September is Pet Pain Awareness Month, making it an important time to talk about something cats are particularly good at hiding: discomfort.
Cats may not cry, limp, or make it obvious when something hurts. Instead, signs of pain in cats can appear as subtle changes in behavior, movement, grooming, or daily routines. Knowing your cat’s normal habits can help you recognize when something may be wrong.
What Are the Signs of Pain in Cats?
Because cats instinctively mask discomfort, recognizing feline pain often means paying attention to small changes.
Some signs we want cat owners to watch for include:
- Hiding more frequently
- Decreased interest in playing or interacting
- Hesitating or refusing to jump
- Moving more slowly or avoiding stairs
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in grooming habits
- Difficulty getting into or out of the litter box
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Increased sensitivity to touch
- Unusual vocalization
- Becoming more withdrawn, irritable, or aggressive
Sometimes the biggest clue isn’t something new—it’s something your cat stops doing.
Arthritis and Joint Pain in Cats
One common source of chronic pain in cats is osteoarthritis. However, feline arthritis doesn’t always cause obvious limping.
A cat with joint pain may stop jumping onto a favorite windowsill, sleep in easier-to-reach places, play less frequently, have difficulty grooming, or struggle to use a litter box with high sides.
These changes can be easy to dismiss as a cat simply “getting older.” If you notice changes in your cat’s mobility or activity, let us know. We can help determine whether pain, arthritis, or another health concern may be contributing.
Other Changes Worth Watching
Pain can affect more than your cat’s movement.
Changes in grooming can be an important clue. A cat experiencing discomfort may groom less because reaching certain areas has become difficult, while another may repeatedly lick an area that hurts.
Changes in litter box habits can also signal a medical concern. If your cat begins eliminating outside the litter box, struggles to enter it, or suddenly changes their bathroom habits, contact our team rather than assuming the problem is behavioral.
Dental disease in cats can cause discomfort, too. Bad breath, difficulty chewing, drooling, dropping food, or changes in appetite may be signs that it’s time for us to take a closer look at your cat’s oral health.
Why Feline Wellness Exams Matter
Because cats can hide signs of pain and illness so effectively, routine feline wellness exams are an important part of preventive care.
During your cat’s exam, we can evaluate their weight, teeth and gums, heart and lungs, skin and coat, joints, mobility, and overall physical health. Depending on your cat’s age, lifestyle, and health history, we may also recommend diagnostic screening to give us a more complete picture of their health.
Regular veterinary care for cats also helps us establish what’s normal for your cat, making it easier to identify meaningful changes over time.
Know Their Normal
You know your cat’s everyday habits better than anyone. Pay attention to how they normally move, eat, play, groom, sleep, and interact with you.
If something changes, don’t ignore it simply because your cat isn’t showing obvious signs of pain. Let us know what you’re seeing so we can help determine the next step.
This Pet Pain Awareness Month, make your cat’s comfort part of the conversation. If you’ve noticed changes in their behavior or it’s time for their next cat wellness exam, schedule an appointment with us. We’re here to help keep your cat healthy, comfortable, and feeling their best.