7 Signs That Your Cat Is in Excruciating Pain

For a variety of reasons, determining whether or not your cat is in pain might be challenging. Cat owners frequently overlook small signals of pain in their cats or wait until more prominent indicators emerge, such as loss of appetite and lethargy. Cats may only develop more evident symptoms after being ill for a long time or if they are really ill in rare circumstances. It's possible that by the time you detect something is wrong with your cat, it's been going on for longer than you think.

Although no one wants to think of their cats being in pain, it is critical to be able to recognize the signs of discomfort in cats so that you can provide comfort and prevent medical conditions from escalating.

It's not always easy to tell if a cat is in pain.

Cats are masters at concealing disease. This is partly due to the fact that cats are both prey and predators, and in the wild, hiding pain helps protect them from predators or other cats that may pose a threat. They are more vulnerable to attacks if they show signs of suffering.

Because cats hide their suffering due to anxiety and worry, which is typical during veterinary visits, it can be difficult for your veterinarian to detect indicators of pain. Your cat may also go into fight or flight mode, which can make pain perception worse.

Pain Symptoms

Cats, like people, can exhibit behavioral changes when they are in pain. In fact, behavioral changes in cats frequently precede physical signs.

It's critical that you understand your cat's typical attitude and habits. Your cat's normal attitude, energy level, stride, appetite, sleep patterns, thirst, and other physical and behavioral patterns are all included. Even the tiniest change in your cat's behavior could indicate that he or she is sick or in discomfort. Because your cat can't tell you it's in pain, it's up to you to figure out if there are any unusual behavior patterns that could be related to pain. If your cat is acting out of character, it could be a sign that they are in discomfort.

Note that changes in your cat's everyday habits aren't necessarily due to aging. Although age is not an illness, your cat is more likely to be in pain as they get older.

Changes in Grooming

You may notice that your cat does not groom itself, or that when it does, it only grooms the front of its body and its face. Cats are careful cleaners, so if your cat's grooming habits have changed or its coat appears unkempt, be aware.

Behavioral alterations

Your cat may become more reclusive and even begin to hide. Our cats are attached to us and prefer to be involved and present in our lives. When your cat stops greeting you at the entrance, sleeping with you, or engaging in other normally engaging habits, it could be a clue that something is wrong.

Low energy and low activity

You could find that your cat has less energy or stamina for formerly pleasurable activities like playing with toys or chasing that red dot. Your cat may be hesitant to leap, walk up and downstairs, struggle to get up from a laying down position, be restless, and have trouble finding a comfortable place to rest. Changes in sleeping patterns are also possible—the cat may sleep more or less, and in unexpected positions and places.

Changes in the litter box

Because of the pain associated with going in and out of the litter box, as well as difficulty squatting, cats frequently miss their litter boxes. A cat with aching hips or knees may find it difficult to maintain the squatting position. Due to the pain and urgency associated with other medical concerns, cats may refuse to use the litter box.

A cat with a lot of pain would sit hunched over in a guarded, crouching stance with its back bent higher than normal, head lowered, and front paws folded under it, as if it's trying to roll up into a ball. When the cat lays down, you'll observe that instead of extending out on its side, it maintains its legs tucked up below it. Scratching habits may be avoided or difficult for it.

What Should You Do If You Think Your Cat Is In Pain?

Do not give cats pain relievers made for humans or dogs. Cats metabolize medications in a unique way compared to other animals. Pain relievers that are commonly used in humans can be fatal to cats. Always seek veterinary help and consult your veterinarian for a pain management strategy that is right for you.

Rather than allowing your cat to suffer in quiet, consult your veterinarian and address any potential suffering. Our feline companions rely on us to speak for them, so keep an eye on them and notify the veterinarian if you have any concerns.