🩺 How to Tell if Your Cat Is in Pain – Vet Guide 2025 🐱

Hello devoted cat parents! 😊 I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. Cats instinctively hide discomfort. To keep them healthy, learn to identify subtle pain signals—from posture and grooming to eating and behavior changes. This guide explains common pain signs, when to act, and how Ask A Vet can support your cat’s wellbeing.

1️⃣ Key Pain Signals in Cats

• Posture & movement: hunched or “crouched” stance, reluctance to jump, limping, stiff gait, shuffling feet :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Facial expressions: squinted or glazed eyes, flattened ears, tense muzzle and whiskers—assessed via the Feline Grimace Scale :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Vocal changes: increased meowing, crying, growling, yowling, and even tense purring :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Grooming shifts: excessive licking at painful spots or reduced overall grooming, leading to a scruffy coat :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Behavior & mood: hiding, avoiding interaction, aggression or irritability, tail flicking—cats may hiss or swat if touched :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Appetite & litter box use: decreased eating or drinking, litter box accidents, straining, or avoiding jumping into the tray :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Activity changes: from lethargy and sleeping more to restlessness and inability to settle—either can signal distress :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

2️⃣ Acute vs Chronic Pain

Acute pain (injury or illness) often shows clear signs like limping or vocal distress. Chronic pain (arthritis, dental issues) shows more gradual changes in behavior and daily habits :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

3️⃣ Using Pain Scales

Veterinary pain scales—like the Feline Grimace Scale or Glasgow Composite Measure—help professionals assess severity based on facial expressions and posture :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

4️⃣ When to Seek Veterinary Help

• If your cat shows persistent signs—less movement, pain expression, hiding, or eating less—for over 24–48 hours :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Signs like sudden aggression, drooling, labored breathing, or inability to urinate require emergency evaluation :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Don’t self-medicate—pain meds for dogs or humans are dangerous for cats.

5️⃣ How to Support at Home

• Gently monitor and log behavior, appetite, litter use, and vocal patterns.
• Encourage comfort: soft bedding, easy access to litter and food.
• Offer appetite-stimulating wet food or warmed meals if eating declines.
• Keep the environment calm and familiar—reduce stress and avoid handling sore areas.

6️⃣ Ask A Vet Support 📲

• Help interpret signs—decide when in-home care suffices and when to see a vet.
• Provide recovery strategies: feeding support, environmental ease, pain monitoring.
• Support follow-up after diagnosis—advice on medication, rehab exercises, and progress tracking.

Ask A Vet gives you 24/7 veterinary-backed guidance to ensure timely care for your cat—before invisible issues become big problems. 🐾💬

7️⃣ Long-Term Monitoring & Prevention

• Schedule regular check-ups to catch early signs of arthritis, dental disease, urinary problems, or pain syndromes like Feline Hyperesthesia :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Maintain healthy weight, exercise, and environmental enrichment to reduce chronic pain risk.
• Use vet-prescribed pain management, physiotherapy, or dietary support when needed.

💡 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan

If your cat behaves “oddly,” don’t dismiss changes—cats hide pain well, and early recognition leads to better outcomes. Learn their normal, watch for subtle shifts, and ask for help early. With Ask A Vet, you have real-time access to vet expertise—ensuring your cat stays comfortable, active, and loved. 😊

Dr Duncan Houston BVSc — your ally in feline pain detection and care. Visit AskAVet.com and download our app for immediate, cat-focused support. 📱