![]() ![]() The Feline Grimace Scale is a validated scale that tells us which expressions cats use when they are in pain. ![]() A vacant stare at nothing, or a “glazed” expression, is common for cats in pain. Facial Expressionsįacial expression can be difficult to gauge in cats, but certain giveaways can indicate pain or discomfort. You may also notice a cat being protective of a certain area of their body, not wanting to be touched or scratched they may also limp or hesitate to put weight on a sore limb. A cat with abdominal pain may have a hunched back, tucking in their abdomen in a protective posture. PostureĬats do a version of shuffling along when they are stiff they walk very gingerly and avoid the usual amazing leaps we’re used to seeing. Any of these changes in their usual personality and preferences may be signs of a medical issue. Change in Daily RoutineĪ cat whose appetite suddenly drops may be feeling too much pain to eat, or they may be experiencing nausea from a disease.Ĭats that suddenly have accidents in the house, whether it’s pee or poop, after years of using the litter box, may be in too much pain to get in and out of a box with high sides, or too sore to get to where the box is located.Ī lap cat who suddenly can’t stand being held may be experiencing pain when they are touched or petted. This is particularly true for cats with easygoing or gentle personalities. Most of us know that a hissing or growling cat is an unhappy cat, but did you know that meows and purrs can be signs of a cat in pain? Purring is usually thought of as a sign of contentment, but some cats purr when they are frightened or hurting. They may do it so often that they cause secondary trauma to their body in the form of wounds, skin infections, and hair loss. While many people associate biting and licking with allergies, pets also often repetitively lick and bite at painful areas. Stiff, arthritic cats may be reluctant to change positions or jump onto high surfaces like they did before.Ĭonversely, cats may become more active: restless, repetitively getting up and down, and seeming to have difficulty getting comfortable. Cats might become less active and sleep more hours than they used to. This can help you and your veterinarian determine which diagnostics and treatments will best help your cat to feel better:īefore using the checklist to evaluate your cat, become familiar with some of the most common behavioral changes that can be signs that a cat is in pain: Change in Activity LevelĪ change in activity level can indicate discomfort. The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management has created a checklist for signs of pain in cats that you can check off and give to your veterinarian. If your cat has these or another condition, be vigilant in looking for signs that your cat may be in pain. Pain management specialists in veterinary care have a mantra they often repeat: “Assume pain.” If your cat has a diagnosed medical condition, pain management should always be part of the treatment.Īrthritis, dental disease, urinary tract disease, bone disease, and cancer are just a few of the common feline medical conditions that are known to be painful. We’ve found that we are very likely undertreating pets for the level of pain they experience. Veterinarians have come a long way in understanding pain in pets. Here’s some more insight on cat pain and what signs to watch for. You will need to look for even the slightest behavioral changes that can indicate that your cat is experiencing pain. It’s a big problem, however, when your cat is ill or hurt but you have no clues to tell you that there’s a problem.Ĭats may not speak, but they do communicate their pain in their own subtle ways. This is a great advantage when cats are out in the wild around predators that look for signs of weakness. They do this so well that they could be in excruciating pain without you knowing it, even if you’re the person closest to them. Cats are renowned for their ability to mask pain and discomfort. ![]()
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