To tell if your cat is in pain, watch for subtle changes like hiding, reduced grooming, appetite loss, or litter box avoidance, as well as obvious signs like limping, increased vocalizing, aggression, hunched posture, flattened ears, or squinting eyes, as cats hide pain well, so any shift in behavior warrants a vet visit.
Signs That a Cat is in Pain
Frequent or ongoing meowing or howling. Litter box accidents, urinating outside of their litterbox. Tail flicking. Won't eat or reduced appetite.
Cats hide pain well, so subtle changes—like reduced activity, appetite, or grooming—can signal discomfort. Common signs of feline pain include limping, hiding, vocal changes, aggression, and poor coat condition.
Common signs of pain include hunched or tense body posture, where they may arch their back or keep it rigid. Typically, a hunched or crouched posture is linked to pain in the cat's abdomen. They may appear to be protecting their abdomen or curling into a ball. This is a cat's “stomach pain position”.
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
Changes in your cat's eating habits may be an indicator of pain but remember, painful cats will still eat! Is your cat eating less, losing weight or losing muscle strength? Have they changed their eating habits – will they now only eat wet food and refuse dry?
Researchers developed the Feline Grimace Scale to identify pain by observing five key facial features: ears, eyes, muzzle tension, whisker position, and head position. A cat with pain may have squinted eyes, flattened ears, tense whiskers, and a lowered head.
Although NSAIDs are common, there are other types of medication, too:
Chronic kidney disease is the most common silent killer in cats, and can be genetic. With this disease, 75% of both of your cat's kidneys don't work properly, and there are a few symptoms you can identify: Excessive drinking and urinating.
POSTURE: May try to curl up into a ball or sit hunched in a crouched position, with back curved higher than normal, head lowered , and front paws often folder underneath it. Legs often tucked underneath instead of stretching out on their side.
If your cat is feeling stressed, they may show subtle signs in their behaviour, such as:
Physical signs of pain
If your cat is not feeling well, they may not look quite right. They may sit in a more hunched position or move with less grace than usual. Tilting the head or carrying the tail differently could indicate that something is wrong, too. Cats who feel unwell often do not groom themselves as well as usual.
Cats that are ill usually show changes in overall appearance, energy level, sociability, coat appearance, and/or amount of shedding, appetite, litter box usage, breathing, or discharge from the eyes or nose. In general, any sudden change should alert you that your cat needs veterinary attention.
Simply put, animals, like humans, like to be alone when they aren't feeling well. Moreover, this action is a natural instinct. Animals, including domesticated dogs and cats, are hardwired to hide when they are feeling sick and/or weak because they understand that weak animals are easier targets for predators.
Social changes: Cats in pain may withdraw from their usual family interactions, may become less engaged in their surroundings, and may start hiding. Changes in sleeping patterns: Some cats in pain may sleep more, while others sleep less. They may sleep in an unusual position, or they may sleep in odd places.
Valerian Root
It works by stimulating the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, a neurotransmitter that helps reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. You can offer valerian root to your cat in various forms, such as dried root, tea, or even as a stuffing for toys.
The cat may sit hunched over with their head lowered and back curved higher than normal. The cat may appear as if they are trying to curl up in a tight ball. The cat may remain compressed with their legs tucked underneath themselves while lying down instead of stretching out.
Pain or dental issues
Oral pain from dental disease can discourage drinking. Cats with inflamed gums, broken teeth, or oral ulcers might avoid water because it hurts to lap or swallow. This is especially true with cold water, which can intensify discomfort.
One of the top silent killers of cats is kidney disease. This is when 75% of both the kidneys are ineffective and not working to filter the blood. Clinical signs to watch for in kidney disease are: Excessive drinking.