Let's be honest: cats are experts at hiding painThis is understandable, given that in their natural habitat, they had to do everything possible to stay alive. Showing weakness in the wild often meant the end for that animal, so developing the ability to hide their suffering gave them a clear advantage in surviving against predators and other cats.
Today, many felines live in homes where they have humans who care for and adore themBut their bodies and behavior continue to be guided by that same instinct for self-preservation. That's why, even though they enjoy a comfortable domestic life, They will continue to hide their pain. whenever possible. As a result, detecting that something is wrong in time can be difficult if we don't know exactly what to look for.
Everything has its explanation, and in this case, the person responsible is the feline survival instinctThis trait cannot be switched off or changed even if living conditions have improved. It doesn't depend on each cat's current situation, but rather on the evolution of the species. To help you, below We are going to tell you the 6 most common signs of pain in cats And, in addition, we will expand the information with other important physical and behavioral signs, so you can know when it's time to take him to the vet and what kind of pain he might be suffering.
They do not wash with the same regularity
Grooming is very important for cats; in fact, it's one of the activities they do most. They dedicate more time throughout the dayKeeping the fur clean and free of knots is not only a matter of hygiene, but also of emotional well-being: a cat that grooms itself normally usually feels safe and relatively comfortable.
When a feline suffers pain, especially if it affects its spine, hips or jointsIt may stop reaching certain areas of the body easily. This causes the cleansing routine to become shorter or irregular. If the coat looks less shiny, bristly, dull, has small tangles, or is even rough, it's probably because something is wrong.Often the change begins in the lower back, pelvis, and hind legs, as twisting to lick that area can be very bothersome when there is arthritis or another musculoskeletal problem.
In older cats, one of the most frequent causes of this lack of grooming is osteoarthritis or arthrosisA chronic, painful joint disease that makes it difficult to twist, jump, and bend. If your senior cat suddenly develops this condition, it could be a sign of a serious condition. a neglected cloakIf your coat is less smooth and has less shine, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian to rule out chronic pain and receive appropriate treatment.
On the other hand, some cats do the opposite: They excessively lick sore areasThis compulsive licking can even lead to bald patches or skin irritation. It may also indicate joint discomfort, abdominal pain, or even neuropathic pain, and therefore warrants a professional evaluation.
The third eyelid becomes visible
The third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, is a whitish or slightly pinkish structure located at the inner corner of the eye. It usually goes unnoticedbecause it remains retracted and only unfolds very briefly when the cat blinks or needs extra protection for the eyeball.
This membrane becomes visible when cats are in weak healthEspecially when they have a fever, are dehydrated, or are in significant pain. Seeing the third eyelid in one or both eyes, without apparent cause and for longer than usual, is a clear sign that something is wrong systemically.
In addition to pain, the constant presence of the third eyelid may be associated with infectious diseases, neurological disorders, severe digestive problems, or poisoningIn any case, this is a warning sign that requires veterinary evaluation as soon as possible, especially if accompanied by apathy, lack of appetite, or other behavioral changes.
They produce excess saliva
If they have alterations in the mouth, either by a gingivitis or other oral and dental problems, one of the most frequent symptoms is the excessive production of saliva, which may be accompanied by a loss of appetiteThis abundant salivation is technically known as sialorrhea or thalismAnd it is usually very noticeable: the cat may have a wet chin, drool while eating, or leave small puddles where its head rests.
Among the most common causes are the painful dental diseases (such as periodontitis, mouth ulcers, or stomatitis), foreign bodies lodged in the oral cavity, poisoning, intense nausea, or even severe abdominal pain. Many cats with mouth pain also stop brushing properly, eat more slowly, or avoid dry food because it bothers them.
In cats that previously ate normally, notice Changes in chewing habits, severe bad breath, aversion to certain foods, or excessive salivation This is reason enough to schedule a veterinary appointment. Early treatment not only relieves pain but also prevents the problem from becoming chronic or leading to more serious infections.
They are aggressive
If they change their behavior almost overnight, they may be stressed, anxious or that have pain in any part of their bodyThis behavior will intensify when you pet the affected area. A cat that has always been sociable and suddenly becomes skittish, irritable, or even scratches or bites at the slightest touch, is communicating that something is seriously bothering it.
These changes are especially noticeable when the pain is chronic or affects areas we touch frequently, such as the back, hips, abdomen or limbsSome cats stop tolerating being picked up, while others hiss when you try to brush or pet them where they previously enjoyed it. This aggression isn't a sudden "bad temper," but rather a strategy to avoid the painful stimulus.
It is also common for the affective markingThe cat rubs less against furniture and people, avoids prolonged contact, and limits its interactions to what is strictly necessary. When its well-being declines, any social behavior involving extra movement or handling can become aversive.
If your cat becomes more isolated, loses interest in its toys, the birds it sees from the window, or human company, and also becomes more withdrawn, it is essential to consider the possibility of physical pain in addition to emotional causes.
They meow more than normal
Some cats are quite talkative and really enjoy having "conversations" with their humans, but when they meow more than usual it is a sign of emotional pain or physical discomfort. It's their way of telling us that they need us to dedicate more time to them or that something is wrong.This increase in vocalizations can be especially noticeable in cats that were previously quiet.
In the case of sharp pain If something happens suddenly (for example, an injury, a hard blow, or colic), some cats will emit intense meows, cries, or very high-pitched sounds at the moment the problem occurs. They may also suddenly limp, tuck their tail, lower their ears, or seek a place to hide.
When the pain is chronicAs with joint diseases or certain internal disorders, meowing tends to be more persistent, sometimes concentrated at specific times of the day or night. It may be accompanied by insomnia, nighttime wandering, or changes in litter box use.
Furthermore, in older cats, an increase in nighttime vocalizations can indicate both chronic pain such as cognitive impairment or sensory problems, so a thorough examination will help differentiate between the causes. It also can't be ruled out that it's a sign of pain, even if it seems "just" a cry for attention, so a visit to the veterinarian wouldn't hurt.
Adopt anti-sallow postures to relieve pain
When the pain becomes very intense, cats will adopt anti-painful positionsThat is, ways of positioning the body to try to relieve it. For example, have the body bent or with the front legs stretched out These are ways they have of feeling a little better. A cat with abdominal pain may lie rigidly, with its belly protected, while one with back pain will tend to arch its back or avoid turning over.
Other common postural signs include the head lower than shouldersEars slightly tilted to the sides, squinty eyes, and whiskers tense and pointing forward. This combination of facial features is part of what is known in feline medicine as “Grimace scale”, a system that evaluates the cat's expression to estimate the presence and intensity of pain.
In addition to these postures, it is common for the cat to reduce its daily mobility: He climbs on high furniture less often, avoids jumping onto windowsills or shelves, and asks to be carried to reach places he used to be able to reach on his own. Or he prefers to make several small jumps instead of one big one. He may also be reluctant to go up or down stairs, or to enter a sandbox with high sides, because every movement is uncomfortable for him.
When they stop using the litter box and start urinating or defecating in other places in the house, it's often not due to "bad behavior," but rather because Accessing the sandbox causes them painIn these cases, it is advisable to lower the entrance height, move the tray closer to the area where they spend the most time, and of course, consult with the veterinarian to treat the underlying cause.
We hope this has been helpful and that you can now more easily identify signs of pain in cats. Paying close attention to changes in their grooming, posture, movements, their interaction with you, and their facial expressions will allow you to detect any discomfort earlier, seek professional help promptly, and offer your feline companion a much better quality of life, even when chronic illnesses or age-related problems arise.