Cats are exceptionally good at hiding their pain. In the wild, this skill would’ve helped them survive, protecting them from being targeted by predators. However, at home, it can be problematic if you do not notice signs of your cat suffering.
Some signs of a cat in pain include restlessness, sensitivity to touch, and aggression.
To learn about more signs of a cat in pain, read on.
1. Changes in Behavior
Some cats are social butterflies and enjoy constant human companionship. Others are loners. You probably have a good idea of which one your pet is. If this behavior has drastically changed recently, it could be a sign your cat is in pain. A typically social cat may hide or sleep all day long. A more aloof cat may seek out extra attention.
Seeing this change in behavior occasionally is not a cause for concern, but if your cat is consistently acting off, something may be bothering them. Behavior changes can be in sleep, daily routine, or eating habits. If your cat is eating less than usual, he may be in too much pain to eat. If he’s having accidents in the house, he may have too much pain to get in and out of the litter box properly.
They may also become restless, pacing around anxiously. This could be your cat’s way of managing high levels of pain. If you suspect your kitty’s behavior changes are due to pain, take them to the vet for a check-up.
2. Sensitivity to Touch and Aggression
If your kitty is yowling or biting whenever you touch a certain part of their body (such as a paw or their tail), your cat may be in pain. The pain may be so severe that just getting near the injury is enough to make your cat act erratic.
A cat that is more aggressive than usual may be in a lot of pain. Cats in pain tend to avoid people, other animals, touch, movement, and any other activities that may make their pain worse. Many times, it may seem like there is no obvious cause for your cat’s behavior.
Several conditions, especially those brought on due to aging, may not have obvious signs. Arthritis, for example, affects the joints such as the spine, hip, knees, and elbows. The disease is progressive leading to decreased mobility. You may not notice your cat has this issue until it has gotten worse. Noticing your cat’s sensitivity to touch and aggression may be enough to get the early intervention it needs.
3. Obsessively Licking
Cats groom themselves frequently, but if your cat is licking themselves incessantly, they may be experiencing pain. Cats use licking as a way to self-soothe. Their licking typically focuses on the area where they are experiencing pain. They may lick so much that they begin experiencing hairballs, along with skin irritation.
There are many causes of excessive licking in cats, such as pain, itching, and “worms”. Dogs and cats typically cannot pass diseases to one another. So, it’s important to take your cat to the vet to find out the underlying cause of their licking.
4. Vocalizing
Cats make lots of sounds–– meows, yowls, growls, hisses, and purrs. The most interesting of these vocalizations is the purr. Cats can use this for both pain and contentment. A cat may purr to soothe itself. It is similar to the way a child uses a pacifier. Some researchers believe that purring actually has healing powers, as well.
In a study conducted on 44 different types of felines, including some big cats, researchers found that the frequencies that cats purred corresponded to the vibrational frequencies that promote healing. So, if your cat is purring more than usual, especially if he is showing some of the other signs we have mentioned, your cat may be trying to heal its pain with the power of purring.
5. Body Language
Another way to tell if your cat may be in pain is to look at his body language. If your cat seems stiffer than usual, or they seem to jump a little slower, this may be a sign of arthritis or leg/paw pain. A cat with a hunched back and his abdomen tucked in may have stomach pain. They are hunching to protect their hurt body part.
Their faces may also give you a clue as to how they feel. A cat in pain will have their ears pulled apart and rotated outwards. Their eyes will be squinted, and their muzzle will have a tense, elliptical shape. Their whiskers will appear straight and moving forward. They will also hang their head below the shoulder line or tilt their chin towards their chest.
These facial expressions are a part of the Feline Grimace Scale that people use to train vets on how to read cats’ body language.
When to Take Your Cat to the Vet
If your cat is acting strangely, don’t ignore it. Anytime you feel like something is off with your cat it is better to have it checked by a veterinarian than to worry and wonder. Cats are particularly good at hiding their pain for a long time, and if it is an infection or serious issue, you want the issue addressed promptly.
Even if it turns out to be nothing, the vet can explain why your cat may be acting differently, and the two of you can find solutions.
Know the Signs of a Cat in Pain
Changed behaviors, aggression, obsessive licking, vocalizing, and body language can give you clues about how your cat is feeling. These five signs of a cat in pain are a good starting point for investigating any odd changes in your cat.
Some of these signs alone may not indicate your cat is in pain, but if you are seeing a combination of these symptoms, it may be time to take your cat to the vet. The vet can assess your cat and find out if anything is wrong. Then, they can explain any treatment options.
