Cats hide pain.
Here’s five signs your cat is in pain to help detect a problem:
- Difficulty moving
- Not grooming (unkempt coat)
- Hunched posture
- Change in eating behavior
- Squinted eyes
If you notice these symptoms, contact a vet.
In this article, I’ll go through pain in cats, what causes it, how to detect it, and what to do about it.
Finally I’ll answer frequently asked questions on the topic.
I am not a veterinarian and I recommend seeking the advice of a vet for any further questions. This article isn’t a replacement for medical advice.
Here’s the article.
Signs Your Cat Is in Pain
The main things to look for are:
- Difficulty moving
- Not grooming (unkempt coat)
- Hunched posture
- Change in eating behavior
- Squinted eyes
What Is Pain?
Pain is an unpleasant feeling that affects sensory nerves.
The pain starts with the stimulation of nerve endings called nociceptors.
The central nervous system gets this information and communicates it. It gives info on the location, duration, and intensity of the pain.
More Signs of Pain in Cats
The 5 main things to look for are:
- Difficulty moving
- Not grooming (unkempt coat)
- Hunched posture
- Change in eating behavior
- Squinted eyes
These symptoms are relatively easy to detect.
But there’s more.
Experts suggest there are 25 signs of pain in cats.
These signs are sufficient for pain, but not necessary for pain.
That means your cat doesn’t need all 25 signs for a problem. Even one is enough.
What Does a Cat in Pain Look Like?
Cats in pain have squinted eyes.
They also experience:
- Forward facing whiskers
- Ears flattened and facing outward
- Head below shoulder line
These signs are from the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS), a pain recognition tool for vets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Cats Act When They Are in Pain?
Cats in pain are less active.
You may notice:
- Less playing
- Less jumping
- Less rubbing on people
In general, you’ll have a cat that doesn’t want to do too much.
Do Cats Purr if They Are in Pain?
Maybe.
Purring is a known healing mechanism in cats.
The vibrations stimulate recovery in muscles and bones.
Related:
What Causes Pain in Cats?
Causes include:
- Post-surgical recovery
- Urinary tract disease
- Arthritis
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
Of course there’s any number of problems that cause pain.
This includes scratches, burns, and infections.
It’s best to see a vet if your cat shows the symptoms of pain.
Signs a Cat Is Dying
Cats dying tend to have:
- Unkempt coats
- Lack of appetite
- Lack of movement
Of course cats in pain can have these symptoms, so it’s important to get a diagnosis to know if it’s treatable.
Cats live about 15 years on average. It’s expected that they experience more health complications (e.g. kidney disease), although a healthy diet helps with prevention.
If your older cat is losing weight, you can adjust their diet to help.
Related:
Conclusion
Here’s five signs your cat is in pain to help detect a problem:
- Difficulty moving
- Not grooming (unkempt coat)
- Hunched posture
- Change in eating behavior
- Squinted eyes
If you suspect your cat is in pain, take them to the vet if it doesn’t improve.
Don’t use your own medication on cats.
