Pain or discomfort can be difficult to spot in our feline friends. Cats are both prey and predatory animals. This means that they instinctively hide signs of discomfort as a survival instinct.
Vet note: Please do not give over the counter human medicine to cats. These are very toxic! If you think your cat is in pain, please consult with a veterinarian.
Signs that your cat is in pain:
Withdrawn or hiding
Unwilling to be pet or picked up
Squinting
Hunched posture
No longer jumping onto window seats or other normal spots
Moving less
Hissing or crying out when touched
Mood changes
Repeatedly using the litterbox or straining
Licking a painful area such as the belly for cats with urinary disease
Avoiding sunlight or harsh light can be a sign of headache
Picking up food and then dropping it and running away
Lameness
No longer grooming
No longer playing
Felines can be very subtle when in pain or discomfort! Your kitty will try to tell you something is wrong in their own way. Just pay close attention and reach out to a veterinarian if you think your cat is in pain or discomfort.
