Can Hyperthyroidism Affect a Cat’s Ability to Miaow?

My cat’s first symptom was a meow that sounded like a human screeching the word “Meowwwww.” It was so horrendous that I wanted to lock her in the shed at the bottom of the garden! However, despite paying the AUD2000 for the removal of the problem, my vet didn’t tell me it could fail! 4 weeks later, I’m still being woken by the noise.

I put her into a cattery for 2 weeks due to a prebooked holiday, and it was even worse! I will be seeing the vet again this week, and I will be so angry if she needs more medication as well because I could have saved the money. Plus, she wants twice as much food but then won’t eat it, and I throw it away. She’s also diabetic, which means a strict low-carb diet and insulin. There’s no way I would have signed on for a second lifetime condition! I was in bed with COVID for 5 weeks before this, so I’m at the end of my tether now!!

Understanding the Impact of Hyperthyroidism on a Cat’s Voice

Hyperthyroidism can affect a cat’s vocalization, including the ability to miaow. Changes in voice such as a squeaky or hoarse sound may result from changes in the vocal cords or underlying health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor the cat’s thyroid condition and overall health. For more insights on vocalization changes in hyperthyroid cats, check out my Quora Profile!

Common Clinical Signs of Hyperthyroidism

The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. The coat of affected cats may appear unkempt, matted, or greasy, as shown in Figure 1.

If your cat has hyperthyroidism, her thyroid gland will be enlarged and produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can have serious, sometimes fatal consequences on vital organs like the heart and kidneys.

Monitoring Your Cat’s Thyroid Levels

It’s possible that the enlarged thyroid could cause pressure on the vocal cords. If you haven’t taken your cat to the vet for a while, it would be a good idea to get a check-up. When my cat was on thyroid medication, her blood was checked every six months. Then we did the iodine treatment and she was fine. Her thyroid still is.

Remember, regular check-ups are crucial for managing hyperthyroidism and monitoring changes in your cat's vocalization. Stay informed and proactive about your cat’s health, as her well-being is of the utmost importance.