To provide your cat with all the care they need to live a long and healthy life, it's important to be able to spot the signs of pain early and know what to do. Below, our South Salem vets offer some advice on how to tell if your cat is in pain, and what you can do to help.
How To Tell If a Cat is in Pain
Signs that a cat is in pain vary depending both upon the personality of the cat and the type of pain they are experiencing.
Most cats will show obvious signs of acute pain after an accident or injury, but it can be much more difficult to tell if your cat is suffering from chronic pain, such as arthritis or gum disease.
Because cats instinctively hide signs of pain it is essential for pet parents to always keep a watchful eye for uncharacteristic behavior, personality changes, an unusual stride, or changes in appetite.
Signs That a Cat is in Pain
If your kitty is experiencing pain you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
Frequent or ongoing meowing or howling
Litter box accidents, urinating outside of their litterbox
Tail flicking
Won't eat or reduced appetite
Poor grooming, scruffy looking
Reduced energy, lethargy, or lack of interest in play or going outside
Hiding, no interest in spending time with you or other family members
Limping
Avoiding being handled, picked up, or petted
Behavioral changes such as refusing to jump onto a bed or furniture that they typically love to be on
Irritable mood, short-tempered with people or other pets including
Uncharacteristic hissing, growling, or spitting
Unusual vocalizations (meowing more than usual, crying)
Excessive grooming
Panting
Patchy fur
Posture & Body Language Changes That Could Mean Your Cat is in Pain
Cats in pain frequently exhibit changes in body language. A cat in pain's body language changes can be very noticeable in some cases, but these changes are often subtle. Our veterinarians recommend that you always keep an eye on your cat's overall demeanor, stance, and gait so that any deviations from normal can be identified.
Body language changes related to pain in cats include:
Tense looking body
Crouched or being hunched over
Head lowered
How Pain Could Be Expressed in Your Cat's Face
While many cats show little or no change in their facial expression while experiencing pain, some cats are very expressive. If your cat is in pain it might:
Squint or close their eyes tightly
Flatten their ears so that they are pressed to the sides or back of their head
Project an overall facial appearance of tension with a tight mouth
When To Seek Veterinary Care For a Cat In Pain
Often signs of pain in cats are missed until the cat's condition is advanced. When it comes to your cat's long-term health it's always best to err on this side of caution.
If your feline pal shows signs of pain, contact your veterinarian right away to schedule an examination, or go to your local after-hours animal hospital. Pain management and early treatment of painful conditions are critical to preserving your cat's good quality of life.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
If your cat is displaying any symptoms or behavioral changes that give you cause for concern, contact our South Salem vets right away. At South Salem Animal Hospital, we can diagnose your kitty's condition and provide you with effective treatment options quickly.
