How Do I Know If My Cat Is in Pain? Subtle Signs Every UK Cat Owner Should Know

It is a common concern among cat owners that they might miss the signs that their cat is in pain. It is true to say that cats instinctively hide pain as a survival mechanism, which can make it difficult to tell compared to dogs or humans.

Nevertheless, there are some telltale giveaways that a cat is in pain. In this guide, we will give you the clear signs of a cat in pain, what those signs might mean and advice on when to take action.

Did you know that as many as 80-90% of cats aged 12 or over show signs of arthritis, but they often go unnoticed? Make sure that doesn’t happen with your cat.

Why Cats Hide Pain (And Why It’s So Easy to Miss)

Cats have an evolutionary instinct to mask when they feel pain. It is believed this is because showing when they are in pain would make them appear weak to other predators. As a result, the perception of pain in cats is often:

• Subtle

• Gradual (especially with chronic conditions)

When the signs start appearing, owners often misinterpret them as signs of the cat getting older or simple behavioural issues. A simple rule to remember is that if a cat is showing obvious signs of being in pain, there is a strong chance that the pain is moderate or severe.

Behavioural Signs Your Cat Might Be in Pain

There are specific things to look out for in order to know your cat is in pain. Certain changes in behaviour are the most common, but you need to know what to look out for to identify pain as opposed to something else.

Let’s look at some specifics.

Changes in Activity and Movement

Here is a list of movement-based signs that your cat is in pain:

• Reluctance to jump onto furniture or windowsills

• Difficulty climbing the stairs

• Moving slowly or stiffly

• Sleeping more than usual

• Showing less interest in play or exercise

• Limping or favouring a certain limb

If you notice any of these persisting over a long period, it is probably a good idea to take your cat to the vet.

Changes in Personality or Social Behaviour

In addition to the way your cat moves, you might also notice differences in its personality. Here are the common ones that could indicate pain:

• Hiding more than usual

• Avoiding interaction with people or other pets

• Becoming unusually clingy or needy

• Showing aggression when touched (especially in painful areas)

• Having a reduced tolerance for handling

Again, if you notice any of these things over a sustained period, we recommend booking an appointment with your vet.

Physical Signs of Pain in Cats

Sometimes, a cat will carry itself differently when in pain. This is to try to protect or compensate for the painful region - similar to when a human limps or holds their arm.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Hunched or tense posture

• Head lowered, body tucked in

• Tail flicking or held tightly against the body

• Limping or uneven gait

• Trembling or restlessness

You may even notice that your cat chooses to sit in a “loaf” position more frequently in order to protect painful areas.

Facial Expressions That Indicate Pain (Feline Grimace)

Vets use a measure they call the Feline Grimace Scale as a method of measuring the amount of pain a cat might be in. They use their expertise to gauge things like:

• Squinting or partially closed eyes

• Flattened or rotated ears

• Tension around the nose/muzzle

• Whiskers pulled forward or back

In many cases, these facial cues are more reliable than vocalisation or other signs. But it does take some expertise to assess them accurately.

Vocalisation Changes to Watch For

Alongside the feline grimace, you may also notice that your cat makes some different sounds when in pain. Increased meowing, yowling or crying are all common, but here are some other things you may notice:

• Growling or hissing when approached

• Night-time vocalisation

• Becoming unusually quiet

Don’t ignore these things when you notice them. Monitor and call a vet if necessary.

Changes in Eating, Drinking and Grooming

When a cat is in pain, it is likely to have an impact on its desire to eat or drink, as well as keep up with grooming. A cat eating less or refusing food can be one of the first warning signs you experience.

You may also notice one or more of the following:

• Unexpected weight loss over time

• Difficulty chewing (possible dental pain)

• Drinking more or less than usual

• Poor coat condition - the fur may look greasy or matted

Overgrooming specific areas can be another sign, as it may indicate localised pain in that area.

Litter Tray Habits and What They Reveal

When a cat is in pain, it might have difficulty using its litter tray. The most obvious sign of this is that it might urinate or defecate outside of the tray, usually because getting into the tray becomes a strain.

Other things to look out for include:

• Straining in the litter tray.

• Frequent or reduced urination.

• Crying while using the tray.

• Blood in urine (this is an urgent veterinary issue)

Monitoring litter behaviour can be one of the earliest ways to detect health issues. Litter Sense is designed to help with this, as the litter itself changes color if urine contains something that could be a cause for concern. Learn more here.

Common Causes of Pain in Cats

There are various things that can cause pain in cats. It is very common for cats in the UK to develop dental disease, and older cats often get arthritis which can cause them discomfort.

These will need veterinary attention, but there are other potential causes that require urgent treatment:

• Injury or trauma

• Urinary tract problems

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Post-surgery discomfort

Did you know that arthritis affects a significant percentage of cats over 10, but it frequently goes undiagnosed because of how well cats mask their pain?

Acute vs Chronic Pain in Cats

Chronic pain is far more likely to go unnoticed in cats as they will largely mask it and keep going about their days. Here are things to look out for:

• Acute pain: There will be a sudden onset and often a visible injury or trauma.

• Chronic pain: This develops slowly and causes subtle behavioural shifts. It is commonly mistaken for normal ageing, but cats shouldn’t have to suffer.

Look out for these telltale signs and act accordingly.

What You Can Do to Help a Cat in Pain

If your cat is obviously suffering, it’s important to provide soft, warm resting areas. The cat will still need its food, water and litter tray, so try to make them as accessible as possible.

We recommend that you keep a log of the symptoms you see so that you can report them to a vet if necessary. Try to keep stress and handling to a minimum and monitor the cat’s behaviour every day to look for signs of improvement or deterioration.

When Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet?

If you notice symptoms of pain and they don’t improve within 24-48 hours, we recommend that you book an appointment with your vet. We also advise you to immediately make an urgent appointment if any of the following are happening:

• Sudden behavioural changes

• Refusal to eat or drink

• Difficulty breathing

• Signs of severe pain (crying, inability to move)

• Changes in urination (this could be an emergency)

Never give human painkillers to a cat. Paracetamol is toxic and could cause serious illness. Take your cat to a vet and get a proper prescription.

Final Thoughts

Recognising pain early can significantly improve outcomes for your cat. It is important to remember that even small changes matter - when you notice something different, don’t ignore it. Trust your instincts as an owner because you know your cat best.

We recommend that you be proactive about taking your cat to the vet if you suspect it is in pain. Monitoring your cat’s habits closely is key to long-term health and happiness.