Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.
Welcome to our in-depth guide designed to help you understand and manage pain in your cat. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to identify signs of pain in cats, using real-life examples and expert advice to make it easy for any cat owner to follow.
Let me tell you about one of my patients named Sassy. She was a spirited black and white senior cat whose behavior began to change as she neared her 14th birthday.
Once lively and agile, she stopped jumping onto her favorite windowsill and started having trouble getting into her litterbox. These changes worried her family, leading them to seek a vet’s expertise. Let’s follow Sassy’s story to learn about recognizing and managing pain in cats.
KEY POINTS
- Cats are good at hiding pain.
- Signs of cat pain often include subtle changes in habits and behavior.
- There are many treatments for cat pain from medication to environmental adaptations.
What Is Pain? Acute vs. Chronic
Pain in cats is a complex sensory experience that indicates potential or actual tissue damage. It is a protective mechanism produced by the nervous system.
Pain is categorized into two main types: acute and chronic. Acute pain is immediate and often sharp, like a sprain, a cut, or the aftermath of surgery. It’s the body’s urgent alert that something’s wrong.
Chronic pain is a persistent, dull discomfort that develops over time. It’s often linked to ongoing issues such as arthritis or long-term illnesses. While acute pain is usually obvious, chronic pain can be more challenging to detect in cats, as they tend to conceal it.
Recognizing both types of pain and their sources is key to providing the right care and comfort to a feline in distress.
Common Sources of Cat Pain
Cats experience pain from various sources, some more obvious than others. As a pet guardian, being aware of these can help you spot trouble early.
- Trauma, Injury, or Surgery: These are clear sources of pain. Whether it’s a sprain, a cut, or post-operative, physical injuries usually cause pain.
- Infections: Bacterial, viral and fungal infections can cause significant internal or external discomfort.
- Dental Pain: Surprisingly common, dental issues like gum disease or tooth decay can cause severe pain in cats. Over half of adult cats experience some form of dental pain.
- Arthritis: A frequent cause of chronic pain, especially in cats over about seven years old. Arthritis slowly erodes their mobility and comfort. (1)
- Illness-related Pain: Diseases like cancer, kidney and liver disease can lead to pain. Other disease that cause pain include pancreatitis, constipation and urinary obstruction.
Being familiar with these common pain sources can help you identify potential issues with your cat before they escalate.
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12 Symptoms of Pain in Cats
Recognizing pain in cats like Sassy requires keen observation, as they are adept at hiding discomfort. Noticeable changes in their behavior and physical state are the key indicators.
For instance, Sassy’s reluctance to jump and accidents outside her litterbox were significant signs. Below is a table of common pain symptoms in cats:
| Behavioral Changes | Physical Changes |
|---|---|
| Increased irritability | Hesitation to jump or climb |
| Crying out when touched | Stiff movement or limping |
| Hiding, not playing | Changes in posture–hunched back |
| Not seeking petting | Difficulty eating |
| Unusual vocalization–yowling at night | Reduced mobility |
| Sleeping more | Over-grooming or neglect |
These signs might be subtle at first. Careful observation daily is important in identifying signs of pain in cats.
What If You Can’t Tell for Sure?
Sometimes, even with careful observation, it can be difficult to determine if your cat is in pain. If you’re unsure, consult your veterinarian. Here’s what you can expect:
- Veterinary Consultation: Your vet will conduct a thorough examination, considering your cat’s history and symptoms.
- Blood and Urine Tests: These tests can reveal underlying health issues that may cause pain, such as infections or organ problems.
- Radiographs and Other Imaging: X-rays or other imaging techniques can identify issues like arthritis or internal injuries.
- Trial with Treatment: In some cases, your vet might recommend a trial treatment to see if there’s an improvement. This could involve pain relief medication, dietary changes, or other therapies.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe and consult a professional if you’re uncertain about your cat’s health.
How to Help a Cat with Pain
When it comes to managing pain in cats, there are various strategies you can adopt, often in consultation with your vet. Here’s a rundown of common approaches:
| Treatment Type | Description |
|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs designed for cats can help reduce inflammation and pain. Onsior® is a newer drug that works well for cats and is available as tablets and injection. |
| Solensia™ | A once-monthly, injectable monoclonal antibody therapy for thecontrol of feline osteoarthritis pain. |
| Gabapentin | Often used for chronic pain management, well-tolerated by most cats. |
| Other Medications | Amantadine, amitriptyline, steroids, and opioids may be used depending on the cat’s condition. |
| Cosequin | An oral glucosamine-containing supplement that supports joint health and can alleviate arthritis pain. |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Fish oil supplements have a lot of omega-3 fatty acids and are great for pets. One good choice is Nordic Naturals Pet. Omega-3 fatty acids are good at fighting inflammation. This is especially helpful for chronic inflammation. |
| Heated Cat Bed | Heated beds provide comfort and soothe aching joints. |
| Weight Management | Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints and can alleviate pain. |
| Home Environment Adaptation | Includes ramps for climbing, low-entry litter boxes, etc., to make daily activities easier for your cat. |
Each cat is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. It’s important to closely monitor your cat’s response to treatment and adjust as necessary.
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Sassy’s Treatment and Response
Sassy’s visit to the clinic was a turning point. After a thorough examination and diagnostic tests, we identified arthritic changes in her hips. Next, we developed a personalized treatment plan for her. Here’s how we approached her care:
- Medication: We prescribed a course of anti-inflammatory medication to address Sassy’s immediate discomfort.
- Supplements: Cosequin® joint supplement was added to her meals each day.
- Dietary Changes: We switched her food Hill’s Metabolic Weight Management to normalize her weight. Our goal was to have her shed two pounds over a few months.
- Home Adjustments: We advised her family to make some changes at home. Adaptations included providing steps to access her favorite spots and a low-entry litterbox.
Sassy’s response to this multifaceted approach was encouraging. Gradually, she began to show interest in her windowsill perch again. To her owner’s delight, her litterbox issues resolved right away.
Her family reported that she seemed more comfortable and even returned to her sassy, vocal self, chatting with them just like before.
We scheduled Sassy to come in for a recheck exam after one month to check her weight. We also planned to add other prescription pain medication if necessary.
Helpful Resources
Check out the following resources to learn more about identifying and treating pain in cats:
- Feline Grimace Scale a guide to identifying acute pain in cats based on facial changes.
- Senior Cats Facebook Group is a discussion group for senior cat caretakers.
