25 Signs Your Cat is In Pain
Though not always the case, cats have a reputation for being aloof animals. Their ability to mask their true feelings is an instinctual adaptation that has aided their survival. Animals exhibiting signs of pain are easy targets for would-be predators, so a cat’s apparent poker face is an asset in the wild.While the ability to conceal pain may have served our feline friends in the past, it can be detrimental to domesticated cats as pet parents are often unaware when they are experiencing pain. Luckily, a pair of researchers from the University of Lincoln recently set out to crack the code of cat pain. With the help of a team of veterinary scientists, they put together a comprehensive list of subtle signs of cat pain.25 Signs Your Cat is In Pain:
- Absence of grooming
- Lameness
- Difficulty jumping
- Abnormal gait
- Reluctant to move
- Reaction to palpation
- Hiding
- Playing less
- Appetite decrease
- Overall activity decrease
- Less rubbing toward people
- Change in general mood
- Change in overall temperament
- Hunched posture
- Shifting of weight
- Licking a particular body region
- Lower head posture
- Blepharospasm (involuntary blinking or spasm of the eyelids)
- Change in form or feeding behavior
- Avoiding bright areas
- Growling
- Groaning
- Eyes closed
- Straining to urinate
- Tail twitching
If your cat is demonstrating any of these signs, there is a good chance he or she could be in pain. Ultimately, a pet parents intuition may be the best indicator that something isn’t right. If a marked change in behavior in your cat is causing concern, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your vet.