Cat-ucation

How To Tell if Your Cat is in Pain

Cats are probably one of the hardest animals to observe for pain. They hide pain as a defense mechanism so they don’t look vulnerable to predators. This makes it hard for cat owners to recognize if their cats are in pain or distress.

Here are some common signs of pain:

• • Appetite: increase or decrease in appetite and/or changes in drinking patterns or even refusal to eat.

  • Indoor accidents: changes in urinary or bowel habits could be a sign of pain.

  • Increased or decreased grooming: decrease if it is painful to reach the areas or increase grooming due to stress of pain.

  • Posture & body language: if your cat is exhibiting unusual posturing, like a hunched/arched back and lowered head or tucked stomach

  • Trembling or shivering:  a possible indication of musculoskeletal pain, abdominal or urinary tract, dental pain or even neurologic. 

  • Guarding certain areas of the body or shying away can mean pain as well as limping.

  • Hissing, yowling, and excessive vocalization can be a sign of pain when trying to go to the bathroom or when touched in a painful area. 

  • Drooling, lethargy, difficulty moving, facial expressions (dilated pupils, squinted eyes, tense muzzle to name a few)

  • Hiding, restlessness, decreased socialization could also be signs of pain. 

If your cat is exhibiting any of the above or just seems ‘off’, call your veterinarian! More info here: https://the vets.com/blog/author/bettervet-team/