Signs of pain in cats every cat owner should know

Learn what you need to look out for and what to do if your cat is showing signs of pain.

Remember: every cat is different

There are variations in pain behaviours. Some cats may be more stoic than others. Some cats showing distress at small things with others may only show mild signs until their pain becomes very serious.

This may depend on their surroundings, relationship with other people and animals in the household, breed, age, and other disease processes occurring at the same time.

Signs of pain in cats to look out for

Limping

Limping is a sign of pain anywhere from the toenail to the shoulder or hip. It is a classic sign of osteoarthritis, but also presents with things such as torn nails, fractures, dislocations, sore muscles and bone cancer.

Hunched back

A hunched back helps to protect the cat’s abdomen from stretching, the spine from having excessive pressure, and the hips from assuming a normal position.

Dropped tail

If you notice your cat’s tail hangs low between the legs, and they can’t or won’t lift it toward the sky, this could be pain in the tail, spine or hips.

Reluctance to go up and down stairs or jump on furniture

If your cat stops jumping on or off furniture, or is reluctant to go up or down stairs, this is a red flag for discomfort. It could indicate pain anywhere on the body but is typically seen with spinal and limb pain.

Reduced appetite or slower to eat

When you aren’t feeling well, sometimes you just don’t feel up to enjoying things you would normally, such as eating. If your cat is in pain, they may have stop eating all together, eat less, or take longer to finish their food.

Vocalising

Any kind of meow or yeowl out of the ordinary for your cat might be a sign of distress.

However, the opposite is also true. If you have a chatty cat who is now quiet, this could also be a sign of pain.

Excessive licking

Excessive licking anywhere can indicate pain. Though the most common places cats lick when in pain include the foot, joint, muzzle or anus. Cats tend to lick excessively at a single spot to soothe the area and help relax themselves, similar to a cat licking her kittens.

Lethargy or hiding away

If your cat is in pain, they may be less reluctant to move and interact. They may lay down more and/or become less interested in playing with toys, you or other pets in the house. This isn’t because they don’t want to, but because they are feeling physically uncomfortable and are restricting their own movements to help healing.

How to help a cat showing signs of pain

Veterinary advice is strongly recommended so your vet can localise and diagnose the issue and recommend the proper treatment. However, if you cannot get to a clinic for a clinical examination immediately, there are a few things you can do in the meantime.

Respect their space

Don’t overcrowd your cat and force interaction if they’re not feeling well, especially if they are showing signs of aggression or discomfort when you touch painful areas.

If they are repeatedly reactive to you touching their leg or another painful area, leave it alone. Touching this spot is making them more painful, more reactive, and slows down any healing.

Let them rest

Do not keep trying to get your cat to jump out of their cat tree or coax them onto the bed. Depending on the issue, this will most likely make the situation worse and delays any healing.

Do not give any medications before consulting your veterinarian

Please refrain from giving any medications (even if previously prescribed for the same cat) before your vet has seen them. This can pose a risk to the wellbeing of your cat and cause further issues.

Seek veterinary advice

As soon as possible, have a veterinarian assess your cat in person so appropriate medications and advice can be given.