It can be easy to miss the signs your cat is sick; they don't all resemble the colds that people contract from time to time. Cats have a tendency to hide their pain, making it difficult to properly care for them when they need it the most. But if you know what to look for, you can recognize cat pain symptoms early and get your kitty the help they need.
Why Cats Hide Their Pain
The tendency cats have to disguise their discomfort is believed to be an evolutionary holdover from their days in the wild, where illness or injury paints a target on their back to nearby predators. Not only would the appearance of weakness make a wild cat more vulnerable, but it would also put them in danger of being bullied or abandoned by their group.
Although today's domestic cats generally don't have to worry about becoming prey, they may view other pets in the house–or even other people–as competition for resources like food and water. Whether driven by a deeply ingrained instinct or by overprotective kitty logic, cats worry that showing signs of pain will cause them to lose out to a more deserving animal, encouraging them to mask their symptoms.
Common Cat Pain Symptoms
A cat experiencing pain will often display behavioral changes that can serve to tip off an astute pet parent to the fact that something's wrong. According to Vetstreet, common signs your cat is sick or in pain include:
- Hiding
- Sitting still and hunched up
- Loss of interest in people, other pets, or activities
- Neglecting to groom themselves, or over-grooming in one spot
- Purring, excessive meowing, or unusual vocalizations
- Restlessness or aggression toward friendly surroundings
- Doing their business outside the litter box
Kitties in pain might also show a loss of appetite, unusual vomiting, clingy behavior, or other noticeable changes in personality and demeanor. A cat experiencing chronic pain, such as arthritis, might stop using the litter box altogether because it's too difficult to climb into. For this reason, they may also stop climbing or jumping onto the high perches of their cat tree.
How Your Vet Can Help
Any abnormal behavior from your cat should prompt a visit to their veterinarian, who can help determine whether these changes are due to pain or illness and then work with you to treat the underlying cause. The vet can also help with pain management–this might include prescription pain medication, heat therapy, physical rehabilitation, or even massage.
Tasty Tips
If your kitty is overweight, your vet might also place them on a weight-management food, especially if they're experiencing chronic joint pain. Certain joint supplements can help maintain their mobility too, but you may ultimately want to explore a therapeutic food to help manage an underlying condition.
One thing you should never do for your kitty is to administer over-the-counter pain medications, which could be very toxic to feline digestive systems. You should also check with your vet regarding any supplements you plan to give them to make sure they're safe. The vet might also prescribe mood-stabilizing drugs to help your sick cat cope with both the pain and accompanying changes in their lifestyle.
How You Can Help
Back at home, consider relocating their bed, food dishes, water bowls, and litter box so they're easier for them to get to. Make sure the litter box is simple enough to climb in and out of as well. If you have a model with a lid or deep sides, for instance, you might need to replace it with an open, shallower structure, and keep it scooped clean more frequently to be more accommodating. Also, preventing other pets or children from trying to play or roughhouse with them is a good idea,
Of course, the best medicine is preventive. Annual vet checkups and a well-balanced food will go a long way toward preventing your cat from developing a painful condition.
As a pet parent, you no doubt want your kitty to be healthy for their entire life. Learning to recognize when they're in pain will go a long way to improving your furry companion's quality of life.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress + Metabolic Weight Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
Nutrition to support urinary care and weight management with added ingredients to reduce stress in cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
null Kitten Savory Turkey Entrée
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Liver & Chicken Entrée
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Related articles
How Cats Show Affection to Their Humans
Discover some common ways that cats show love for their owners. Learn to recognize these signs of affection, even though they might seem a little bizarre.
Grain Free Cat Food: What You Need to Know
Understand what grain free cat food actually means and whether or not it is a healthy solution to feed your cat.
Just How Smart Are Cats?
Know the importance of understanding a cat's intelligence, mysterious and compelling nature, and cognitive abilities for building a lasting bond with your pet.
Caring for a Sick Kitten
Learn about common illnesses and health concerns among kittens, how you can spot their symptoms and steps you can take to prevent them from happening.
Top Cat Pet Peeves: What Cats Hate
Just like humans, cats have pet peeves that drive them crazy. Learn common things your cat probably hates and how you can make her feel more comfortable.
Should You Give Your Cat Bread?
A slice of warm bread is a tasty treat for many pet owners but should it be shared with a feline friend? Can cats eat bread, or is bread bad for cats? Before giving your pet some of your sandwich or baguette, here's what you need to know about cats and bread.
Is Your Cat Scooting on the Carpet? Anal Glands May Be the Culprit
Find out why a cat scooting on carpet could be a sign of inflamed anal glands and what you can do to help relieve your cat's agitation.
All About Cat Kneading
Understand what is cat kneading and why cats knead various surfaces and belongings. Learn why excessive kneading can be a concern for your cat.
Why Does My Cat Walk on Me?
Cats often like to treat us like their personal cat bed, but why do they love to stand & walk on us? Learn why & how you can nicely curb this behavior.
Can Cats Have Schizophrenia?
Can cats have schizophrenia? Maybe, but it's more likely feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
Cat Vision: How Do They See the World?
Discover some myths and truths about how your cat sees the world, including whether they have night vision and if they are actually colorblind.
Cat Language: How Cats Communicate
Learn how your cat communicates with you as well as other cats in the house, and what their cat language might be telling you about them.
How to Make Your Cat Feel Safe on Halloween
Why Do a Cat's Eyes Glow?
Learn the science behind your kitty's shining eyes and find out why their eyes have a unique glow to them.
Cat Ear Emotions: How Cat Ears Move With Their Mood
Learn how your cat's ear language and movements can show you their underlying emotions, including what a variety of different positions mean.
What Is Heartworm in Cats? Symptoms, Diagnosis & Prevention
Heartworm in cats is a serious disease that can affect outdoor and indoor pets — but it's also totally preventable. Learn what pet parents need to know.
Things to Consider When Adopting a Cat from an Animal Shelter
When you adopt a cat, you don't just gain a best friend; you also save her life. Here's why getting a cat from a local animal shelter makes so much sense.
Can Cats Have Allergies? Signs, Common Types & Treatments
Learn about common cat allergies, including clinical signs, the most common types of allergies and treatment options for your cat.
Pregnancy in Cats: Signs & Preparation for Delivery
If you have or think you have a pregnant cat, click to learn more about how to properly care for her needs including preparation and delivery tips.
How to Identify & Remove a Tick From a Cat
Worried that your cat may have come in contact with ticks? Learn how to identify a tick bite and steps for safely removing a tick from your cat.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.