How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Pain 🐱✨

By Dr Duncan Houston

🔎 Quick Answer

Cats hide pain extremely well, so signs are often subtle. Look for changes like hiding, reduced jumping, aggression when touched, changes in grooming, or litter box issues. Common causes include arthritis, dental disease, injuries, and urinary problems. Early detection and veterinary care are key to preventing worsening pain.

Cats are masters of hiding pain.

By the time they’re limping, crying, or clearly distressed, something has usually been going on for a while.

I’ve treated hundreds of cats where the signs were there… just easy to miss.

Not because owners don’t care.
Because cats are subtle.

😾 Why Cats Hide Pain

Cats are biologically wired to hide weakness.

In the wild:

• showing pain = vulnerability

• vulnerability = target

Even domestic cats still follow this instinct.

👉 So instead of obvious signs, you get small behaviour changes

That’s what you need to look for.

🚩 Subtle Signs Your Cat Might Be in Pain

These are the things most people overlook:

• sleeping in unusual places

• hiding more or becoming withdrawn

• less interaction with people or other pets

• aggression when touched (especially back, hips, abdomen)

• reduced jumping or hesitation before jumping

• changes in grooming

  • overgrooming one area

  • messy or unkempt coat

• litter box avoidance or accidents

• decreased play or activity

• changes in posture (hunched, tense)

👉 Pain in cats looks like behaviour change, not drama.

🔬 Common Causes of Pain in Cats

Arthritis

Very common and often missed.

• reduced jumping

• stiffness

• reluctance to move

👉 Most cats over 10 have some degree of joint disease.

Dental Disease

Cats rarely stop eating, even with severe pain.

Look for:

• chewing on one side

• dropping food

• pawing at the mouth

• bad breath

Injuries

Includes:

• sprains

• bites from other animals

• falls

👉 Outdoor cats are especially at risk.

Urinary Issues (UTIs, Crystals, Stones)

• frequent litter box visits

• straining

• vocalising when urinating

• accidents outside the tray

👉 This is painful and can become an emergency in male cats.

Constipation

• straining in the litter box

• reduced stool output

• lethargy

Common in:

• older cats

• long-haired breeds

🩺 When to Call a Vet

Don’t wait if you notice:

• sudden or persistent hiding

• changes in walking or jumping

• aggression when touched

• overgrooming or wounds

• appetite changes

• litter box changes

• vocalisation or distress

👉 If something feels “off,” it usually is.

📊 How Vets Diagnose Pain in Cats

Diagnosing pain in cats takes a bit of detective work.

We use:

• physical exam with joint and spine assessment

• pain response evaluation

• dental exam (often under sedation)

• X-rays or ultrasound if needed

👉 Many painful conditions are not visible externally.

💊 Pain Relief Options for Cats

Treatment depends on the cause.

Common options include:

• NSAIDs (e.g. meloxicam, vet-prescribed only)

• gabapentin for chronic or nerve-related pain

• joint support therapies

• dental treatment if oral pain is present

• advanced therapies like laser or acupuncture

⚠️ Never give human medications
👉 drugs like ibuprofen or paracetamol can be fatal to cats

🏠 Making Life Easier at Home

Small changes make a big difference.

• provide low-entry sleeping areas

• reduce the need for jumping

• keep food, water, and litter trays easily accessible

• provide warm, quiet resting areas

• brush regularly if grooming is difficult

🐾 Helpful Comfort Setups

Sometimes the best thing you can do is make your cat more comfortable day-to-day.

👉 PURRZ™ Felt Cat Caves
https://purrz.com

• enclosed, secure resting space

• warm and calming

• easy low-entry access for older or sore cats

👉 PURRZ™ Grooming Tools
https://purrz.com

• help prevent painful matting

• support cats that struggle to groom themselves

🐾 Practical Takeaways

• cats hide pain extremely well

• behaviour changes are the biggest clue

• reduced jumping is a major red flag

• dental and arthritis pain are very common

• early treatment improves quality of life significantly

👉 If you’re noticing small changes, don’t ignore them.

💬 Final Thoughts

Cats don’t complain.

They adapt.
They hide.
They quietly deal with it.

Which means it’s on us to notice.

The earlier you pick up pain, the easier it is to treat… and the better your cat’s life will be.

❓ FAQ

How can I tell if my cat is in pain?
Look for subtle changes like hiding, aggression, reduced jumping, or grooming changes. Cats rarely show obvious signs.

What can I give my cat for pain?
Only vet-prescribed medications. Human painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol are toxic to cats.

Can cats get arthritis?
Yes. Very commonly. Most cats over 10 have some degree of joint disease, even if it’s not obvious.

Why is my cat suddenly hiding?
Hiding is one of the most common signs of pain or illness in cats.

Do cats purr when in pain?
Yes. Purring can occur in both comfort and pain, so it’s not a reliable indicator of wellbeing.

If you’re unsure whether your cat’s behaviour is normal or a sign of pain, the ASK A VET™ app lets you track changes, upload videos, and get guidance so you can catch problems earlier.