I am so sorry to hear that he is no longer the extreme cuddle bug that he was when you first got back.

It sounds like he may just be meowing to say hi or something. If he was hurt, I would expect him to not let you to continue to pet in a certain are. I would just watch him and see what happens, maybe it is just a new habbit. It could also be that he is just still a little freaked from you leaving and it may subside over time. You are a good cat Meowmie and I know that you will call the vet if you think anything is wrong.

Mine will do the short meow sometimes when I go to pet them. It is not every time however. Joey does it the most and I think she is just saying you can pet me, but don't you dare pick me up.

Let us know what happens.