As pet owners, you must be aware of the subtle signs that your feline friend is in pain since cats are known for concealing their discomfort. Our vets in Edgewater his sharing insights into the symptoms and indicators of pain in cats, along with tips on how you can assist your furry companion.
How to Tell if a Cat Is in Pain
It can be challenging to determine whether or not a cat is in pain because this can depend on the cat's personality as well as the specific type of pain that they are going through.
Chronic pain, such as that caused by arthritis or gum disease, can be more difficult to identify than the acute pain that is typically more obvious after an injury or accident.
Because cats have a tendency to conceal their discomfort, it is essential for owners of cats to keep a close eye out for any strange behavior, changes in personality, limping, or shifts in appetite.
Signs That a Cat Is in Pain
If your cat is in pain, you may observe one or more of the symptoms below:
- Frequent meowing or howling
- Not using their litterbox
- Tail flicking
- Won't eat or reduced appetite
- Poor grooming, scruffy looking
- Lethargy
- Excessive hiding
- Limping
- Avoiding being handled
- Behavioral changes
- Irritability
- Uncharacteristic hissing/growling/spitting
- Unusual vocalizations
- Excessive grooming
- Panting
- Patchy fur
How to Identify Pain in Your Cat's Posture and Body Language
Pain Expressed on Your Cat's Face
While the facial expressions of many cats change very little, if at all, when they are in pain, the expressions of other cats, particularly certain breeds, can be quite expressive. If your cat is in discomfort, it is possible that they will:
- Squint or close their eyes tightly
- Flatten their ears so that they are pressed to the sides or back of their head
- Project an overall facial appearance of tension with a tight mouth
When to Seek Veterinary Care
It is common practice to fail to recognize pain in cats until the condition has progressed significantly. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to the health of your cat over the long term. This is always the best course of action.
If your feline friend is displaying signs of pain, contact your vet right away to schedule an examination or seek emergency veterinary care. Pain management and treatment of painful conditions early are essential to help preserve your cat's good quality of life.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.