What Are Signs of Pain In The Cat?
Cats are known for hiding their pain very well. In fact you may not notice your cat being injured or in pain until it is almost unbearable for them. The best tool you possess in determining your cat’s pain status is by knowing your cat’s normal behavior. The slightest stray away from their normal routine may be the only indication you get that your cat is in pain. Below is a list of a few things you can look for to determine the status of your cat’s pain control. Remember, some of these signs can also indicate anxiety, nervousness, or poor health and are only indications of pain if they are outside of your cat’s normal behavior. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions about the status of your cat’s pain control.
Posture
- Hunched back with head lowered
Guarding (protecting) the painful area
Sitting or laying abnormally
Attempting to rest in an abnormal position (sternal or curled up)
- Stiff
Bearing no or partial weight on affected limb or any degree of limp
Thrashing
Restless
Trembling or shaking
Limited or no movement when awake
Slow to rise
- Screaming, yowling, or crying (with acute pain)
Hissing or growling, especially if you touch a painful area
Lack of vocalization (no noise of greeting or wanting to be fed)
- Hyperventilation (rapid shallow breathing)
Agitated
Poor or no grooming
Decreased or absent appetite (associated with weight loss when chronic)
Dull, sleeping excessively, or noticeably less active
Inappropriate urination or defecation, or not moving away from it
Acts out of character (aggressive or playful cats may become docile or quiet)
Licking wound or surgical site
Sitting in back of cage or hiding under blanket
Retreating to quiet areas of house for long periods of time
Vigorous attempts for escape, often with marked aggression
Adapted from:
Mathews KA. Pain Assessment and General Approach to Management. In: Vet. Clin. Of N. Amer. Sm. Anim. Pract. Ed: Mathews KA. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, July 2000.
Dobromylskyj P et al. Pain assessment. In: Pain Management in Animals. Eds: Flecknell P and Waterman-Pearson A, WB Saunders, London, 2000.
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