How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Pain

In this guide

Cats hide pain remarkably well, an instinct from their wild ancestry, which means many pet parents underestimate how much discomfort their cat is actually in. Learning the subtle signals is one of the most useful skills a cat owner can build.

Facial and body language clues

• Squinted eyes or a tense, flattened facial expression
• Ears held slightly back or flattened rather than upright
• A hunched posture with the body tucked in
• Reduced grooming, leading to a scruffy or greasy coat
• Reluctance to be touched in a specific area

Behavioural clues

• Hiding more than usual
• Reduced appetite or reluctance to jump onto furniture
• Growling, hissing, or swatting when normally calm
• Restlessness or an inability to settle comfortably
• Limping or an altered gait
• Changes in litter box use, particularly if squatting seems uncomfortable

Common sources of pain that go unnoticed

• Dental disease, extremely common but rarely obvious from the outside
• Arthritis in middle-aged and senior cats, often mistaken for simple slowing down
• Internal issues such as urinary blockage or pancreatitis
• Injuries from falls, common in cats with balcony access in Indian apartments

What not to do

Never give your cat human pain medication, including paracetamol or ibuprofen. These are toxic to cats, even in small amounts, and can cause fatal organ damage. Pain relief for cats must come from a veterinarian.

When to see a vet

Any suspected pain, however subtle, is worth a veterinary visit. Vets can assess mobility, check for tenderness, and identify a specific cause, after which safe, cat-appropriate pain relief can be prescribed.

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