Cats are known for hiding their discomfort, which makes it harder for owners to recognise when something is wrong.
Instead of obvious signals, they often rely on subtle changes in behaviour, posture, or daily habits. Learning how to read these clues can make all the difference in spotting pain early and helping your cat get the care they need.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Every cat is different, and symptoms may vary. If you suspect your cat is in pain, seek advice from a qualified veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
1. Unusual Aggression When Touched
Normally affectionate cats may suddenly hiss, growl, or swipe when you pet certain areas of their body. This defensive reaction often indicates that touching that spot causes pain.
Pay special attention if your cat begins to avoid previously enjoyed petting sessions or reacts negatively when you touch specific regions. These behavioral changes aren’t your cat being difficult, they’re communicating discomfort in the only way they can.
2. Decreased Grooming Or Overgrooming
Changes in grooming habits often signal pain in cats. Some painful cats stop grooming altogether, resulting in an unkempt, dull coat, while others obsessively lick particular areas until bald patches appear.
Watch for a cat that suddenly looks disheveled when they’re typically pristine, or one that frantically grooms one spot. The area being overgroomed frequently corresponds to the painful region, such as excessive licking near arthritic joints or sore abdomens.
3. Hiding More Than Usual
Cats instinctively conceal weakness by retreating to quiet, secluded spaces when in pain. Your normally social kitty might suddenly prefer spending time under beds, in closets, or behind furniture.
This withdrawal isn’t just a mood change, it’s a protective mechanism. In the wild, showing vulnerability makes cats targets for predators. Even in your safe home, this deeply ingrained survival instinct kicks in when they’re hurting, causing them to isolate themselves from family activity.
4. Reduced Appetite Or Interest In Food
A cat that suddenly shows disinterest in mealtime might be experiencing pain. Dental issues can make chewing painful, while gastrointestinal problems might cause nausea or discomfort after eating.
Notice if your cat approaches food eagerly but then walks away without eating, or if they prefer softer foods when they normally eat kibble. Some cats with pain may still have an appetite but struggle to maintain normal posture while eating, hunching uncomfortably over their bowls.
5. Altered Breathing Patterns
Breathing changes can indicate serious pain in cats. Rapid, shallow breathing or panting in a cat that isn’t overheated or stressed suggests discomfort. Some cats with chest or abdominal pain adopt an unusual posture while breathing.
Look for flared nostrils, visible effort when breathing, or abdominal “pushing” during respiration. A cat breathing with its mouth open (unless actively panting from heat or exertion) requires immediate veterinary attention, as this often signals severe pain or respiratory distress.
6. Unusual Posture Or Gait
Cats in pain often move differently or hold their bodies in unusual positions. A hunched back with head lowered typically indicates abdominal pain, while limping or favoring one leg suggests joint or muscle discomfort.
Some cats with spinal pain move stiffly or seem reluctant to jump or climb. Others might sit in an abnormal position, like with their front feet tucked under but back legs extended to one side. These subtle postural changes are your cat’s way of trying to alleviate pressure on painful areas.
7. Excessive Vocalization
Unusual meowing, yowling, or crying often signals distress in cats. Some painful cats become more vocal, particularly when moving or using the litter box. These vocalizations may sound different from their normal meows, more urgent or strained.
Pay attention to context: does your cat cry when jumping down from furniture or when picked up? Nighttime vocalizing is especially common in older cats with arthritis, as they may feel stiffer and more painful when waking from rest in the dark.
8. Decreased Mobility Or Activity
A cat that stops running, jumping, or playing may be experiencing pain. You might notice your previously active cat now hesitating before jumping onto furniture or avoiding stairs altogether.
Senior cats often show subtle mobility changes that owners mistake for “just getting old.” However, reluctance to move typically indicates discomfort, not merely aging. A cat that sleeps more than usual or stays in one spot for extended periods might be minimizing movement to avoid triggering pain.
9. Excessive Purring Or Lack Of Purring
Surprisingly, increased purring can sometimes indicate pain in cats. While we associate purring with contentment, cats also purr to self-soothe when stressed or uncomfortable. A cat purring while showing other pain signs might be trying to comfort itself.
Conversely, a typically affectionate cat that stops purring during cuddle sessions might be hurting. The vibration of purring requires energy, and painful cats may lack the reserves for this activity. Always consider purring changes alongside other behavioral shifts.
10. Changes In Sleep Patterns
Pain often disrupts normal sleep habits in cats. Your cat might sleep more than usual as a way to escape discomfort, or conversely, struggle to settle due to inability to find a comfortable position.
Watch for a cat that frequently changes sleeping spots or positions throughout the night. Some painful cats sleep in unusual positions to alleviate pressure on sore areas. Others may appear restless, getting up and down repeatedly rather than settling into their customary deep sleep.
11. Facial Expression Changes
The feline face reveals subtle pain cues that attentive owners can detect. Squinted or partially closed eyes (not to be confused with the slow blink of affection) often signal discomfort. A cat in pain may develop a glazed expression or vacant stare.
Note changes in ear position, ears flattened or rotated backward can indicate pain. Some cats develop a grimace with tension in their muzzle or a slightly open mouth. These facial changes might be fleeting but represent important communications from your suffering pet.
