Ways to Tell if Your Cat is in Pain
Taking care of our beloved pets is our responsibility and duty. As responsible pet owners, it’s crucial to monitor what kind of issues our cats might be facing. Especially, it’s very important to understand whether our cats are experiencing any pain. Usually, cats tend to hide their pain, making it difficult to observe what exactly is bothering them. However, there are some ways through which you can understand the symptoms of your cat’s pain. Therefore, if you can interpret the given information and suspect that your cat is experiencing pain, contact a veterinarian. Below, we’ll discuss this further:
Changes in Behavior
One of the first reasons to consider if your cat is experiencing pain is changes in behaviour. If you suspect that your cat’s daily behaviour is changing, it could be a sign that your cat is in pain. For example, cats usually enjoy sleeping with their owners, so if you notice unexpectedly that your cat is not sleeping with you but rather under the bed, it could be a reason that your cat is feeling discomfort. Additionally, if you return home after work and notice your cat greeting you, it could also be a reason that they are trying to communicate that they are experiencing discomfort.
Another reason could be when you observe someone trying to touch your cat in a painful area, causing your cat to react with sudden aggression or avoiding touch altogether. If you notice any such unusual behaviour, there is a possibility that your cat is experiencing pain.
Changes in Eating Habits
It may also happen when you notice a sudden decrease in your cat’s appetite or a lack of interest in food, or if your cat seems to have trouble chewing food during mealtime. If you observe any of these signs, there is a possibility that your cat is experiencing dental or oral pain. Therefore, try to consult a veterinarian for proper treatment for your cat.
Changes in Sleeping Habits
A change in the sleeping pattern of cats can be a sign of discomfort. Generally, cats prefer to sleep in elevated and comfortable places. However, for cats experiencing pain, the situation might be a bit different, as they tend to sleep less in comparison to their normal behaviour and often seek out a warm spot or a place where they can find relief. If you notice such symptoms, there is a possibility that your cat is experiencing discomfort.
Disinterest in Play
Cats usually show a lot of interest in playing with their owners. If you ever notice them suddenly showing disinterest in playing or not showing the same excitement during playtime, it could also be a reason for your cat’s discomfort. Therefore, try to observe their behaviour during playtime.
Vocalization
Cats are usually of a quiet nature, but if you ever notice your cat vocalising in an unusual or loud manner, it could be a sign that your cat is in discomfort. If such a situation arises, it is essential to promptly contact a veterinarian.
Changes in Activity Level
Cats can be very active or lively in nature. I don’t feel the need to elaborate on this because a pet owner usually knows well what their cat’s temperament is like. However, it is essential for cat owners to be aware that changes in a cat’s activity level can indicate if they are experiencing discomfort. If you notice that your cat is showing less interest in running, playing, jumping, etc., it could be a sign that your cat is in pain because cats tend to be less active when in pain. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to their activity level.
Grooming Changes
Grooming can be a reason for understanding a cat’s pain. If you notice that your cat has stopped grooming itself or has reduced grooming compared to before, there is a possibility that your cat is experiencing discomfort.
Cats may avoid grooming in areas where they experience pain.
Additionally, another possible reason could be if there are specific parts of your cat’s fur where there are mats or signs of unkempt fur, as there is a possibility of pain in those areas.
Litter Box Changes
This can also be a way to find out if your cat is in pain. If you notice that your cat spends more time in the litter box to urinate or defecate, it could indicate discomfort or pain for your cat. It could be a symptom of urinary tract infection, urinary obstruction, or gastrointestinal issues, which can be painful for your cat. Also, try to observe if your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box, as it may indicate that there is discomfort or pain associated with using the litter box. If you notice these symptoms in your cat, it could be experiencing pain, so try to consult a veterinarian for further information on these issues.
If you suspect your cat is in pain, what should you do in such situations?
If you suspect that your cat is in pain, the first thing to do in such situations is to consult a veterinarian so that they can arrange the appropriate treatment for your cat. Sometimes, try not to self-medicate or give them medications meant for humans, as this can pose more risk of harm to your cat than benefits, even leading to death. Therefore, it’s best to make the right decision for solving your cat’s problem by consulting a veterinarian and trying to provide them with detailed information.
In conclusion, as a responsible pet owner, always be careful and make an effort to keep an eye on your cat. Since cats cannot speak like humans, they may fail to communicate their pain to you, so you need to monitor them closely to identify any signs of discomfort, some of which I have already elaborated on. Perhaps this will help you recognize your cat’s pain. Nevertheless, remember to provide your cat with the necessary care and attention for a comfortable and pain-free life, ensuring their well-being and taking necessary steps for primary identification and intervention.
