Cats are remarkably skilled at hiding pain from their owners. As both predators and prey, their instincts drive them to avoid showing weakness that could make them vulnerable to predators. Unfortunately, this natural behavior often allows health problems to go unnoticed, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
In this post, we’ll explore three common types of pain in cats: osteoarthritis, dental pain, and gastrointestinal pain, and the subtle behavioral signs that can help you catch issues sooner.
Osteoarthritis Pain (OA)
In a 2023 article from Today’s Veterinary Practice titled “Diagnosis and Management of Feline Osteoarthritis,” the authors state that “over 90% of cats over 12 years of age show radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis.” That means a staggering number of household cats may be silently living with arthritic pain.
In recent years, there have been advancements in veterinary medicine to help alleviate that pain, but many owners remain unaware of how common and debilitating this condition can be.
To advocate for your cat, bring up arthritis with your veterinarian and provide specific observations, or even video clips, of changes in your cat’s mobility. Cats often mask discomfort during vet visits, so detailed home evidence is extremely valuable to the conversation.
Signs of OA Pain:
- Difficulty jumping up or down–Hesitation to jump up or creeping closer to the ground before leaping.
- Difficulty with the stairs–Moving more slowly or “bunny hopping,” where both front legs step, followed by both hind legs.
- Changes in play–Slowing down during play or watching toys instead of actively chasing.
- Decrease in stretching–Less use of scratchers or fewer post-nap stretches, suggesting discomfort.
- Grooming less–Coat becoming dull, having more dandruff, or more clumps of fur/mats. This is because it may be painful for your cat to position themselves properly to groom.
Dental Pain
Dental problems are easy to overlook until they become severe. Many owners discover their cat’s discomfort only after signs like decreased appetite, bleeding, or odor. Having routine dental checks at your cat’s annual exam can help prevent severe dental issues. You could also work with a professional cat trainer to help you desensitize your cat to brushing of their teeth at home to help keep their teeth in tip top shape.
If you see the following signs at home, please have your cat’s mouth evaluated by your veterinarian:
- Dropping food from their mouth
- Blood coming from the mouth or found on items in the home.
- Excessive drooling
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Avoiding hard kibble or treats
- Crying when eating or backing away from the food bowl.
- Odor from the mouth.
- Pawing at the mouth as if in discomfort.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Pain
The last area of pain we will discuss is pain associated with gastrointestinal pain. Most owners recognize that vomiting, diarrhea, or hard stools aren’t normal, but many don’t realize how painful these issues can be. Health conditions such as irritable bowel disease, constipation, pancreatitis, and food sensitivities can lead to painful gas, pain when defecating, cramping, and lethargy.
When your cat begins to show consistent signs of GI distress, you can begin to keep a detailed record of your cat’s symptoms, diet, and stool changes. This can help your veterinarian make a quicker, more accurate diagnosis and begin treatment.
At home you should monitor changes in:
- Appetite
- Stool appearance and frequency
- Occurrence of vomiting and the contents (food, bile, fur, clear fluid, etc.)
- Weight Loss
- Changes in Diet
- Litter Box Habits
Cats’ ability to hide pain is remarkable, but it can work against them when health issues arise. By paying attention to these subtle behavioral changes and sharing detailed observations with your veterinarian, you can catch problems earlier and help your cat live a more comfortable, healthy life.