fluently, we can learn to understand their subtle cues.

• Seeking Attention: Kittens are pros at getting our attention. A silent meow could just be your little guy’s way of saying, “Hey, look at me! Pet me! Play with me!”
• Learning to Communicate: Think of it like your kitten’s voice is still developing. He might be trying out different sounds and hasn’t quite figured out the volume control on those meows.
• Feeling a Little Anxious: Coming to a new home is a big adjustment for a kitten. Silent meows might be a sign of mild anxiety or insecurity.

The Case of the Kitten Convulsions

Now, about those “convulsions.” You mentioned your kitten makes gagging motions with his mouth closed. This is where things get a little trickier.

• Could it Be Hairballs? Kittens, especially those who love to groom (or suckle on blankets!), are prone to hairballs. A gagging motion could be your kitten trying to cough one up.
• Is Something Irritating His Throat? While you haven’t noticed anything obvious, it’s possible your kitten might have something small stuck in his throat (a stray thread, a blade of grass).
• Respiratory Infection? You mentioned no other signs of respiratory illness, which is good news. However, a cough (even a silent one) can sometimes be an early indicator.

When to Worry and What to Do

Here’s the bottom line: if your kitten is eating, drinking, playing, and using the litter box normally, those silent meows might not be a cause for immediate panic.

However, those few seconds of “convulsions” are definitely worth discussing with your vet. While they could be completely harmless, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to our furry companions.

Here’s what to do:

1. Monitor Your Kitten Closely: Keep a close eye on his behaviour over the next few days leading up to your appointment. Note any changes in appetite, litter box habits, or energy levels.
2. Gather Information for Your Vet: Write down when the “convulsions” occur, how long they last, and how frequently they happen. If you can safely take a short video on your phone to show the vet, even better!
3. Don’t Try to Diagnose at Home: As tempting as it is to turn to Dr. Google, leave the diagnosis to the professionals. Your vet is the best person to determine the cause of your kitten’s behaviour.

Peace of Mind is Priceless

I know how stressful it can be to see your kitten go through something that seems unusual. Remember, you’re doing a great job by being observant and proactive about your kitten’s health.

A vet visit typically costs between $50 – $100, but that’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and your kitten’s well-being.

**In the meantime, give your little furball some extra cuddles (who could resist those big kitten eyes?) and try not to worry too much. **

Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!