When your cat is in pain, it’s not always obvious, but there are some signs you should watch out for.
Sometimes, you can easily tell when your cat is in pain. They mewl and cry; they have an obvious injury; or they suddenly start limping. However, some of the signs of pain in cats are much more subtle, and cat owners aren’t always able to tell when their cat is in pain. It doesn’t help that most cats prefer to suffer in silence and are practiced at hiding their pain well. Luckily, our veterinary clinic in North Bellmore is here to help. The following is a list of subtle signs that your cat might be in pain:
#1. Breathing Changes
When a cat is in pain, their breathing will often become more shallow and faster than it typically is. Panting is also commonly seen in cats who are in pain.
#2. Heart Rate Changes
Check for your cat’s pulse when you think they might be in pain. A noticeable increase in heart rate is often a sign of pain in cats. If you are unsure about how to check your cat’s pulse, ask your veterinarian to show you.
#3. Scratching or Biting
Aggressive behaviors, like scratching or biting, are common in cats who are in pain, particularly if you touch the cat where they are hurt or sore.
#4. Eye Changes
They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and your cat’s eye can tell you a lot. When your cat is experiencing pain somewhere in their body, their pupils will likely dilate, and when they are experiencing pain in their eyes, their pupils might constrict. Squinting or a bloodshot appearance might also indicate pain in the eyes.
#5. Purring
A purring cat is not always a content cat. If you notice increased purring, especially when it’s combined with other signs of pain, then your cat might be in pain.
#6. Eat and Drinking Changes
When a cat is in pain, they typically don’t eat or drink as much as they did before. If your cat’s pain is originating in their mouth, they may drop food frequently or dribble water.
#7. Grooming Changes
Has your cat suddenly stopped self-grooming, or has their self-grooming habits started to drastically decrease? If so, your cat might be in pain. If your cat has a wound that is causing them pain, they may groom that area a lot more.
#8. Mobility Changes
When your cat is in pain, you might see a marked decrease in how often they move around. Depending on what is causing the pain, your cat might move around still, but they do it a bit differently than they did before.
#9. Energy Level Changes
When most cats are in pain, they tend to be less active and sleep more.
#10. Bathroom Changes
Cats who are in pain can’t always make it to the litter box fast enough. So, if your cat has always gone in their litter box, and now they suddenly aren’t, they might be in pain.
If you think your cat is in pain, contact our veterinary clinic in North Bellmore ASAP.