How to Tell If My Cat Is in Pain: 3 Subtle Signs to Watch For

How to Tell If My Cat Is in Pain (Without a Vet Visit)

As cat owners, we often pride ourselves on knowing our feline friends' every quirk. However, cats are masters of disguise when it comes to discomfort. In the wild, showing pain is a sign of vulnerability, so our domestic "tiny tigers" have evolved to hide their suffering until it becomes impossible to ignore.

Identifying these subtle shifts early can make a world of difference. Here is how to spot the signs of feline pain from the comfort of your home.

1. Changes in Facial Expression and the "Grimace Scale"

Veterinary science has developed specific "Grimace Scales" to help owners identify pain through facial cues. Look for:

• Ear Position: Ears that are pulled apart or flattened toward the sides of the head.
• Eye Tightness: Squinting or "orbital tightening" even when the cat isn't sleepy.
• Muzzle Tension: A tense muzzle or pulled-back whiskers can indicate a cat is bracing against discomfort⁵.

2. Altered Activity and Mobility

You don't always need a clinical exam to see that a cat is struggling to move. Watch for these behavioral red flags:

• Decreased Jumping: If your cat suddenly stops jumping onto the kitchen counter or their favorite high perch, it may signal joint pain or arthritis.
• Reluctance to Move: A cat that spends significantly more time sleeping or stays in one spot for hours may be avoiding the pain of movement.
• The "Hunched" Posture: A cat in pain often sits in a "tucked" or hunched position, with their head lowered and paws tucked tightly under their chest.

3. Shift in Social Behavior and Grooming

Because relationship-based care is at the heart of modern pet ownership, shifts in your cat's personality are often the first signs owners notice.

• Sudden Aggression: A normally sweet cat that hisses or swats when touched in a specific area is likely protecting a painful spot.
• Hiding: Seeking out dark, isolated places like the back of a closet or under the bed is a classic sign of a cat that feels unwell.
• Over-grooming or Neglect: Cats may obsessively lick a painful joint until the hair thins, or conversely, they may stop grooming altogether if it hurts to reach certain spots, leading to a dull, scruffy coat.

When to Consult a Professional

While identifying these signs at home is a vital first step, cats naturally hide pain so well that subtle changes in water intake, appetite, or litter box habits should never be ignored.

If you suspect your cat is hurting, you don’t have to subject them to the stress of a carrier and a car ride. Pawssum’s mobile vet services allow a veterinarian to assess your cat in their own environment, where they are more likely to display their natural behaviors rather than "masking" their pain due to clinic stress.

Is your cat acting differently? 👉 Book a low-stress home consultation with Pawssum today.