How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Pain 2025: Subtle Signs Vets Don’t Want You to Miss 🐱✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Cats are masters of hiding pain. By the time they're limping or crying, something has likely been wrong for a while.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. I’ve treated hundreds of cats with pain that owners missed for weeks or months—not out of neglect, but because cats are subtle. Here's how to spot it early.

😾 Why Cats Hide Pain

• In the wild, showing weakness makes cats a target
• Even domestic cats have evolved to appear “fine” until they’re not
• This means you must look for small changes—not dramatic signs

🚩 Subtle Signs Your Cat Might Be in Pain

• Sleeping in unusual places
• Hiding more or becoming withdrawn
• Aggression when touched or petted (especially around the hips or back)
• Changes in grooming—overgrooming one area or a messy coat
• Loss of interest in play or jumping onto surfaces
• Litter box avoidance (due to discomfort climbing in)

🔬 Common Causes of Pain in Cats

• Arthritis – especially in older cats or large breeds
• Dental disease – cats rarely stop eating, but show pain through pawing or chewing oddly
• Injuries – sprains, bites, or trauma from falls or fights
• UTIs or bladder stones – painful urination, frequent visits to the box
• Constipation – common in older or long-haired cats

🩺 When to Call a Vet

• Sudden or consistent hiding
• Change in walking or jumping behavior
• Overgrooming one area or visible wounds
• Change in appetite, behavior, or vocalization

📊 Vet Diagnosis of Feline Pain

• Physical exam with gentle manipulation of joints and spine
• Dental exam under sedation if oral pain is suspected
• Imaging (X-rays, ultrasound) for arthritis, injury, or internal issues

💊 Pain Relief Options for Cats

• NSAIDs like meloxicam (vet-prescribed, cat-specific)
• Gabapentin for nerve or arthritis pain
• Laser therapy, acupuncture, or joint injections (advanced cases)
• Prescription diets for joint or urinary pain

🏠 Home Comfort Tips

• Elevated beds or stairs to avoid jumping
• Warm bedding in quiet areas
• Daily gentle brushing if grooming is difficult
• Enrichment toys that don’t require jumping or running

🔗 Comfort Tools from 

• Felt Cat Caves – Provide quiet, low-entry comfort spots for older or painful cats
• Grooming Tools – Help reduce painful matting in arthritic cats

📋 Summary Excerpt

Cats don’t cry when they’re hurting. A vet explains how to spot subtle signs of feline pain and what you can do to help your cat feel better.

❓ FAQs

• Q: How can I tell if my cat is in pain?
  A: Look for behavioral changes like hiding, aggression, a messy coat, or reluctance to jump. Pain in cats is subtle.
• Q: What can I give my cat for pain?
  A: Only vet-approved medications. Never give human drugs—ibuprofen or Panadol can be fatal to cats.
• Q: Can cats get arthritis?
  A: Yes—very commonly. Most cats over 10 have some degree of joint disease.