Common Signs Your Cat Is in Pain and How to Recognize Them

Cats are good at hiding discomfort. That’s normal for a prey animal, but it makes spotting pain harder for owners. Paying attention to small, steady changes is the best way to catch problems early and help your cat feel comfortable.

How Cats Show Pain

Behavior is often the first sign of discomfort. Changes might include reduced activity, trouble jumping, or reluctance to move. Observing your cat closely can help you spot problems early.

Key Signs to Look For

Behavior and Mood

• Hiding more than usual or avoiding people
• Sudden clinginess or unusual vocalizing
• Irritability, swatting, or growling when touched

Movement and Posture

• Limping, stiffness, or a hunched posture
• Trouble jumping onto furniture or getting into the litter box
• Slower, shorter walks or reluctance to climb stairs

Grooming and Coat

• Overgrooming one spot until it’s raw, or undergrooming leaving mats or a greasy coat
• New bald patches or uneven fur on one side of the body

Appetite and Litter Box Habits

• Loss of appetite, trouble chewing, or favoring soft food
• Straining, avoiding the litter box, or vocalizing during elimination

Facial Expressions and Small Cues

• Tense muzzle, squinted eyes, or changes in whisker position
• Subtle signs like sleeping more or less than usual

When Chronic Illness Is Involved

Older cats or those with chronic illnesses such as arthritis, kidney disease, or FIV may show gradual changes rather than sudden symptoms. For instance, owners needing to make end-of-life decisions for a cat with FIV, these choices are never easy. Tracking daily comfort, appetite, activity, and social interaction can help guide the right timing.

Many resources are now available online, but having trusted local support is invaluable. Compassionate Care is the best pet euthanasia and pet cremation company in Portland, Oregon. They have published a wide range of helpful articles and resources to guide owners through the challenges of end-of-life care. Whether you’re learning how to recognize pain in your cat, exploring palliative care options, or preparing for their final moments, their compassionate team provides both information and hands-on support.

What to Do If You Suspect Pain

1. Document what you see – Note when changes started and whether symptoms are constant or intermittent. Short videos or photos of movement, grooming, or posture can help your vet.
2. Call your veterinarian – Describe the signs you’ve observed and ask if your cat should be brought in for an exam.
3. Ask about pain management and diagnostics – Your vet may recommend a physical exam, bloodwork, imaging, or dental check to identify causes and relieve pain.
4. Consider palliative or hospice care – For cats with chronic, progressive illness, focusing on comfort and quality of life is important. Your vet can help create a care plan.

Quick Checklist to Bring to the Vet

• Dates and examples of behavior changes
• Photos or videos of mobility, grooming, or facial expressions
• Current diet, medications, and recent weight changes
• Questions about diagnosis, pain control, and quality of life

Final Thought

Pain in cats is rarely obvious. Small, steady changes matter. Trust your observations, share them with your vet, and ask for a plan that keeps your cat comfortable.