Is My Cat in Pain? Subtle Signs to Watch For

Cats evolved to hide weakness, so pain often shows up as small behavior changes rather than crying out. If your cat just seems "off," trust that instinct.

Subtle signs of pain

Hiding more or avoiding family
Eating or drinking less
Grooming less, or over-grooming one spot
Using the litter box differently, or going outside it
Jumping less or avoiding stairs and high perches
A hunched posture, tucked paws or sitting very still
Squinting, flattened ears or a tense face
Irritability or hissing when touched
Changes in sleep, or restlessness at night

Purring doesn't always mean a cat is content, since some cats purr to self-soothe when hurting.

Common causes

Arthritis, dental disease, urinary problems, injuries, digestive upset and illness can all cause pain. Arthritis in particular is common in middle-aged and senior cats and often missed.

Signs that need urgent care

Straining to urinate, producing little or no urine, crying out in the litter box, open-mouth breathing, sudden collapse or a cat that can't use a limb. A urinary blockage is an emergency, especially in male cats.

What to do at home

Keep the home calm, and keep food, water and litter easy to reach. Never give human pain medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which are toxic to cats. Record a short video of any limping or odd posture, since cats often hide symptoms at the clinic.