Is Your Cat In Pain? 6 Signs Most Owners Miss
Cats don’t cry, limp, or complain the way we expect when something hurts. They’re wired to hide pain. As a cat parent, learning to spot the quiet signs is key. This guide breaks down the subtle ways your cat might be telling you something’s wrong.
So… How Do Cats Show Pain?
These guys are weirdly selective about what they make a fuss over. A new couch cushion? Immediate panic. But real, physical pain? They can get vocal, but for the most part it’s silent. It’s not that they’re unaffected—it’s just how their instincts work. Cats hide discomfort because, in the wild, showing weakness could get them killed.
That’s why it’s so important to catch the sneaky signs early. These behaviors might seem harmless (or even “just part of getting older”), but they often point to something deeper—especially if more than one shows up at once.
1. Grooming Habits Suddenly Change
Cats are usually obsessive about keeping themselves clean. So if your cat’s coat is suddenly dull, greasy, or matted, that’s not laziness—it might be pain.
Discomfort from arthritis or dental disease can make grooming awkward or painful. They may also overgroom one specific spot to self-soothe, which can lead to bald patches or skin irritation.
What to look for:
Greasy or dull coat
Mats or dandruff along the spine
Overgrooming one area (belly, front legs, base of tail)
Less interest in nail maintenance or grooming others
Pro Tip! Senior cats with arthritis may need help staying clean. Try brushing areas they can’t reach or offering a soft, damp cloth rubdown for hygiene support.
2. They’re Suddenly Hiding More
Even social cats will retreat if they’re not feeling well. Pain makes cats feel vulnerable, and their instinct is to find a quiet, enclosed spot where they can avoid being bothered.
This behavior shift can be easy to brush off—especially if your cat has always liked their “alone time.” But pay attention if the hiding becomes more intense, frequent, or out of character.
Signs it’s not just a mood:
Spending most of the day under furniture
Avoiding normally preferred spaces (like the couch or bed)
Seeking corners, closets, or covered spots
Ignoring interaction or petting
3. Touch Is Suddenly a Trigger
If your cat flinches when touched, reacts with sudden aggression, or stiffens up when you handle them—especially around the spine or belly—it could mean something hurts.
Note: It's completely normal for many cats to dislike being touched on the belly, even when they're feeling well. What matters is a change in tolerance—if your cat suddenly reacts to handling they used to accept, that’s a sign worth paying attention to.
What to watch for:
Twitching or flinching when pet
Hissing or swatting when picked up
Growling during normal handling
Tension in muscles or posture
Psst! Check out my article on feline body language—here’s how to understand it.
4. They’re Avoiding Jumps or Climbing
Most cats love vertical space—it’s part of how they feel safe, confident, and in control of their environment. So if your cat suddenly stops jumping onto the bed, windowsill, or cat tree, it’s might not be just laziness. It could be a sign of joint pain, muscle stiffness, or an early injury.
Look out for:
Hesitating before jumping
Choosing lower resting places
Needing chairs, stools or stairs to climb
Missing jumps or slipping mid-leap
5. Appetite and Bathroom Habits Shift
Pain can impact everything from chewing to litter box posture. If your cat’s eating less or seems uncomfortable using the litter box, there’s likely more going on than “pickiness.”
Signs of discomfort:
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Straining in the litter box
Peeing just outside the box
Did You Know? Litter box avoidance often gets labeled as behavioral, but medical pain—like constipation, arthritis, or UTIs—is often the root. Always rule out health issues with your vet before trying behavioral fixes.
6. They’re Acting “Off” but You Can’t Explain It
Cats are creatures of habit. If yours suddenly seems grumpy, needy, withdrawn, or spaced out—it’s worth digging deeper.
Behavior changes to flag:
Increased clinginess or vocalization
Reduced interest in play
Unusual aggression or withdrawal
Sudden anxiety or jumpiness
Pro Tip! You can keep a little journal (even just in your phone) of behavior changes. Tracking small shifts over a few days can help your vet pinpoint what’s going on—even if symptoms seem vague. I would always recommend this to clients!
When to Call Your Vet
If your cat is showing one or more of these signs—especially if they’re new or getting worse—it’s time for a checkup. Pain left untreated can lead to weight loss, behavior issues, and decreased quality of life.
Your vet may recommend:
A full physical exam
X-rays or dental checks
Bloodwork, a urinalysis, or other diagnostics
Starting pain management (like gabapentin, Solensia, or NSAIDs)
Final Thoughts
Pain in cats isn’t obvious—and they’re not going to make a scene about it. But you can catch it early by tuning into the quiet, odds little shifts that tell you something’s up.
Even subtle things like flinching, hesitating to jump, or hiding more often can be your cat’s way of asking for help. And the sooner you listen, the better they’ll feel!
