Signs of Pain in Cats Owners Often Miss

Cats are exceptionally good at hiding pain. These are the subtle signals veterinary behaviorists say owners consistently overlook.

Why cats mask pain so well

As both a small predator and potential prey animal, cats have a strong evolutionary incentive to hide weakness, which means overt limping or crying is usually a late-stage sign rather than an early one. Most pain in cats shows up first as subtle behavior changes rather than obvious physical symptoms.

The subtle signals worth tracking

A drop in grooming leading to a scruffy or greasy coat, reduced jumping onto previously favorite high spots, spending more time in one specific posture (often a hunched 'loaf' with squinted eyes), reduced interest in play, and increased hiding are among the most commonly missed early indicators of chronic pain, especially from arthritis.

Facial expression scoring

Veterinary researchers have developed feline grimace scales that score pain based on ear position, eye squinting, whisker tension, and head position — tools originally built for clinical use that owners can informally apply at home by comparing recent photos of their cat's face to older ones.

What to do if you notice these signs

Any cluster of these subtle changes, especially in a cat over seven, warrants a vet visit specifically focused on pain and mobility screening, since arthritis in cats is significantly underdiagnosed compared to dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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