Cats are predatory animals that instinctively conceal signs of weakness or injury, a survival mechanism inherited from their wild ancestors. This ingrained behavior means a cat in discomfort will rarely vocalize or exhibit obvious signs of distress, making pain assessment a challenge for owners. Recognizing feline pain requires looking for subtle shifts in behavior and routine, rather than waiting for dramatic cries for help. The owner’s role is to act as a diligent observer, noting any deviation from the cat’s established normal patterns. These minor changes are often the only indications of an underlying issue.
Subtle Changes in Movement and Activity
Pain frequently manifests as a reluctance to perform activities that were once routine and enjoyable. Owners often notice a decrease in overall activity, with the cat sleeping more or becoming lethargic. This reduced engagement may include a loss of interest in play or hunting activities.
Changes in mobility are particularly telling, especially concerning vertical movement. A cat experiencing pain, such as from arthritis, may refuse to jump onto favorite high surfaces like counters, window sills, or cat trees. Instead of leaping, they may attempt to find intermediate steps or use a slow, deliberate climb.
The cat’s gait can also be altered, appearing stiff, hesitant, or uneven, which may be mistaken for “slowing down” due to age. They might shuffle or move cautiously, and owners may notice a distinct limp or trembling in the rear legs when the cat is standing still. An increase in hiding behavior or withdrawal from family members, seeking quiet, dark places, signals a desire to be left undisturbed due to discomfort.
Visible Physical and Appearance Cues
Physical signs of discomfort often involve how the cat holds its body. A common sign of abdominal or generalized pain is an altered, hunched posture, where the cat may tuck its abdomen or arch its back. They may also stand with their front legs positioned further back under the chest to shift weight away from painful hindquarters.
Facial expressions offer specific, measurable indicators of pain, which can be assessed using the Feline Grimace Scale. Key facial changes include orbital tightening, which appears as squinting or eyes that are only partially open, and flattened ears that are rotated outward. The muzzle may appear tense or elliptical rather than relaxed and rounded, and the whiskers may be held straight or pushed forward instead of relaxed and curved.
Pain can also disrupt self-care habits, leading to a noticeable change in coat condition. A painful cat may stop grooming altogether, resulting in a matted, unkempt, or scruffy coat, particularly over areas difficult to reach due to joint stiffness. Conversely, excessive licking or over-grooming of a specific area, leading to bald spots, can indicate localized pain or discomfort, such as referred pain from an internal issue.
Vocalizations and Sudden Aggression
While cats are generally quiet about their pain, certain auditory signals may indicate distress. Increased or unusual vocalizations, such as constant low moaning, growling, or yowling, can signify pain, especially if persistent. Paradoxically, excessive purring can also be a sign of pain, as some cats use purring as a self-soothing mechanism when they are frightened or in distress.
Sudden, uncharacteristic aggression is a strong indicator of pain-induced behavior, often serving as a defense mechanism. A previously friendly cat may hiss, growl, or swipe when approached or touched, particularly if contact is made near the source of the pain. This sudden hostility is the cat’s attempt to communicate that they need to be left alone.
When Immediate Veterinary Care is Necessary
Any suspicion of pain warrants a consultation with a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause. Certain signs require immediate emergency care and should not be delayed. These include labored or rapid open-mouth breathing, which may indicate respiratory distress or severe pain, and sudden paralysis of one or more limbs. Other signs requiring immediate intervention are profuse bleeding, severe trauma, or the inability to urinate, which can be a life-threatening emergency.
Before the visit, owners should document the onset and nature of the symptoms, including any specific movements or actions that seem to trigger a painful reaction. Owners must never administer human pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin, as these are highly toxic to cats and can be fatal.