As a cat owner, you know your feline companion's quirks and routines intimately. But recognizing pain can be challenging since cats instinctively hide discomfort. Drawing from collaborative research by international veterinary scientists, here are 25 key behavioral signs that may indicate your cat is hurting.
These subtle changes warrant a vet visit:
- Lameness
- Difficulty jumping
- Abnormal gait
- Reluctant to move
- Palpitations
- Retreats or hides
- Resists handling or petting
- Plays less
- Reduced appetite
- Decreased overall activity
- Less rubbing against people
- Excessive vocalization
- Change in temperament
- Hunched or crouching posture
- Weight changes
- Excessive licking of a specific body part
- Lowered head posture
- Constant flinching
- Altered feeding posture
- Avoids bright light
- Growling
- Moaning or groaning
- Squinting or closing eyes
- Straining to urinate
- Tail tucking or cringing
Early detection can lead to better outcomes—consult your veterinarian if you notice any of these.
