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While most cats who are experiencing intense, short-term pain will be more likely to give clues that they are hurt, cats suffering with symptoms of chronic pain or illness can sometimes hide their discomfort for long periods of time. This kind of pain can also impact cats long-term at an emotional level, causing them distress and making them less resilient.

For example, if a cat injures their paw and has obvious trouble walking on it, is very vocal (i.e. meows in a much more urgent and unpleasant sounding way than normal), and is reluctant to let you touch their paw, you can quite quickly tell that the cat is in pain. On the other hand, a cat that has a more chronic condition such as dental disease or arthritis may show very little indication that they are in pain, perhaps only displaying signs when it reaches a high level of intensity.

Every cat will show different signs that they are in pain, so it’s important to be aware of any slight change in their behaviour or body language.

BEHAVIOUR SIGNS OF A CAT IN PAIN

• Reduced appetite.
• Lethargy.
• Decreased interest in positive things like playing, social interaction and exploring outside.
• Being withdrawn and hiding away.
• Appearing lame and experiencing increased sensitivity to touch in specific areas of their body.
• Reduction in movement and activity. 
• Changes in behavioural patterns. For example, your cat may start to avoid doing things that they either know or think will cause them pain. They may no longer jump up onto beds or other raised surfaces due to the expectation that this will hurt.
• Poor mood and temperament; increased irritability.
• Vocalisation e.g. frequent unpleasant or urgent sounding meowing, groaning, hissing, growling.
• When in pain, your cat may actively or passively avoid being handled by either moving away from people or behaving aggressively when approached or touched.
• Decreased grooming in general or increased grooming but to a particular area (potentially leading to bald patches and/or sore skin).