Is Your Cat Hiding Their Pain? 10 Subtle Signs to Watch For

As cat parents, we want the best for our furry best friends. But, ensuring they are always feeling their best can be challenging. Cats, by nature, are masters of disguise, skilled at hiding any sign that they may not be well as a survival tactic. In the wild, showing weakness would make them vulnerable. In our homes, hiding their pain can make it challenging to recognize when something’s wrong. o

That’s why understanding the subtle signs of feline discomfort is so vital. Recognizing your cat is in pain allows you to seek help from your veterinarian, identifying the problem and giving them much-needed relief.

This post will explore 10 key signs that your cat might be hiding from pain, from changes in grooming and eating habits to shifts in behavior and sleeping patterns, empowering you to better understand and care for your best friend.

Sign 1: Changes in Grooming Habits

Cats are known for being incredibly clean animals, spending a large portion of their day cleaning and maintaining their coats. If you notice your cat’s grooming habits have changed, it could be a telltale sign they are in pain.

They may suddenly neglect their grooming because the pain prevents them from bending or moving in the ways necessary to keep up with it, resulting in matted fur or an unkempt appearance. For example, a cat suffering from arthritis might have a difficult time reaching their back or hips, leading to matted fur in that area.

On the other hand, you may notice that your cat is over-grooming, mainly focused on a specific spot, like excessive licking, rubbing, or pawing at the location of their pain. This can result in hot spots, bald spots, or skin irritation. For example, if your cat has injured their paw, you may notice they are specifically licking that paw to the point of creating further skin problems. 

Sign 2: Changes in Eating or Drinking Habits

Another regular aspect of your cat’s life that could be disrupted by pain is your cat’s eating habits. You may even see your cat approach their food bowl, sniff it, and turn away without eating. Loss of appetite is a common sign of trouble, often caused by dental pain, nausea, or general discomfort. A cat with a cracked or broken tooth may avoid chewing, while aches or pains in their body when trying to bend down to reach the food dish can discourage them from eating.

It’s equally important to monitor your cat’s drinking habits. Both increased and decreased thirst could signal distress. A cat who suddenly starts drinking more water may be experiencing kidney problems or diabetes, while decreased thirst often accompanies nausea or other internal issues.

Sign 3: Changes in Litter Box Behavior

Have you noticed your once litter-trained cat is suddenly having unwanted “accidents” around the house? A cat experiencing pain and discomfort may have difficulty entering or exiting the litter box, especially if it has high sides. Arthritis can make it painful for your cat to squat or position themselves properly to go to the bathroom. In some cases, this can lead to your cat associating the litter box with pain, especially if they experience discomfort while using it. This may discourage them from using the litter box in the future.

Another warning sign could be changes in how often they go to the bathroom. For example, frequent, small amounts of urine or straining to pee could indicate a urinary tract infection. At the same time, difficulty defecating could mean your cat is experiencing constipation or other abdominal pain.

Recognizing these changes and patterns clearly indicates that something is “off.”

Sign 4: Reduced Activity or Mobility

A cat may adjust or reduce movement or activity due to feelings of pain or discomfort. For example, a cat in pain might avoid activities they once enjoyed, like jumping onto your couch or bed, climbing their scratch post, or playing with their favorite toys.

This reluctance could stem from several sources, including arthritis, joint pain, or muscle injuries. These conditions could make even the simplest movements more painful, leading your cat to conserve energy, avoid too much activity, and show a general disinterest in their usual routine.

You may also notice your cat is starting to sleep more than usual, as rest becomes their primary way of coping with the discomfort they are experiencing. Any sudden or gradual decrease in your cat’s normal activities should be considered a potential red flag.

Sign 5: Changes in Posture or Movement

Pain can significantly impact a cat’s posture and how they walk, also known as their gait. You may notice your cat hunching their back, limping, or moving with an unusual stiffness. These changes in how they hold themselves or move can be caused by a variety of painful conditions, such as arthritis, neurological problems, or recent injuries.

For example, a cat with arthritis may hunch or stand differently to relieve pressure on their sore joints, while a cat with a paw injury might shift their weight off the affected paw to avoid causing further pain, resulting in a limp.

Sign 6: Increased Vocalization

Whether your cat is naturally chatty or generally a quieter housemate, any changes in their vocal patterns could be an attempt to communicate with you. While cats are known for their meows and purrs, pain could lead to an increase or decrease in vocalization.

A cat experiencing pain and discomfort may meow, hiss, or growl, especially when touched or moved. Conversely, they could become unusually quiet, especially if vocalizing itself is painful. A sudden increase in yowling, particularly at night, or a sharp, pained cry when touched are more likely signals that something’s wrong than a typical meow for food or attention. Learning to distinguish between normal cat vocalizations and those associated with pain is key!

Sign 7: Sensitivity to Touch

If your cat is in pain, they may be sensitive to touch. With cats generally being more independent, you may not notice this change at first. However, take note if your cat shies away from being touched in areas where they previously enjoyed being petted.

A cat who suddenly flinches, hisses, or even bites when touched in a specific area could be communicating that they need help. Several issues, including injuries, inflammation, or nerve pain, can cause this increased sensitivity. For example, a cat with a sore back may react defensively when touched along their spine.

You may even notice a previously affectionate cat suddenly avoiding being petted altogether, preferring to keep their distance. This behavior change is a clear sign that something is bothering them that should be investigated further.

Sign 8: Changes in Facial Expression

Cats, like humans, use subtle changes in their facial expressions as a form of non-verbal communication. While it requires careful attention to detail, noticing these shifts can help you identify your cat’s pain sooner.

The Feline Grimace Scale is a helpful tool for understanding these changes, describing key features to pay attention to, like ear position, eye shape, muzzle tension, and whisker placement. For example, a cat in pain may have squinted eyes, dilated pupils, flattened ears, a tense muzzle, and/or whiskers held close to their face.

Sign 9: Changes in Interactions with Others

A cat who is feeling sore or uncomfortable may not desire to interact with their environment the way they usually would, including people and other animals. For example, a cat who is normally social and affectional might begin to hide and avoid contact (even with family members). A playful cat may become defensive, showing signs of aggression when approached.

These changes in behavior are often due to the cat’s attempt to protect themselves from further discomfort. Pain can make them less inclined to participate in activities they once enjoyed or lead to a noticeable shift in their everyday routine.

Sign 10: Changes in Sleeping Patterns

Like people, cats may find that pain and discomfort can disrupt their normal sleeping patterns. You may notice your cat sleeping more than usual, as rest serves as a way to cope with their discomfort. Alternatively, they may sleep less than usual as they struggle to find a comfortable position.

Your cat may also change their preferred sleeping location, seeking out a more isolated or secluded spot, a spot that offers more cushioning to get comfortable, or an area that is easier to access. Restlessness while sleeping, such as frequent shifting or twitching, may also be a sign they are feeling sore or tender.

These changes can be subtle, but if left unaddressed, they can contribute to bigger problems. A cat who is struggling with a lack of sleep may be even more sensitive, leading to an increase in other signs on this list.  

What to Do if You Suspect Your Cat is In Pain

If you notice any of the signs of trouble discussed, it’s natural to feel worried and want to help your best friend. While the solution to your cat’s pain will vary, depending on the underlying causes, you can take steps to ensure they receive the best possible care and much-needed relief as soon as possible.

Contact Your Veterinarian

Anytime you suspect your cat is experiencing pain, it should warrant an appointment to see your veterinarian. While the cause may be something minor that will go away on its own, like a strain, it could also be caused by a much more serious medical issue. Your vet has the expertise needed to accurately diagnose the cause of your cat's struggles and set you up with an effective treatment plan.

Avoid Self-Medication

While it may be tempting to reach for your own tried and true solutions, you should never attempt to self-medicate your cat with human medications. Many common over-the-counter painkillers (including ibuprofen and acetaminophen) are highly toxic to cats and cause severe or even fatal consequences.

Create a Calm and Comfortable Environment

Your cat’s treatment plan won’t likely solve the problem overnight. Instead, most causes of pain will take time to heal and return to normal. During this recovery stage, you can make your cat more comfortable by setting up a cozy, safe space for them to relax. This might involve providing a soft, padded bed in a quiet, dimly lit area.

Consider offering a heated pet bed, like the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggle Cup Bomber Bed, for added comfort, especially if they are experiencing aches and pains from conditions like arthritis. Minimize stress as much as possible during this recovery phase and ensure they have access to everything they need, including food, water, and a litter box.

If you’re concerned about pain and mobility making it difficult to get in and out of their litter box, you may need to switch to a low-entry litter box.  This will not only be easier for your cat but also help reduce or eliminate bathroom accidents.

Stick to the Follow-Up Plan

In the days and weeks following your vet appointment, make sure you follow the treatment plan, which may include medication, physical therapy, or other interventions. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your cat’s progress and make any necessary adjustments to their care.

Carefully observe your cat’s behavior, noting any changes in mobility, vocalization, eating/drinking habits, or litter box usage. Keep a detailed journal with any observations and bring it to these follow-up appointments to give the vet a clear picture of your cat’s condition.

Working as a team with your veterinary team and consistently following up as needed will set your cat up for the best possible outcome.

Your Cat’s Comfort Matters

No one knows your cat better than you, which means you are in the best position to notice any subtle signs of pain and discomfort. By recognizing these signs and taking prompt action to get your cat the care they need, you can significantly improve their quality of life.

If you have any reason to worry about your cat’s behavior, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian to discuss your concerns. The sooner you (and your vet) identify the problem and start the treatment process, the sooner your cat will get some much-needed relief. Your cat will thank you!

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