Cat Pain Symptoms

It can be difficult to tell when a cat is in pain. An animal that displays pain is making itself vulnerable to predators, and cats instinctively try to avoid attracting this kind of attention. Being able to identify when a cat is in pain can be helpful in getting the cat the care it needs before a small illness or injury turns into something serious.

  1. Vocalizations

    • Unusual vocalizations or vocalizations in an otherwise quiet cat can tell the cat owner when something might be amiss. A cat who is hissing, growling or loudly meowing may be in pain, and some cats react to pain through excessive purring.

    Irregular Posture

    • A cat who is in pain may be sitting or standing in such a way as to minimize the pain, to protect a certain part of its body, or to make itself as small a target as possible. A cat who sits with all four of its paws tucked under its body or stands with an arched and tucked abdomen might be in pain.

    Self Injury

    • A cat might try to alleviate the pain on its own, leading to self injury. A cat may lick or bite a particular body part until the skin is raw, or it might scratch persistently at a specific area until it draws blood.

    Change in Behavior

    • Pain can make an animal less tolerant of stimulation, and this will lead to the cat being withdrawn, even if it is a friendly cat under regular circumstances. Cats that are in pain are overstimulated and may react aggressively or even violently to normal stimulation. This can lead some cats to hide, and refuse to come out of their hiding place. Conversely, some cats can become very affectionate and loving when they are in pain.

    Change in Activity Level

    • Cats that are in pain will be less active than they were before the were hurting. They might not be able to jump as high or move as fast, and depending on the severity of the issue, cats may be disinclined to move at all. When the injured cat does move, it may quickly tire or do so by favoring a particular leg or paw.