How to Tell if a Cat Is in Pain: Behavioural and Physical Signs

Cats are masters at hiding pain, a trait that often leaves owners guessing when something’s wrong. Unlike dogs, who may vocalise their discomfort, cats tend to show more subtle signs that are easy to miss. That’s why knowing how to tell if a cat is in pain is so important. Early detection not only helps in addressing health issues sooner but also ensures your feline friend gets the care they need to stay happy and comfortable.

Why cats hide their pain

Cats ability to mask pain is something that often puzzles owners. You might notice them acting off, but they rarely make it obvious if they’re hurting. Let’s explore why cats are so good at hiding their discomfort.

A survival instinct from the wild

Cats’ behaviour of hiding pain isn’t just a quirky trait – it’s a survival instinct rooted deeply in their history. In the wild, weakness or injury could make them a target for predators. Showing signs of pain would make them vulnerable to danger. Even though domestic cats are far removed from their wild ancestors, these instincts still run strong. This explains why a cat might continue to move, walk, or act normally even when they’re hurting. 

Protecting their place in the group

Cats are territorial by nature, often living solitary lives in the wild or in small colonies where hierarchy matters. In a group setting, whether with humans or other animals, signalling pain could jeopardise their position. Weakness might invite challenges from other animals or even lead to exclusion from the group. Even in a comfortable domestic environment, this instinct can persist. Your cat may still see themselves as needing to maintain their role, whether it’s as the curious explorer of the house or the top cat among your pets. By hiding their discomfort, they’re safeguarding their status.

Pain isn’t always obvious in cats

At the same time, cats do not express pain the same way other pets, like dogs, typically do. You won’t often hear a cat cry out unless the pain is extreme. Instead, their signs are subtle, such as a sudden lack of grooming, a change in posture, or even avoiding their usual favourite spots. This can make identifying pain particularly tricky. 

As cat owners, we have to rely on behavioural changes rather than overt signs. When cats hide their pain so well, picking up on these subtle shifts becomes crucial.

Behavioural signs of pain in cats

Cats can’t tell us when something hurts, but changes in their behaviour can give us subtle clues. Let’s look at some common indicators that might signal your cat is in pain.

Changes in appetite

A sudden change in appetite is often the first sign something isn’t right. Cats in pain might eat significantly less than usual, or in some cases, they may completely lose interest in food. This could be due to dental pain, stomach upset, or other internal issues making eating uncomfortable. On the flip side, some cats might appear hungrier than usual, possibly as a stress response to their pain. Either way, changes in eating habits shouldn’t be ignored. 

Altered grooming habits

Pain can make grooming uncomfortable, leading to a scruffy, unkempt appearance. On the other hand, some cats begin to over-groom specific areas, often causing bald patches or irritated skin. This excessive licking is sometimes the result of localised pain or discomfort in the area they are focusing on. For example, a sore joint might lead to over-grooming of a leg. When grooming routines shift away from the norm, it’s worth investigating further.

Unusual vocalisations

Cats aren’t typically chatty about their problems, but noticeable changes in their vocal behaviour can be a red flag. Increased meowing, yowling, hissing, or growling might indicate your cat is in distress. Just like humans might groan when uncomfortable, cats often vocalise their unease. These sounds can range from soft, plaintive meows to sharp cries, depending on the severity of the pain. If your usually quiet cat starts talking more – or your vocal cat becomes unusually silent – it’s worth considering a trip to the vet.

Increased aggression or hiding

When cats are hurting, they may become more defensive or withdrawn, using aggression or avoidance as a way to protect themselves. You might see them swatting, hissing, or even biting when approached, especially if you unknowingly touch a painful area. Alternatively, a cat in pain may retreat to a quiet, hidden spot and avoid interaction entirely. They may no longer greet you at the door or take part in their usual playtime antics. 

Changes in litter box behaviour

Reluctance to use the litter box is another common behavioural shift that could indicate pain. Cats with joint pain, for instance, might find it difficult to climb into a high-sided litter box and end up having accidents nearby instead. Urinary or abdominal pain might also make them associate the litter box with discomfort, leading them to avoid it altogether. If your cat starts urinating or defecating in strange places, this behaviour warrants further investigation into potential physical issues.

By noticing these behavioural changes and understanding what they mean, you’re taking the first steps in recognising how to tell if your cat is in pain. Cats might seem stoic, but their actions speak louder than words – stay observant, and visit your vet if something feels off.

Physical signs of pain in cats

Observing subtle shifts in movement, posture, and facial expressions can help you determine whether your cat is hurting. Here are some of the key physical signs to watch for if you’re trying to figure out how to tell if a cat is in pain.

Limping or stiffness

When a cat is in pain, their movements might become noticeably different. Limping is one of the easiest signs to spot, indicating discomfort in a leg, paw, or joint. You may notice your cat favouring one side or hesitating to put weight on a particular limb. Alternatively, stiffness might not cause an obvious limp but could make their movements slower and more robotic, especially after waking up. Think of it like how we feel when we pull a muscle – they might be trying to move in a way that avoids worsening the pain.

Hunched posture or body tension

A hunched-over posture can be a serious clue that your cat isn’t feeling their best. Pain in the abdomen or back often leads to this classic pose, as they tuck their legs and arch their back in a protective way. You might also notice their body feels unusually tense, almost as though they’re bracing themselves against further discomfort. Picture someone wrapping themselves tightly in a blanket when they feel unwell – cats instinctually do this with their posture.

Flattened ears and narrowed eyes

Facial expressions are a window into your cat’s feelings, and pain can subtly reflect in how they hold their ears and eyes. Ears that remain flattened sideways or back indicate that something might be wrong. At the same time, narrowed eyes or squinting are often signs of discomfort, especially if you notice this paired with other changes in their behaviour. Think of it like a grimace – they might not say they’re in pain, but their face can speak volumes.

Third eyelid showing

Have you ever noticed a whitish film partially covering the corner of your cat’s eye? That’s their third eyelid, and if it’s visible, it can signal something isn’t quite right. While the third eyelid occasionally appears when cats are deeply relaxed, its consistent visibility is often linked to illness or pain. If you spot this, it’s a sign to keep an eye on their overall health and possibly consult a vet.

Abnormal gait

A healthy cat moves gracefully, but pain can throw their stride off balance. Watch for an irregular walking pattern, where they might hesitate with each step or compensate awkwardly on certain limbs. This can look like a wobble, uneven pacing, or even outright refusal to move altogether. Similar to how we might wince and limp when stepping on a sharp object, your cat’s abnormal gait can be their way of trying to protect themselves from aggravating their pain.

Cats won’t always make their discomfort obvious, but your careful observation of their body language can help you identify when something is wrong.

Chronic versus acute pain in cats

Understanding the difference between acute and chronic pain can help you provide better care. Cats show different behavioural and physical signs depending on whether the pain is sudden or long-term. 

Signs of acute pain

Acute pain in cats is usually immediate and stems from a clear cause, like a fall, injury, surgery, or illness. It’s more noticeable because it arises suddenly, and your cat’s behaviour will often shift dramatically.

Here are common signs:

• Sudden vocalisations: Your cat may let out sharp cries, yowls, or even hiss if touched in the affected area.
• Limping or holding up a paw: Acute pain often leads to obvious movement changes, like avoiding weight on an injured leg.
• Panting or rapid breathing: Cats in acute distress may breathe faster than usual, a sign their body is under stress.
• Aggression or defensiveness: Before you even realise something’s up, your usually friendly cat might swat or bite to protect themselves from what’s causing pain.
• Visible wounds or swelling: If the pain is from an injury, you might see redness, swelling, or an open wound.

Acute pain requires immediate veterinary care. Think of it like burning your hand on the stove – it’s sudden, severe, and needs prompt attention.

Signs of chronic pain

Chronic pain, on the other hand, develops slowly and tends to linger over weeks, months, or even years. Cats with arthritis, dental disease, or other long-term conditions are more likely to deal with this type of discomfort. They often suffer in silence, making it harder to spot compared to acute pain.

Watch for these subtle signs of chronic pain:

• Decreased activity or reluctance to jump: Cats in chronic pain may avoid climbing or leaping onto furniture they used to favourite.
• Changes in posture: They might appear stiff, struggle to stretch, or maintain a hunched stance for long periods.
• Withdrawal or hiding: Chronic discomfort can make your cat less social, they may retreat to secluded spots to rest.
• Reduced grooming: Painful joints or other issues might lead to a lack of grooming, leaving their coat looking messy or greasy.
• Increased irritability: Chronic pain can make cats grumpy or less tolerant of touch, even from their most trusted humans.

Chronic pain can affect a cat’s quality of life significantly. While it’s less dramatic than acute pain, it’s no less impactful. Picture an older person with arthritis – they might not scream in pain, but their movements and habits shift as they manage the ongoing discomfort.

How to tell if your cat is in pain

Monitoring your cat’s health at home is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner. By understanding their normal behaviour, using some simple tools like pain scoring systems, and documenting changes, you’ll learn how to tell if your cat is in pain and catch potential health problems early.

Understanding your cat’s normal behaviour

Your cat has its own patterns and quirks, and knowing these well is like having a baseline for their health. Do they usually nap in that sunny spot on the couch? Are they eager for breakfast at the crack of dawn? These habits can tell you when something is “off”. For example:

• A playful cat suddenly hiding might indicate discomfort.
• A picky eater showing an unusual appetite could be a warning sign.
• Lazy grooming can mean they find it painful to reach certain areas.

Using a pain scoring system

Just like us, cats have subtle ways of telling us they’re in pain, but you need to know what to look for. Pain scoring systems can help you observe and interpret their discomfort systematically. Some signs to watch for:

• Facial expressions: A grimace, squinting eyes, or a pulled-back head can indicate discomfort.
• Body language: Tensing up, lying awkwardly, or excessive licking of a specific area.
• Reactions to touch: Flinching, hissing, or snapping when you gently feel areas like their back or legs.

Using systems like the Glasgow Pain Scale for Cats – which ranks pain through measurable signs – can be a structured way to assess their condition.

Documenting changes

Keeping a diary of your cat’s behaviour and physical condition can be incredibly useful. Record things like:

• Eating and drinking patterns.
• Sleeping habits (are they sleeping more than usual?).
• Grooming and litter box routine changes.
• Visible physical issues, like a limp or swelling.

This isn’t just helpful for your peace of mind. Your notes can give the vet valuable context about changes over time. Even something small like “Amber seems grumpier this week” could prompt a deeper examination.

By monitoring these aspects of your cat’s health proactively, you’re becoming your cat’s biggest health advocate. Keep an eye on patterns, jot down what’s new, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice when needed.

Amber, our ginger girl, seemed a little “off” over a few weeks. At first, we noticed her appetite had changed – she was eating less. Given the extremely hot summer temperatures, we didn’t think much of it, as our other cats were also eating less. However, we began to see some behavioural changes: Amber was grumpier than usual and less affectionate. It became clear that something wasn’t quite right. Trusting our instincts, we took Amber to the vet who confirmed that dental issues were causing her pain. Amber ended up having a few teeth extracted, and soon after returned to her usual self.

When to seek veterinary help

While cats are known for their ability to mask pain, there are clear signs and situations when reaching out to your vet is vital for their health and happiness.  

If you notice any of these, contact your vet or an emergency clinic straight away:

• Difficulty breathing: Changes in breathing, including rapid or laboured movements, loud wheezing, or blue/white gums, signal a serious problem.
• Inability to urinate or defecate: Straining in the litter box or crying out while trying to go could point to urinary blockage – this is especially dangerous in male cats.
• Unresponsiveness or seizures: If your cat collapses, becomes unresponsive, or experiences a seizure, these are immediate red flags.
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea: When paired with lethargy or lack of appetite, this could indicate poisoning or severe internal distress.
• Visible injuries or swelling: Broken bones, deep wounds, or sudden inflammation need urgent care to prevent infection or complications.
• Crying out in pain: If your cat is vocalising unusually – whether howling, growling, or crying – it often signals a severe pain that needs attention.
• Sudden behaviour changes: Hiding, aggression, or unusual lethargy can all be pain-related emergencies.
• Signs of poisoning: Lethargy, vomiting, drooling, or seizures after exposure to potential toxins (like plants, chemicals, some human foods or medications) require immediate action.

An easy rule of thumb? If you’re asking, “Should this be checked out?” it’s better to err on the side of caution. Your vet would much rather reassure you than treat a preventable emergency.

Final thoughts

Catching signs of pain in your cat early can make a world of difference to their quality of life. Cats are notorious for hiding signs of illness or pain, so keeping an eye on their physical and behavioural cues is critical to tell if a cat is in pain. Recognising pain quickly means your cat gets the care they need, preventing further discomfort or complications.

Trust your instincts – if something feels off, don’t wait. Reach out to your vet for guidance. A vigilant and proactive approach are essential in ensuring your cat stays happy, healthy, and pain-free.