Masters of Disguise — How Cats Hide Their Pain and How Not to Be Fooled

In the olden days before domestication, a sick or injured cat would find itself all alone in a world full of large, hungry carnivores and opportunistic rivals. Concealing any visible signs of illness or injury may well have been a matter of life and death.
 

So, cats evolved to be stoic creatures—and sometimes, even the most dutiful pet parents can't tell when their beloved kitties are in pain.

Early Signs Your Cat May Be in Pain

Pain often starts with subtle behavioral changes, such as:

• Hiding

• Excessive vocalization

• Limping or irregular gait

• Resistance to touch (may growl, hiss, or withdraw)

• Decreased appetite

• Excessive licking or pawing at a particular area (especially the mouth — most cats develop some form of gingivitis or dental disease as they age)

• Lethargy and lack of interest in surroundings

• Reluctance to run, jump, or play (Pet parents of senior cats take special heed—feline arthritis is actually much more common than you may think!)

Understanding the “Pain Posture” in Cats

A cat experiencing more sudden or severe pain may assume a distinct “pain posture”:

• Hunched body with legs tucked underneath

• Squinted eyes

• Lowered head

• Ears flattened to either side (“airplane ears”)

• Tail curled around the body

• “Pinched” looking muzzle

This might sound like a normal sleepy cat position, but there are subtle differences. A painful cat will often lower its head below the level of its shoulders and pull its legs in tight, trying to look as small as possible, giving the cat a much more tense appearance.

The flattened ears are also a giveaway, as a sleepy cat will still have its ears perked up and alert to nearby sounds. Even a cat that is purring while showing these signs might be in pain, as cats sometimes purr to “reassure” themselves—similar to how an injured human might hum a song or repeat a phrase as a distraction.

When Pain Is an Emergency

Here are a few signs of pain that are always an emergency and require immediate veterinary attention:

• Loud vocalization while using the litter box—especially in male cats, as this can be a sign of a potentially fatal urinary obstruction

• Open-mouth breathing or panting for any reason other than vigorous play

Trust Your Instincts—We’re Here to Help

No one knows your cat better than you do. If something seems off, give us a call or make an appointment! We would much rather see your cat for a false alarm than risk missing a serious problem.


Written by Samantha Mornin, Laboratory Assistant at Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center and Urgent Care