Our feline friends are experts at hiding discomfort, making it difficult to know when they’re in pain. Sometimes the signs of pain in cats are so subtle they can be easy to miss, which is why it’s important to recognise even the smallest changes in their behaviour. Understanding these signs can help you provide the care your cat needs when they need it most.
How to tell if your cat is in pain
Cats have a natural instinct to mask pain, a trait that stems from their wild ancestors, where showing weakness made them vulnerable to predators. Because of this, changes in behaviour can be the first indicator that something isn’t right.
Do you know what signs to look for? Our cats may not be able to tell us with words, but here is a handy checklist of physical symptoms that can alert us to their pain. However, please be aware when monitoring your cat for symptoms, just like us humans, different cats respond differently to pain. This often depends on their age, environment and general health.
Changes in Grooming Habits
Pain can lead to excessive grooming in one area, sometimes causing bald spots or irritated skin. On the other hand, some cats may neglect their grooming altogether, resulting in matted fur or an unkempt appearance. Regularly monitoring your cat’s coat condition can provide early indications of discomfort.
Loss of appetite & Changes in Drinking Habits
A sudden lack of interest in food, difficulty chewing, or unexplained weight loss could signal pain. Similarly, drinking more or less water than usual may indicate an underlying issue requiring veterinary attention. Dehydration can exacerbate health issues, so ensuring your cat is drinking an appropriate amount of water is crucial.
Reluctance to Jump or Move Normally
If your cat seems hesitant to jump onto furniture, is avoiding stairs, or has trouble standing up after lying down, it could be a sign of joint pain or another physical issue. A stiff or hunched posture is another red flag. Cats are naturally agile creatures, so any difficulty in movement should not be ignored.
Hiding & Reduced Activity
Has your once-playful cat become withdrawn? Avoiding interaction, hiding for long periods, or losing interest in toys and playtime can all be signs of discomfort or illness. Cats in pain may retreat to quiet, dark places to rest undisturbed. Monitoring their usual favourite spots can help detect changes in their behaviour.
Facial Expressions & Vocalisation
Cats in pain may develop a tense or vacant expression, sometimes with squinting eyes or a wide-eyed stare. Increased vocalisation – such as excessive meowing, yowling, or even purring (which can be a self-soothing mechanism) – may also indicate distress. Some cats may become unusually quiet, which can be just as concerning as increased vocalisation.
Aggression & Sensitivity
If your cat suddenly becomes defensive, hissing, spitting, or swatting when touched, they may be in pain. Tail flicking, avoiding handling, or flinching at contact can be further clues. Even the most affectionate cats can become irritable when they are unwell, so any sudden behavioural changes should be noted.
Changes in Bathroom Habits
Avoiding the litter box, struggling to urinate or defecate, or changes in posture while using the litter tray could point to pain or discomfort, especially related to urinary or digestive issues. Constipation and urinary tract infections are common causes of discomfort in cats and should be addressed promptly.
Other Warning Signs
Additional symptoms include changes in breathing, an increased heart rate, swollen limbs, or changes in gum colour. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to seek veterinary advice. Respiratory distress and pale or blue gums can be signs of severe health issues that require immediate attention.
How to Help a Cat in Pain
If your cat is displaying any of the above symptoms or you suspect your cat is in pain, it is important to seek veterinary advice and treatment as soon as possible. Never attempt to give human pain medications, as many can be highly toxic to cats.
There are a number of reasons as to why your cat may be in pain, and because of this treatment is dependent on the underlying cause of their pain. After your vet performs a thorough examination of your cat they will be able to recommend the best treatment plan to manage the reason for their pain as well as their pain levels.
By staying alert to changes in your cat’s behaviour and seeking timely veterinary care, you can help keep your feline companion comfortable, happy, and healthy. Understanding your cat’s body language and habits can make all the difference in ensuring they live a pain-free life.
If you suspect your cat may be in pain contact your local vet immediately or your closest Animal Emergency Service hospital.