How to Tell if Your Cat is in Pain (and What to Do)

Cats are masters of the subtle hint.

They’ll stare at you from across the room to communicate, “My food bowl is 75% full, which is a crisis.”

They’ll deliver a single, withering meow that clearly means, “You have disturbed my nap, and I shall remember this betrayal.”

But when it comes to showing pain, they suddenly become stoic little sphinxes, giving you almost nothing to work with. It's maddening!

I remember with my previous cat, he started hesitating before jumping onto the sofa. I just thought he was getting older and more dramatic, maybe contemplating the meaning of life before making the leap.

It wasn’t until I learned to look for the other subtle clues that I realized his little hips were bothering him. He wasn't being dramatic; he was trying to tell me he was in pain, in the only secretive, cat-like way he knew how.

If you’re here, it means you're a flipping fantastic cat parent who wants to decode your kitty's secret language. You're ready to become a pain detective, and that’s one of the most loving things you can do.

So, let’s get into the research-backed guide on how to tell if your cat is in pain and what to do when you suspect something is wrong. You’ve totally got this! 🐾

Want me to help you out? It was a labor of love, but I put together everything I would’ve given a kidney to have when I first got Remy plus a ton more goodies because I love you. You can nab it here!

I want you to have this so you can have a wonderful time with your cat while skipping the insane trial and error. And then I can live vicariously through you.

How to Tell if Your Cat is in Pain: The Secret Clues

Since cats can't just say, "Ouch, my back hurts," you have to learn to spot the weird little things they do instead. Think of yourself as a feline body language expert. Here are the key signs, from the obvious to the super sneaky.

Behavioral Red Flags

These are changes in your cat’s daily habits and routines. They’re often the first things you’ll notice that seem "off."

• Changes in Mobility: This is a big one. Are they reluctant to jump up on their favorite cat tree? Do they have a slight limp or an abnormal, stiff-looking walk? Are they avoiding the stairs? A cat that suddenly stops moving as much is often a cat that’s hurting.

• Hiding or Withdrawing: Is your normally social cat suddenly spending all their time under the bed or in a closet? Hiding is a classic sign that a cat doesn’t feel well and wants to be left alone.

• Grooming Gone Wrong: You might notice two extremes here. Some cats will stop grooming altogether, leading to a scruffy, matted coat. Others will obsessively lick or groom a single spot that’s bothering them.

• Changes in Appetite or Play: A decreased interest in food or their favorite feather wand is a major red flag. A cat that doesn't feel well often loses their appetite and their playful spirit.

• Litter Box Issues: Is your cat suddenly having accidents outside the litter box? This isn't always a behavioral problem. It could be that climbing into a high-sided box is painful for them, or they have a medical issue making it hard to get there in time.

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Mood and Posture Changes

Sometimes, the way they act and the way they hold their body tells the whole story.

• The Grumpy Cat Transformation: Has your sweet, cuddly kitty suddenly become irritable, aggressive, or started swatting when you try to pet them? A sudden change in personality often signals pain. They’re not being mean; they’re just trying to protect themselves.

• The "Meatloaf" Stance: This is a key postural clue. A cat in pain will often sit in a hunched, tense position with their head lowered and their paws tucked underneath them. They look like a sad, furry meatloaf. This posture is a major sign of abdominal pain or general discomfort.

The Feline Grimace Scale

This sounds super scientific, but it’s actually a practical tool you can use at home! Researchers have identified five key facial cues that show a cat is in pain.

1. Ear Position: Are their ears flattened and rotated outwards, like little airplane wings?

2. Eye Squinting: Are their eyes partially or fully closed, like they’re squinting?

3. Muzzle Tension: Is their muzzle tense and drawn, with a more elliptical or flattened shape?

4. Whisker Changes: Are their whiskers pulled back and straight, instead of being relaxed and curved?

5. Head Position: Is their head held below the line of their shoulders?

If you see a combination of these facial cues, it's a strong indicator your cat is feeling pain. It’s their “pain face,” and learning to recognize it is an amazing skill to have!

What to Do if You Suspect Your Cat is in Pain

Okay, you’ve done your detective work, and you think your cat is hurting. Now what? The most important thing is to take action.

1. Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately

This is always step one. Don’t play the waiting game or try to diagnose it yourself. Your vet is the only one who can figure out the underlying cause of the pain and create a safe and effective treatment plan.

Be ready to share all of your observations—every little detail helps!

2. Keep Them Comfortable and Minimize Handling

While you’re waiting for your vet appointment, make their environment as comfortable as possible. If moving seems painful for them, don’t force them to play or try to pick them up more than necessary.

When you do need to transport them, use a well-padded carrier to keep them secure and prevent further discomfort.

3. Follow Your Vet's Treatment Plan

Your vet may prescribe medications to manage the pain. This could include things like special NSAIDs for cats (never give a cat human pain medication!), opioids, or other pain relievers like gabapentin.

It is crucial to give these medications exactly as prescribed!

Your vet might also recommend integrative therapies, especially for chronic pain like arthritis. Things like acupuncture, cold laser therapy, or even gentle massage can work wonders alongside medical treatment.

4. Modify Your Home for Their Comfort

You can make a huge difference in a sore cat's life with a few simple home modifications.

• Place ramps or pet stairs next to their favorite perches, like the sofa or your bed.

• Make sure food, water, and beds are on the floor and easy to get to.

• Switch to low-entry litter boxes that they can easily step into.

You Are Your Cat's Best Advocate!

Figuring out how to tell if your cat is in pain can feel like a heavy responsibility, but it's one of the most important roles you have as their parent.

You know your cat better than anyone else. You know their quirks, their habits, and their happy little chirps.

If your gut tells you something is wrong, trust it.

By learning to read their subtle signals and taking swift action, you are giving your cat the incredible gift of relief and comfort. You are their voice, their protector, and their hero.

You’re doing an amazing job! ❤️