Cats tend to keep their pain to themselves. Unlike dogs, they don’t yelp or whine to let their humans know they’re feeling unwell. This behavior is instinctual, and it’s meant to help cats survive in the wild.
But since your home is not, in fact, the wild, this feline trait can be tough to deal with as a cat parent.
The good news is that there are ways to learn the signs of pain in cats. At Glenridge Animal Hospital, we know a lot about cats and managing feline pain. Here’s our quick guide to recognizing pain in cats.
How to Know if Your Cat is Hurting
Cat pain symptoms fall into four categories:
- Behavior changes
- Physical and mobility issues
- Changes in grooming habits
- Unusual sounds or reactions
We’ll take a closer look at each one. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to recognize even the subtlest of clues that your cat is in pain.
Behavior Changes to Watch Out For
One of the most overlooked signs of pain in cats is a change in behavior. You know your cat best. You know what makes her purr in contentment. You know whether she’s a social snuggler or an adventurous solo explorer.
Because you know your cat so well, you probably know on a gut level when something is off.
Here’s what to pay close attention to when it comes to your cat’s behavior:
- Hiding more than usual
- Becoming unusually clingy or needy
- Acting aggressive or irritable
- Avoiding being picked up or touched
- Changes in litter box use
These are all potential signs that your kitty is feeling uncomfortable in her body and unable to act like her normal self.
Physical and Mobility Issues
Your cat’s mobility says a lot about his health. If he’s suddenly avoiding his favorite spot on top of the fridge or refusing to eat a cherished kibble, something’s probably up.
Physical signs are another way to tell if your cat is in pain. Cats experiencing dental issues may drool, paw at their mouth, or refuse to eat hard food.
Physical and movement-related cat pain symptoms can include:
- Limping or favoring one leg
- Hesitating to jump or climb (musculoskeletal pain)
- Walking stiffly or slowly (joint discomfort)
- Avoiding stairs or high surfaces
- Drooling or pawing at their mouth (dental issues)
If you notice any of these signs of physical discomfort, a visit to the vet is in order.
Changes in Grooming Habits
Feline grooming behavior can tell you a lot. Look for these signs of an uncomfortable cat:
- A messy, unkempt coat
- Reduced or complete cessation of grooming
- Overgrooming or licking one area repeatedly
- Bald spots or skin irritation from excessive licking
If your kitty isn’t keeping up with her normal grooming habits, something may be wrong. It’s time to schedule a vet visit to get your feline family member feeling better.
Unusual Vocalizations or Reactions
Vocalizations and reactions can also be a clue to potential cat pain. Cats don’t usually whine or howl like dogs. But a cat that suddenly starts yowling, growling, or hissing without an obvious reason is probably trying to tell you something.
Other times, the changes are a lot more subtle. If your cat is purring when she’s not being petted, this can actually be a sign of distress—purring can be a form of self-soothing for some cats.
In the same vein, if your cat flinches or reacts when you touch her, pay close attention to the area you touched. There may be a problem your veterinarian needs to look into.
When to See the Vet
If you notice any signs of pain or discomfort in your cat, it’s time to schedule a vet visit. The sooner you get your kitty in to see a veterinarian, the sooner she can be on her way to feeling more like herself.
The friendly team at Glenridge Animal Hospital is here to help you and your feline friend navigate discomfort and pain. Schedule an appointment by calling us at (905) 688-1996 today.