5 Signs Your Cat is in Pain

Cat owners often miss several signs that their cat is in pain. They tend to have subtle signs of pain which most owners don’t notice until more obvious ones start to show. In some instances, cats only begin to show more severe symptoms after being sick for an extended time or if they are extremely unwell.  

Of course, nobody likes their pet to be in pain, but it’s important to know the signs so you provide relief and help for whatever may be wrong. Sometimes cat’s lack nutrients and vitamins and need to be given supplements to help them. Capsuline chicken-flavored empty capsules are pet owners' favorites because they mask the taste and odor of the ingredients going inside the capsule. These make it easy to give medicine to your pets without them putting up a fight.  

Telling if your cat is in pain is difficult because cats are both prey and predator animals. In the wild, showing their pain can make them vulnerable to other predators or cats who might attack them. It may even be hard for your vet to notice some of the signs that your cat is unwell due to the increases in stress and anxiety that many cats feel when visiting the vet office. We hope these tips will help you tell if your cat is in pain.  

1. Behavioral Changes 

Similar to humans, cats change their behavior when they are dealing with pain. Cats often show behavioral changes prior to physical symptoms when they are in pain. It’s important to know your cat's normal behaviors and attitude. How much they eat, drink, nap, play, and groom themselves are all important factors to note when checking to see if they are in pain. Most cats tend to bond to us when we’re around and are present when we are. If your cat starts to hide or be more withdrawn it could be a sign that something may be wrong.   

2. Grooming Changes 

Cats are excellent cleaners and enjoy grooming themselves meticulously. If notice your cat isn’t grooming itself or only focuses on one specific part of the body and ignores the rest, it could mean your cat has a problem or is in pain.  

3. Changes in Eating and Drinking  

Cats who are experiencing pain may not eat and drink as much as usual, or even at all. If you notice changes in your cats eating and drinking behavior it could be a sign your cat is in pain and may have serious medical issues. You should seek advice from your veterinarian immediately.  

4. Low Energy  

If your cat is a regularly lazy cat who enjoys sleeping over playing, then you shouldn't worry too much about this one. However, if your cat enjoys playing with toys, or chasing things and they no longer have the energy to do that, it could be a sign that they’re in pain. Your cat may find it difficult to jump up on the couch or walk up the stairs if they are in pain. Changes in sleeping patterns such as, sleeping less or more or sleeping in weird and unusual places can also be a sign your cat is experiencing pain. 

5. Changes in Posture  

If your used to your cat walking around like it runs the house and suddenly you notice its posture is more hunched over and crouched, then it could be a sign that somethings wrong. A cat in a lot of pain will look like it's trying to curl up in a ball or sit with its back curved higher than normal and its head lowered. Your cat may also keep its legs tucked underneath itself instead of stretching them out on the side.  

What to do if you believe your cat is in pain 

If you suspect your cat is in pain don’t give your cat medicine that’s designed for humans or other pets. Cats process drugs different from other species and should only take medicine designed for them, like our empty chicken-flavored capsules or our beef-flavored capsules. You should always consult your veterinarian first to find out what steps can be taken to help your cat. Remember that our cats can’t speak for themselves and rely on us to speak up for them if they are in pain. Keep a close eye on your pet and alert your veterinarian to any unusual changes.