9 Signs Your Cat May Be in Pain and What to Do

1. Reluctance to jump or climb: Your cat may stop reaching a favorite perch or hesitate before using the stairs; 2. limping or stiffness: they may move unevenly, especially after resting; and 3. a hunched or guarded posture: they may hold their body tensely or resist settling into a comfortable position.

Notice whether these changes appear suddenly or gradually, and avoid making your cat jump or move so you can test them; a short video of their natural movement can help your veterinarian understand what you’re seeing.

4. Less grooming or a messy coat: Pain may make normal cleaning difficult; 5. repeated licking of one area: your cat may focus on a sore spot; and 6. litter box changes: they may struggle to get into the box, avoid it, or change their bathroom routine.

Keep track of what has changed and when, particularly if your cat is eating less, drinking differently, or having trouble passing urine; straining to urinate or producing little to no urine calls for urgent veterinary care.

7. Hiding or withdrawing: A social cat may seek solitude; 8. unusual irritability or resistance to touch: a normally tolerant cat may pull away, hiss, or swat; and 9. changes in vocalizing or facial expression: they may cry out, grow unusually quiet, squint, or hold their ears differently.

Compare these signs with what is normal for your cat rather than waiting for a dramatic reaction, since some cats in pain remain quiet and continue parts of their usual routine.

Give your cat a quiet, accessible place to rest, note the symptoms and their timing, and contact your veterinarian for advice; do not give human pain medication unless a veterinarian specifically directs you to do so.

If your cat has trouble breathing, collapses, has a serious injury, or cannot urinate, seek emergency veterinary care rather than waiting to see whether they improve; our When Pet Symptoms Need a Vet – Essential eBook Guide is another resource for thinking through pet symptoms and emergency signs.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating what to do if you notice these signs.