Signs Your Cat Is in Pain

Cats are extraordinary at concealing pain — a survival trait in a small solitary predator. Most cats in chronic pain are described by their owners as "just getting old" or "a bit antisocial lately".

What to actually look for

• Jumping less. Not jumping onto the counter any more, or hesitating and gathering before a jump they used to make easily. This is the single most common sign of feline arthritis and it is almost always dismissed.
• Grooming changes. A scruffy unkempt coat, or dandruff along the back, means the cat cannot reach. Over-grooming one specific area means pain there.
• Litter box changes. Toileting outside the box often means it hurts to climb in, or the position is painful.
• Hiding and withdrawal. A sociable cat that starts sleeping under the bed.
• Aggression when touched or a cat that suddenly dislikes being picked up.
• Sitting hunched with paws tucked, eyes half-closed, in a loaf position for long periods.
• Eating differently — dropping food, chewing on one side, approaching the bowl and walking away. That is dental pain.
• Reduced sleeping in high places they used to favour.

Arthritis is far more common than people think

Radiographic studies have found degenerative joint disease in the large majority of cats over about twelve, and in a substantial share of middle-aged cats. Yet very few are treated, because cats do not limp obviously — they simply do less.

This is treatable. Pain medication for cats has improved considerably, including newer injectable options for osteoarthritis pain. Speak to your vet rather than accepting decline.

Never medicate a cat yourself

Paracetamol is lethal to cats. So is ibuprofen and aspirin at doses people assume are trivial. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process many drugs that are safe in dogs and people. Never give a cat anything that was not prescribed for that cat.

Helping at home

Steps or a ramp to favourite high spots. A litter box with one low side cut down. Food and water at floor level rather than on a counter. Soft warm beds away from draughts. A slightly wider, shallower food bowl so whiskers do not touch the sides. And keeping them lean, which matters enormously for feline joints.