How Do I Know If My Cat Is In Pain?
Unfortunately, our little ones cannot tell us how they are feeling each day. Our pets can develop painful conditions just like we can, but their inability to talk makes it much more challenging to catch on to.
Many painful conditions go unnoticed in cats due to their ability to hide pain, so it’s up to us to understand the subtle signs of an uncomfortable cat. Our team at Vetted wants you to have the tools needed to spot pain in your cat, so let’s break down each of the symptoms to be on the lookout for!
Cats Are Good At Hiding Their Pain
Our cats may not be the wild beasts they once were, but they still possess a few ingrained traits of their ancestors. One of the traits they still possess is the need to hide pain from any potential predators, as this can be seen as a weakness in the wild. Our homes may not harbor any dangerous predators, but our cats will still try to hide their pain from those around them.
Due to this ingrained instinct, it can be very challenging to pick up on any signs of pain in your little one. This is why it is so important to be aware of the subtle signs of pain they cannot hide, as this can allow us to jump into action and get them the help they need.
Another thing to keep in mind is just how important preventative care is when it comes to our little ones. Due to how well cats hide their pain, sometimes we don't pick up on their symptoms until they are really struggling. While not all forms of health decline can be prevented in cats, many can either be caught early or managed long term through regular at home preventative care and check ups.
If you are ever concerned about your little one being in pain, you can always reach out to one of our Vetted Vet Pros on the Vetted app. A Vetted membership offers you 24/7 access to a vet professional, and they are happy to discuss any concerning changes in your cat’s behavior. Our Vet Pros can help you decipher the clues your cat is offering, and together you can determine the best plan of action for your little one.
What Are The Signs Of Pain In Cats?
Our little ones will try their best to mask any signs of discomfort, but because we know them so well, we can typically catch on to their subtle changes in their behavior. Our team at Vetted wants to help you spot your little one’s pain from the moment it develops, so let’s break down the most common signs of pain in cats below.
Changes In Their Daily Activities
When a cat is not feeling like their normal selves, you may notice a few slight changes in their daily habits and activities. This could include them sleeping in different spots than usual, not engaging in their favorite activities, appearing restless or uncomfortable when they try to sleep, or even being reluctant to jump on furniture or up to their favorite cat tree. We may not participate in activities we typically enjoy when we are in pain, and our cats are no different.
Shying Away From Their Food
Cats that are in pain may not want to eat as much as they normally would. Not only can pain cause nausea that makes them turn their nose up at food, but their pain may even make it challenging to get up and walk to their food bowl. If your cat is experiencing severe pain, they may not be interested in eating food at all.
Changes In Their Normal Posture
Have you ever heard the phrasing ‘doubled over in pain’? This typically refers to someone being bent over in discomfort, often curling in on themselves due to their excruciating pain. This can happen to our cats as well, but instead they will appear much more tense and guarded around their abdomen. They may even look hunched over in some cases.
In addition, a cat with significant leg pain may also limp or try to shift weight away from their painful legs or hips. If this is the case for your little one, you may notice a change in the way they walk or stand.
They Are More Vocal Than Usual
Cats that are in pain may talk much more than they usually do. This could include vocalizations from meowing to hissing, as they might be trying to express just how uncomfortable they are. Some cats that are in pain may also hiss or growl at their parents when they approach them.
Changes In Their Personality
A change in personality is very common for cats when they are experiencing pain. This is often what catches a pet parent’s eye, as we typically know our little one’s personality inside and out. Some social cats may hide away, some friendly cats may hiss or growl at their parents when picked up, and cuddly cats may insist on being left alone.
Sensitivity Of A Certain Area Or Body Part
If your cat is experiencing pain in a certain part of their body, they will likely experience sensitivity in that region. Your cat may growl and meow when the area is touched, with some cats even swatting or biting. If this is not normal behavior for your cat when they are touched, they could be telling you that they are in pain.
What Should I Do If My Cat Is In Pain?
There are many conditions that can cause pain in our beloved little ones. Cats can experience discomfort due to arthritis, sudden injuries, urinary disease, pancreatitis, dental disease, and so much more. This is why we always suggest seeking veterinary guidance if you think your cat could be in pain, as each of the potential causes will require their own treatment plan.
If you are unsure of what your cat’s symptoms could mean, you can always reach out to our Vetted Vet Pros on the Vetted app. Our skilled team on the chat can discuss your current concerns, and determine the best plan of action to help your little one feel better. We will do the best we can to offer guidance on home care, or we can suggest visiting a local VEG hospital if it could be an emergency.
Another way to stay on top of your cat’s symptoms is by using our weekly check in feature on the Vetted app! By inputting your cat’s current behaviors and any concerns that developed throughout the week, you can show this information to your vet if you do need to have your little one assessed. Once your veterinary team looks over the notes you input from home, they can determine the best plan of action for your beloved pet. It’s a wonderful way to make sure your cat gets the gold standard of care!
Final Thoughts
We never want our beloved pets to be in pain, which is why it is so important to spot their signs of discomfort from the moment it develops. Vetted wants to give you the tools needed to keep your cat as comfortable as possible, and offer you guidance in spotting any symptoms of concern. Education is power when it comes to our pet’s health, and we want you to have all the information possible!
