Cats are masters at hiding their pain, a survival instinct that prevents them from seeming vulnerable and becoming prey in the wild. That means learning how to tell if a cat is in pain by looking for subtle behavior changes, facial expressions, or body language cues.
9 Signs of Pain in Cats
Different types of pain will present in different ways. For example, arthritic pain may show up as not being able to take the stairs or get into the litter box, while dental pain may result in not being able to eat hard kibble. It’s all about assessing the entire picture and comparing your cat’s typical behaviors to new ones.
1. Change in Appetite
A cat who’s not eating or drinking may be experiencing some level of discomfort or pain. Food is a necessity, so there’s almost always an underlying reason why they’re choosing not to eat.
The problem can range from something minor, like nausea or dental pain, to more serious conditions such as kidney disease, gastrointestinal issues, or infections. Even stress or environmental changes can lead to appetite loss.
If your cat refuses food for more than 24 hours, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to identify and address the underlying cause.
2. Vocalizing
Some cats who are in pain will cry or vocalize more often than normal. A change in the character of their vocalization, frequency, or volume may be an indication of pain.
Do Cats Purr When They Are in Pain?
We often associate purring with contentment, and that’s often true. In some cases, however, cats that are experiencing discomfort may purr.
3. Change in Grooming Habits
If you notice a change in your cat’s grooming habits, this could be a sign they’re in pain. Some cats will over groom a specific area—licking or chewing excessively due to pain— while others may neglect grooming altogether, leading to a dull or unkempt coat.
4. Facial Expressions (Feline Grimace Scale)
Veterinarians rely on what’s called the feline grimace scale (FGS), which helps them determine whether a cat is in pain or discomfort.
The FGS measures key facial features, including:
● Ear position: Normally, a cat’s ears are upright and forward-facing. Ears that are flattened, turned outward, or pulled back may indicate discomfort.
● Eye shape: Relaxed cats have open or gently squinted eyes. Partially closed, squinted, or tightly shut eyes can be a sign of pain.
● Muzzle tension: A pain-free cat’s muzzle appears relaxed. A tense or “pinched” muzzle, where the nose and mouth look drawn in, may suggest distress.
● Whisker position: Whiskers naturally fan outward or rest neutrally. When a cat is in pain, whiskers may be pulled back against the face, or appear stiff and forward.
● Head position: A comfortable cat holds their head upright and alert. A cat in pain may lower their head or tuck their chin toward the body.
5. Avoiding the Litter Box
A change in litter box behavior can signal something is wrong with your cat.
This might a reaction to a change in their environment—like you’ve changed their litter or put their box in a new location or took the cover off their box—or an indication of underlying urinary tract disease or metabolic disease.
It could also be a muscular or skeletal issue causing pain—like a sprain or arthritis—particularly if the litter box is large or in an area that’s difficult for them to access.
6. Reduced Activity
A sudden decrease in activity, especially in a normally playful cat, can be a red flag.
While sleeping or resting becomes more common with age, a sudden change in your cat’s ritual may indicate something’s off. If they’re avoiding favorite activities like climbing, jumping, or playing, it could be a sign of pain or discomfort that warrants a closer look.
If your cat is limping, seems stiff, or is not as willing to jump on higher surfaces, this can be an indication of pain. Most cats—over 90% over the age of 12—will develop arthritis in their senior years.
7. Suddenly Becoming Aggressive
Increased aggression is another cue that your cat doesn’t feel great. It’s not that they don’t love you, but that they’re feeling ill and want to protect themselves.
Some cats may more subtly avoid you by walking away, or trying to avoid being petted or touched.
8. Hiding
Speaking of walking away, cats who are in pain or not feeling well often hide or retreat into a place where they feel safe. This goes back to their survival instincts, where they seclude themselves in times of weakness to avoid predators.
9. Body Language Cues
Subtle body language changes can reveal discomfort. A cat in pain may crouch with a tense body, tuck their limbs tightly, or avoid movement altogether. They might also become restless, frequently shifting positions in an attempt to get comfortable. Further, a hunched posture, reluctance to jump, or sudden stiffness could indicate joint or muscle pain.
If your cat has any of the above signs of pain, it’s important to schedule a visit with your veterinarian right away.
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