🐾 Changes in Movement

Is your normally nimble cat suddenly slow to jump onto the couch or climb their favorite cat tree? Movement changes can be a sign that something isn’t right. Limping, stiffness, or reduced activity levels are often signs of pain, particularly joint or muscle discomfort.

🧼 Altered Grooming Habits

Cats are fastidious groomers, but pain can cause them to over-groom or stop grooming altogether. Over-grooming in one area, especially if they’re licking or biting it repeatedly, can signal discomfort. On the flip side, a lack of grooming can indicate pain or distress.

🍽️ Changes in Eating and Drinking

Cats that are in pain may eat and drink less. This can be due to dental pain, digestive discomfort, or a more general feeling of unease. If your cat has lost interest in food or seems hesitant to chew, it could be time to investigate.

😾 Behavioral Shifts

A typically social and playful cat who suddenly becomes withdrawn or irritable may be experiencing pain. Cats in discomfort might hide more often, show aggression, or resist being touched, especially in sensitive areas.

🐱 Changes in Posture or Facial Expressions

A cat in pain may sit or lie down differently, trying to avoid putting pressure on a specific part of their body. You might notice your cat hunching over or keeping their limbs close to their body. Cats can also show subtle changes in their facial expressions—like squinting, flattening their ears, or tensing their mouth.

🗣️ Vocalization

Though some cats are naturally chatty, an increase in meowing, yowling, or purring (yes, cats sometimes purr when they’re in pain!) could indicate that something is wrong. If your cat is more vocal than usual or making sounds you don’t typically hear, they may be trying to tell you something.

🚽 Difficulty Using the Litter Box

Struggling to use the litter box or changes in urination and defecation habits may point to pain, especially in cases of urinary tract infections or digestive issues. Keep an eye out for any discomfort when your cat is doing their business.

Using the Grimace Scale for Cats

There’s also a scientific tool called the Feline Grimace Scale that can help you assess if your cat is in pain by looking at their facial expressions. It’s a helpful guide that veterinarians use, and it can give you some insight too. If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out the Feline Grimace Scale.