Feline cancers of all types can be asymptomatic in the early stages of the disease, and by the time the cat shows any signs of illness, the cancer may be fairly well advanced. Because cats are prey animals, they are innately stoic--masking signs of pain or weakness. Loving cat owners are often mystified how to tell if their cat is suffering. In order to know when to seek analgesic (pain-killing) treatment, caregivers should pay attention to certain cat behaviors. Know the habits of your cat prior to his becoming ill; how often and when he eats, is he playful or does he like to lie around the house, what is his grooming regimen and how often he uses the litter box. Any change in consistency with these behaviors can signify the onset of pain.
Instructions
Pain Signals
Watch your cat's eating patterns. If he is unable or unwilling to eat and drink, this usually means he is experiencing some type of gastrointestinal distress and he may be in need of medical intervention.
Monitor your animal's energy levels. Unexplained lethargy is a signal that your cat is not feeling well and may be in pain.
Notice if your cat's coat becomes dull or greasy. These are signs that your cat may not be grooming himself as he does normally because it may be painful for him to move.
Check his litter box. If your animal is urinating or defecating in inappropriate places such as the floor, on the carpet or in a bathtub or sink, he may be experiencing pain when he attempts these activities. If he cannot move himself out of the litter box or he lies in his own waste, the pain of feline cancer is probably progressing.
Listen for any unusual moans or noises coming from your animal. Ill cats may not be vocal until the disease progresses to the point where he is unable to urinate or move without pain.
Watch for your cat to begin hiding or staying in secluded places, such as in the closet, under the bed or behind the couch. Cats in pain commonly try to tend to their pain in solitude and will find a place to do so.
Notice if your animal begins sitting in an unusual posture. Cats with pain will sit in a tight ball, with all four legs tucked under them, and with their head and chest pushed forward and up.
Monitor your cat's breathing. Open-mouthed breathing is a symptom of severe pain and may present with unusual posture.