Cats are incredible at hiding pain. It’s their natural instinct—they don’t want to appear weak or vulnerable, even when they’re not feeling their best. This behavior is rooted in their survival instincts; in the wild, showing pain could make them a target for predators.
Unfortunately, it also makes it harder for us, their loving human companions, to realize when something is wrong. But as cat parents, it’s up to us to play detective and spot the symptoms. Here are 15 early signs your cat might be in pain.
Your cat suddenly isn’t interested in food
Cats love their routines, especially when it comes to meals. So, if your usually ravenous kitty is barely touching their food, it’s worth paying attention. A loss of appetite can signal anything from dental pain to a serious internal issue.
Sometimes, they might pick at their food, eat slower than usual, or refuse their favorite treats altogether. On the other hand, stress or discomfort can occasionally cause overeating as a coping mechanism. If you notice either extreme, it’s a good idea to monitor their eating habits closely.
Hiding away from everyone
We all need alone time now and then, but if your cat suddenly starts hiding in unusual or hard-to-reach places—like under the bed or behind the couch—it might be more than a desire for peace and quiet.
Cats often retreat to avoid interaction when they’re unwell. If your outgoing furball is now avoiding family members or skipping their usual sunny window naps, don’t just chalk it up to a “weird phase.” They might be trying to deal with pain in solitude, so keep an eye on their hiding habits.
Grooming habits have changed
Cats are meticulous groomers, so any noticeable change in their grooming routine can be a big red flag. Over-grooming in one area can indicate pain or discomfort there—common spots include the belly, paws, or lower back.
This might lead to bald patches, redness, or irritated skin. Conversely, if your cat stops grooming entirely, their coat might become matted, greasy, or dull, which could mean they’re feeling too unwell or stiff to bother. Either way, these grooming changes shouldn’t be ignored.
Sitting or lying in strange positions
Cats in pain often adjust their posture in an attempt to get comfortable. Have you seen your cat sitting with a hunched back, lying on their side with their legs tucked, or holding their head lower than usual?
These subtle shifts in body language might indicate physical discomfort. Pain can also make them appear more rigid or cautious in their movements, almost like they’re bracing themselves. Watch how they sit, stretch, or lie down—it can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling.
Making strange or new noises
Your cat’s vocalizations are like a little window into their emotions. If they’ve started meowing excessively, letting out long, low-pitched yowls, or even hissing unexpectedly, it could be their way of expressing discomfort.
Walking funny or refusing to jump
Is your cat hesitating before jumping onto their favorite perch? Are they avoiding stairs or moving more slowly than usual? These are often signs of pain in their joints, back, or legs. Limping is another clue that something might be wrong, though not all cats will make it that obvious.
Even subtle changes, like landing clumsily from a jump or taking extra time to get up after lying down, can hint at underlying discomfort.
Suddenly acting grumpy
Even the sweetest, cuddliest cats can become cranky when they’re in pain. If your normally calm cat starts hissing, growling, or swatting at you, it might be their way of saying, “I don’t feel good, so leave me alone!”
Pain can make them more irritable or less tolerant of things they’d usually be fine with, like petting or handling. Don’t take it personally—just consider it a clue to check for other signs of discomfort.
Accidents outside the litter box
A cat that suddenly avoids the litter box isn’t just being difficult—they’re probably trying to tell you something. Painful conditions like urinary tract infections, arthritis, or digestive issues can make using the litter box a challenge.
They might associate the box with pain and choose to go elsewhere instead. If your cat is missing the mark or seems reluctant to use their box, it’s worth investigating what’s going on.
Their face looks different
Your cat’s face can reveal a lot about how they’re feeling. Cats in pain might squint more, hold their whiskers back or droop them, or develop a tense expression around their eyes and mouth.
These subtle facial changes are easy to miss, but they can be telling if you know what to look for. Take a good look at their “normal” expression so you can spot when something seems off.
They don’t want to play anymore
Has your energetic kitty gone from zoomies to zero interest in playtime? Pain can drain their energy and make them less likely to engage in their usual games. They might ignore their favorite toys, avoid climbing their scratching post, or just lounge around more than usual.
While all cats have lazy days, a sudden or prolonged lack of interest in play is worth checking out.
Purring a little too much
Yes, purring is usually a good thing, but it’s not always a sign of contentment. Cats also purr when they’re in pain, stressed, or trying to calm themselves. If your cat is purring in unusual situations—like when they’re lying still, hiding, or after displaying other signs of discomfort—it might be worth a closer look.
Breathing seems off
Changes in breathing patterns can be a big clue that your cat is in pain. If their breathing seems rapid, shallow, or labored, it’s time to pay attention. Panting in cats is particularly concerning, as it’s not as common as in dogs and usually indicates severe discomfort or stress.
Suddenly doesn’t want to be touched
If your cat starts flinching, growling, or moving away when you try to pet them, it’s a pretty clear sign they’re not feeling their best. They might be guarding a sore spot on their body, like their belly, back, or legs.
They can’t seem to sit still
Pain can make it tough for your cat to settle down. If they’re constantly pacing, shifting positions, or moving to new spots every few minutes, it might be because they’re struggling to get comfortable.
Cats usually love a good nap, so restlessness is definitely out of character. If this goes on for more than a day or two, it’s time to dig deeper.
Repetitive licking or twitching
If your cat is obsessively licking one spot on their body, it’s their way of drawing attention to something that hurts. This behavior might result in bald patches or irritated skin over time. You might also notice twitching, tremors, or sensitivity in the same area.
If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t panic—but don’t ignore them, either. Cats can’t tell us what’s wrong, so it’s up to us to act on their subtle signals.