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A tabby cat sits by a window and plays with a cat toy.

How to spot if your cat is in pain

Recognising the signs of pain in cats can help you to get them treatment sooner rather than later.

Since cats instinctually hide signs of pain, it can be difficult to spot the early symptoms of problems such as arthritis. These problems may not be obvious until your cat is in severe pain, so it's important to recognise the subtle signs as soon as possible.

Important

If you think your cat may be in pain, contact your vet immediately. Do not try to treat them at home with human painkillers.

Signs of pain in cats

There are two ways you can observe signs of pain in your cat:

Changes in behaviour

As a member of the family, you'll know your cat best and whether they're acting differently. Changes in your cat's behaviour are usually the earliest signs of pain so make a note of anything that seems out of character.

Common behavioural signs of pain include:

a reluctance to be touched or handled
toileting outside their litter box or spraying
a lack of interest in playing or going outside
a lack of energy or depression (eating less, listless, or hiding away)
poor grooming or excessive grooming (usually resulting in scruffy or patchy fur)
a reluctance to jump or climb on furniture they usually sit on
aggression (such as hissing, growling, scratching or biting)
frequent meowing or howling

Physical signs of pain

You may notice changes in your cat's body language indicating that they're in pain. Pay close attention to their gait and stance to spot subtle signs of a problem.

Physical signs of pain include:

a lowered head with their back hunched over
limping
stiffness after resting
narrowed eyes or flattened ears
tension in the body

Types of pain in cats

Acute pain

Acute pain is sudden and usually lasts for a shorter period of time (less than a few days). Acute pain can be caused by injuries, such as a fight with another cat or a broken bone from an accident.

An illness such as an infection can also cause acute pain.

Chronic pain

Chronic pain lasts for an extended period of time or can return in conditions where there is no cure. Chronic pain can occur in conditions such as osteoarthritis.

As cats get older, they may develop arthritis. Since many cats live for a long time, it's likely that their mobility will deteriorate over time, but there is lots that can be done to help manage the pain.

What to do if you think your cat is in pain

If you think your cat is in pain, it's important to call the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will try and determine the cause and suitable treatment.

If your cat has been injured, try to keep your cat still and comfortable while waiting to see a vet. Be gentle when handling them and use a thick blanket if necessary (but be mindful that this will not protect them from further injuries).

Depending on the cause, your vet might prescribe pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication, or recommend some tests.

Important

When transporting your cat to the vet, ensure they are secure inside a padded cat carrier to prevent further injury or pain.

Managing your cat's pain

Both acute and chronic pain can be eased with careful management.

While you'll need to speak to your vet for specific advice on your cat's condition and follow their instructions carefully, there are some things you can do to help your cat at home.

Place bedding and pillows lower to the ground so your cat does not need to jump or climb to reach them
Ensure food and water is nearby and easily accessible
Use a shallow litter tray so your cat can easily get in and out of it
Cover slippery floors with rugs and mats to avoid your cat skidding or falling in the house
Provide places for your cat to hide and give them space
Avoid touching painful areas
Help them with grooming if they're struggling to reach some areas