Signs Your Cat May Be In Pain:
Detection and Treatment
Is your feline friend acting unusual lately? Changes in
behavior can indicate your cat is in pain. ⚠️Cats
are masters at hiding illness and discomfort.⚠️ But paying attention to signs of pain can help you get
kitty the right medical care ASAP.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- 🐾
Common signs of pain in cats
- 🐾
Health issues that cause pain
- 🐾
At-home pain management tips
- 🐾
When to take kitty to the vet
Let’s break down the subtler and more obvious clues
that your cat may be hurting.
## Changes in Personality & Activity
Cats experiencing pain often withdraw and hide. Social
butterflies may retreat to closets or under beds. And lively, playful cats may
lose interest in toys or interaction.
Significant shifts in ⚖️ energy levels ⚖️
can also indicate discomfort. A normally lazy cat who seems restless or fidgety
may be dealing with pain sensations. On the other hand, typically active
kitties may sleep more or appear fatigued.
These changes signal it’s time for a checkup. While
pain isn’t the only possible cause, better safe than sorry!
## Alterations in Posture & Movement
Postural and mobility changes warrant an urgent vet
visit. ⚠️Refusing to jump up or
down, limping, stiffness, and other movement issues are red flags.⚠️
Cats also express pain through their body
language. Look for:
- 🐈
Hunched or tense posture
- 🐈
Reluctance to stretch or move certain limbs/joints
- 🐈
Flattened ears
- 🐈
Low tail carriage
- 🐈
Crouching for long periods
If you notice anything unusual in your cat's gait,
posture, or flexibility, don't delay that vet appointment!
## Changes in Grooming Habits
Your kitty's daily grooming routine can offer insight
into their wellbeing. Healthy cats are usually fastidious self-groomers.
But cats in pain may struggle to twist and contort into
grooming positions. Matted, dirty, or unkempt coats signal it’s time to call
the vet.
Increased vocalization like meowing or yowling while
grooming can also indicate discomfort. Your cat may be trying to tell you
something hurts!
## Appetite Changes
Sudden ❗️shifts
in appetite❗️
can sometimes stem from oral pain. Dental issues like abscesses, resorptive
lesions, and tooth resorption often lead to reduced or disinterest in food.
Difficulty eating and chewing due to mouth pain can
also cause appetite loss. It may hurt to bend down to the bowl. Or kitty's
usual kibble may be too hard to bite comfortably.
Any major increase or decrease in eating warrants
attention. Rule out dental pain, digestive issues, and other problems with a
vet exam.
## Litter Box Troubles
No cat owner enjoys litter box troubles! But issues
like urinating outside the box or vocalizing in the box can signal health
problems.
Some causes of litter woes like UTIs or bladder stones
cause pain. Your cat may associate the litter box with discomfort and try to
avoid it.
Arthritis, back pain, and muscle weakness can also make
climbing in and out of the box painful. Look for signs your cat is hesitating
to jump in or crying out while squatting.
Discuss any potty problems with your vet to determine
the underlying cause and treatment. Finding the source of discomfort is key to
getting back on track!
## Common Sources of Pain
So what causes kitty discomfort? Here are
some common culprits:
- 🦷
Dental disease like cavities, resorptive lesions, or abscesses
- 😿
Arthritis in joints from old injuries or wear and tear
- ❄️ Bone cancer, often in legs and paws
- 👅
Mouth sores or ulcers
- 👄
Injuries, often from falls or scraps with other animals
- 💉
Chronic pancreatitis
- 😾
Bladder or urinary tract infections and inflammation
- ⚡
Nerve pain or neuropathy
- 🤕
Muscle stiffness or injuries
- 😫
Digestive issues like IBD or constipation
Catching pain early allows for quicker diagnosis and
treatment of these issues.
## At-Home Pain Management
Before your vet visit, a few home remedies
may help provide some relief:
- 🛏
Rest and restrict activity like jumping or climbing to prevent additional
injury
- 🛀
Warm compresses over sore muscles and joints to loosen stiffness
- 🍲
Gentle massage during full body rubdowns with a soft brush
- 🥣
Adding more water to kibble or feeding wet food to reduce chewing discomfort
- 🐟
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements to reduce inflammation
- 😿
Pheromone plug-ins and CBD oil for anxiety relief and relaxation
Your vet can recommend any other appropriate supportive
care until the pain is properly treated.
## When to Go to the Vet
Make an appointment ASAP if your cat shows
multiple signs of pain or discomfort. The vet will:
- 👩⚕️ Perform an exam to
pinpoint the issue
- 🩺
Run tests like bloodwork, urinalysis, x-rays, or ultrasound
- 💊
Prescribe cat-safe, targeted pain medication as needed
- 🦷
Address any underlying condition causing pain and discomfort
- 🐾
Provide at-home nursing care instructions
conclusively
Speaking, acting fast when you suspect your cat is in pain leads to the best
outcomes. 🐈⬛ Your attentiveness, care, and quick
response can help your kitty return to their normal, healthy, happy selves in
no time!
