Tips Tuesday: Is Your Cat Hiding Pain?

Cats are incredibly good at hiding pain and illness. This instinct helped protect them in the wild, but for those of us who love and care for cats, it can make recognizing a problem much more difficult.

Often, the first sign that something is wrong isn’t dramatic. It’s simply a change from your cat’s normal behavior.

Subtle Signs Your Cat May Be in Pain

Keep an eye out for changes such as:

• Hiding more than usual

• Decreased appetite

• Changes in grooming — grooming less, neglecting certain areas, or sometimes over-grooming

• Reluctance to jump, climb or use stairs

• Unusual posture, stiffness or changes in the way they walk

• Changes in litter box habits

• Crying or meowing more than usual

• Hissing or growling, especially when touched or picked up

• Drooling

• Changes in general behavior, including becoming more withdrawn, irritable, anxious or less social

Know What’s Normal for your cat

Every cat is different. A normally quiet cat suddenly becoming vocal may be significant, just as a social cat suddenly spending most of the day hiding may be telling you something.

That’s why knowing your cat’s normal routines and personality is so important.

Changes matter.

Some of these signs can have causes other than pain, but a new or unexplained behavioral change deserves attention—especially when several changes happen together or persist.

Don’t Wait for Your Cat to “Look Sick”

Because cats can conceal discomfort so well, waiting for obvious signs of illness can mean waiting until a problem has progressed.

If you notice something unusual, contact your veterinarian. Early evaluation can help identify pain or illness and get your cat the care they need sooner.

💜 They can’t tell us where it hurts. We have to be their voice.

Evie’s Cat Rescue
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