How to tell if your cat is in pain? Cats are notoriously difficult to read, which means that it can be hard to tell when they’re in pain. Learn some of the signals your cat might exhibit if it’s hurting-like refusing food or water, hiding in a dark place, and more!
Many of us believe that cats in general are aloof and independent, but the truth is they don’t want to show how much pain they may be in. Cats have a reputation for being difficult to read, so it can be hard to tell when they’re hurting. Here are some of the things your cat might do if it’s in pain- like refusing food or water, hiding in a dark place, and more!
Cats that are in pain could refuse food and water.
Cats could refuse food and water if they are in pain. Some cats will lose their appetite while others will turn away from their food, but the most common way to tell is if they’re not drinking water. Watch for your cat to drink less water and notice if they are going to the bathroom more often than usual. If you see these signs, take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as you can. An early diagnosis and treatment will prevent your cat from becoming dehydrated.
Change in sleeping habits
If you observe that your cat is spending more time sleeping than usual, they may be trying to hide pain, discomfort, or injury. Cats spend a lot of their day either asleep or resting, so if they’ve become lethargic, it could be a sign of being in pain. Typically, if you notice your cat has changed sleeping habits, check with a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Cats in pain may have a loss of appetite.
Many cats will lose their appetite when they are in pain, but some may show more signs of being uncomfortable than others. If your cat isn’t eating anything, they could be suffering from chronic pain, which can be dangerous. Take your cat to a vet if they are having trouble eating and drinking water. The sooner, the better so your cat can get the proper care that they need. It is usual for cats to eat less as they age, but if your cat doesn’t show any other signs of being in pain, then this could be a red flag.
Cats might hide in a dark place or not want to be petted when they are in pain.
There are many reasons why your cat might be hiding in a dark place. Some cats like to hide when they’re sleeping or feeling scared- this is just a natural instinct. If you have other pets such as dogs or another cat in the house, there’s a possibility that your cat feels threatened by them and is hiding to get away from them. Cats also might not want to come out of hiding if they feel sick and don’t want to be bothered by anyone. Cats may also feel sore after surgery and want to stay in the dark for a while.
Cat has stopped grooming itself may be in pain.
Cats groom themselves extensively as a way of cleaning themselves and ensuring their coat always looks good. However, if your cat starts refusing to groom, this can be an indication of pain. If your cat isn’t grooming himself or herself, this could be a sign that they are hurt and has stopped moving as much because of it.
Cats in pain may show aggression, like growling or biting you.
Cats are known for their sweet, gentle nature. However, if your cat is in pain and feels threatened, it could show aggression towards you. Be careful if you notice this because they might accidentally hurt you when trying to get away from whatever is causing them discomfort.
You might see your cat licking or chewing at a painful area.
Cats will lick themselves all over their bodies as a way of staying clean and maintaining their coat. However, if you notice them licking or biting areas on their body more than usual, this could be a sign of pain.
Some cats stop using litter boxes when in pain.
Cats are very clean and will always go to the bathroom outside of their litter box if they aren’t feeling well. If you observed that your cat isn’t using their litter box, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Cats might get seizures from being in pain.
Seizures are very dangerous for cats and should be taken care of as soon as possible. It’s not uncommon to see a cat with seizures, but if you notice they’re getting more frequent or intense, this could mean that your cat is in extreme pain.
Cats might change their normal behaviors.
Cats have certain behaviors that they exhibit when they are feeling threatened or in pain. These behaviors include:
- Hissing at you (not purring/meowing)
- Growling at you
- Peeing on objects that are normally off-limits to them
- Reluctant touching (they won’t stay still when petted, etc.)
There are other signs of pain too-like their ears being back, dilated pupils, drooling, twitching muscles, and more!
Not all of these signs will be obvious to you. Still, if you notice that your cat is acting strange and seems different from usual-especially if they’re showing more than one sign at a time- then they need to see a veterinarian right away. The earliest the issue is caught, the better off your cat will be!
Conclusion
Cats are notoriously difficult to read, which means that it can be hard to tell when they’re in pain. In this article, we’ve explained how some of the most common signs your cat might exhibit if they are hurting-like refusing food or water, hiding in a dark place, and more! If you notice these strange behaviors from your pet, then take them to their veterinarian right away for treatment. The earliest the issue is caught, the better off your cat will be!
