How to Tell if Your Cat is in Pain (and What You Can Do About It)
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“If your cat could talk, pain wouldn’t be a mystery. But since our whiskered friends are masters of disguise, it’s up to us to play detective—and knowing the clues can literally save their lives.”
Introduction
Cats are notorious for being mysterious little creatures. They curl up in boxes for hours, sprint across the house at 2 a.m., and sometimes stare at invisible things that make you wonder if they’re seeing ghosts. But behind that enigmatic personality lies another truth: cats are experts at hiding pain.
In the wild, showing weakness can make a cat a target, so domestic cats carry that instinct into our homes. The result? You might have a cat suffering from arthritis, dental issues, or an injury, and you’d never know until the problem is advanced.
That’s why learning the subtle signs of pain—and knowing how to respond—can make all the difference in your cat’s comfort, health, and quality of life.
Let’s walk through how to tell if your cat might be hurting, what kinds of issues typically cause pain, and what you can do about it.
Why Cats Hide Pain
To understand feline pain, it is essential first to understand cat psychology. Unlike dogs, who often cry out or limp openly when they hurt, cats take the opposite approach. Their survival instincts tell them to conceal weakness because, in the wild, predators target animals that appear injured.
This means that, as a pet owner, your cat’s silence isn’t a sign of strength—it’s a sign that they need you to be extra observant.
Common Causes of Pain in Cats
Pain in cats can come from many sources, but some of the most common include:
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Arthritis – Surprisingly common, especially in cats over 7 years old. Joint pain can make activities like jumping, climbing, or grooming difficult.
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Dental disease – Tooth resorption, gum infections, and broken teeth are leading causes of chronic pain.
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Injuries – Sprains, bites from other animals, or even rough play can cause lasting discomfort.
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Post-surgical pain – After spaying, neutering, or other procedures, cats may experience lingering soreness.
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Internal issues – Urinary blockages, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal pain can be more complex to detect, but are very serious.
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Cancer – Tumors, depending on location, can cause pain as they grow.
Knowing the possible causes helps you stay alert to changes in your cat’s behavior.
Signs Your Cat Might Be in Pain
Here’s where it gets tricky. Cats don’t whimper or groan like humans do. Instead, their signs of pain can be subtle, often blending into normal feline behavior. But once you know the telltale indicators, you’ll start noticing them more clearly.
1. Changes in Mobility
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Hesitating before jumping onto furniture
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No longer climbing to favorite high spots
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Stiffness after waking up
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Limping or favoring one side
2. Altered Grooming Habits
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Over-grooming – Constant licking at a sore spot (can cause bald patches).
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Under-grooming – A usually neat cat looking scruffy or greasy because grooming is painful.
3. Appetite Shifts
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Eating less than usual
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Dropping food from the mouth (dental pain)
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Suddenly avoiding crunchy food in favor of soft textures
4. Changes in Behavior
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Hiding more often
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Becoming irritable or aggressive when touched
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Sleeping more than usual (beyond the normal 16+ hours)
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Loss of interest in play or interaction
5. Vocalizations
Cats don’t often “complain,” but some will:
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Increased meowing, especially at night
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Growling or hissing when touched in a painful area
6. Litter Box Behavior
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Straining to urinate (possible urinary blockage—a medical emergency)
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Avoiding the litter box if it’s painful to climb in/out
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Accidents outside the box due to discomfort
7. Body Language
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Squinting eyes
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Ears flattened back
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Tense body posture
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Tucked-in legs instead of relaxed stretching
When to Call the Vet
So, how do you know if the changes you see are worth a vet visit? The general rule: when in doubt, call. Cats rarely show signs of pain unless it’s significant.
Specific red flags to call your vet immediately include:
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Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
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Straining in the litter box
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Crying out suddenly or showing severe lameness
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Sudden hiding and refusal to interact
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Visible injuries or swelling
What Your Vet Can Do
Veterinarians have a range of tools to diagnose and treat feline pain:
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Physical exam – Feeling for sore spots, swelling, or stiffness.
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X-rays or ultrasounds – To check for arthritis, fractures, or internal issues.
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Bloodwork – To rule out underlying diseases like kidney or liver problems.
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Pain management – Cats can receive medications (like NSAIDs formulated for cats), joint supplements, or dental care.
Never attempt to give your cat over-the-counter human painkillers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin—these are toxic to cats and can be fatal.
How You Can Help at Home
While veterinary care is essential, there’s plenty you can do at home to make your cat more comfortable:
1. Create a Pain-Friendly Environment
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Add ramps or pet stairs to favorite spots so they don’t have to jump.
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Provide soft bedding in warm, quiet areas.
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Keep food, water, and litter boxes on the same floor to reduce climbing.
2. Encourage Gentle Movement
Mild activity keeps joints from stiffening, but avoid rough play. Wand toys and short bursts of play are usually safe.
3. Adjust Their Diet
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Ask your vet about joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine or omega-3 fatty acids.
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If your cat has dental pain, offer softer food.
4. Monitor Their Weight
Overweight cats experience more pain from arthritis and injuries. Controlled weight loss under vet guidance can make a big difference.
5. Provide Enrichment
Pain can lead to depression. Gentle play, puzzle feeders, or cozy perches near windows can help your cat stay mentally engaged.
6. Learn to Read Their Cues
Respect when your cat doesn’t want to be touched. If petting triggers aggression or discomfort, focus on interacting in other ways—like sitting nearby or playing with toys.
Pain Myths About Cats
Let’s bust a few common misconceptions:
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“If my cat is eating, they’re fine.”
Not true. Cats can continue eating even when in significant pain. -
“Cats always cry out when they hurt.”
False. Many cats never vocalize pain, even with severe issues. -
“Old cats just slow down naturally.”
Not always. Slowing down often signals arthritis or other treatable pain, not just age.
Preventing Pain Before It Starts
The best way to help your cat is to stay proactive:
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Annual or semi-annual vet visits – Especially for cats over 7 years old.
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Routine dental care – Professional cleanings and brushing at home if possible.
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Weight management – Keep your cat at a healthy weight.
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Safe indoor environment – Reduce risks of injury from fights or accidents.
Emotional Impact: Why This Matters
Here’s the truth: pain doesn’t just affect your cat physically—it affects their bond with you. A cat in pain may withdraw, act aggressively, or stop engaging in the behaviors you love most. By recognizing pain early, you’re not just protecting their health—you’re preserving their personality, happiness, and the relationship you share.
Conclusion
Cats may be secretive about their pain, but that doesn’t mean they have to suffer in silence. By learning to read the signs—changes in mobility, grooming, appetite, and behavior—you can become the advocate your feline friend desperately needs. Pair your observations with timely veterinary care, and you’ll give your cat the best possible chance at a comfortable, happy life.
So, the next time your cat hesitates before leaping to the windowsill or skips a meal, don’t shrug it off. Listen with your eyes, trust your instincts, and act quickly. Because while cats may hide their pain, they’re relying on you to uncover it.
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