Wild cats are masterful in hiding their pain. This instinctual technique is one of their strongest survival tactics. And because our domestic kitties are so closely related to their wild cousins, they too have adopted exactly the same tactic to avoid being attacked. But since frequently keep pain to themselves, this amazing strategy often can make it extremely difficult for their guardians to know when their cat is hurting.
This said, cat guardians who are deeply attuned to their kitties’ behavior are generally able to quickly recognize any unusual changes in their feline’s demeanor, which often indicates that their cat is suffering.
Cats that are experiencing pain may act unusually quiet, appear withdrawn (see picture above), behave oddly, become anxious, refuse to eat, have difficulty lying down or unable to sleep, pant or breathe rapidly. Their heart rates may escalate; they may bite or hiss, avoid being touched on different parts of their body, or seem lame.
The majority of cats who are in pain won’t generally show outward signs of their discomfort. In fact, very few cats will vocalize excessively. But when a generally quiet cat suddenly starts crying or howling, this is generally a sure sign that the cat has something untoward going on and needs prompt professional attention.
Many of the more common causes of feline pain range from a trauma, an injury, urinary tract conditions, such as kidney stones or bladder infections, constipation, dental or oral infections, spinal or back conditions, gastric disturbances, indigestion, poison ingestion. Major medical conditions such as pancreatitis, kidney disease or cancer can also cause cats significant pain.
Since external injuries are generally visible, most kitty guardians recognize that their cat has been hurt. Cats recovering from illness or surgery or are being treated for gum disease, eye or ear problems may obviously show their discomfort. However, arthritis, internal injuries, an underlying urinary tract problem or a bad tummy ache are conditions which may not be readily apparent on the surface.
P.S.There are some more articles on cat pain just below this article
Additionally as cats age they often may develop painful conditions such as disc disease, degeneration of the joints and osteoarthritis. Cats who are reluctant to climb, or who have become less playful and are no longer energetically leaping high up in the air to catch that favorite toy, may indeed be suffering with one of these conditions. Therefore, it’s extremely prudent for cat guardians who suspect that their kitties may be suffering from one of these conditions to make an appointment for a thorough wellness examination with their veterinarian.
For more information about cats in pain, take a moment to watch the video created by Steve Dale, renowned author and feline behaviorist.
When you are checking to determine if your cat is in pain, what signs do you look for when you are evaluating if your kitty is in pain? Share these signs with a comment.
Jo
P.S. the comments are helpful: 2 good signs of pain are (a) unexplained change in behavior and (b) being picked up causes a cry and/or reluctance.
SOME MORE ON PAIN…
I’m beginning to understand… This is a follow-up to the article that I missed on RB for humans. Cats don’t need such. My Lucky is close to death just now, right now. She has just had an attack while writing this, while lying on the couch (where I sleep)with me. She jumped up here on the couch about midnight Central US time, and I don’t move to even go potty. This is a rare occasion; I’m pretty sure that she is not going to make it too much longer. She is twenty. pretty damn good. She’s over her attack, now. Thank goodness. I thank any and all angels out there. I really don’t want to have to leave her side, when she’s been here all this time. I am not losing her. She IS still here. I just will no longer have the ability to stretch my arm out and touch her. My eyes won’t see her…but my heart will. And it WILL touch her. Again and again.
With you in spirit Caroline xx
She’s such a survivor. She’s going to be fine. Ruth, thanks. <3
I have not read the article, yet. (nor the commetns) To me, from my understanding of cats and myself, we show pain through our eyes, first and foremost. If you don’t have the ability, or perhaps, the understanding, to look into our eyes then, you will not see it. You and I are SOL.
If, maybe, you have not picked up on our eyes, then you should look at our gestures, our movements, our nuances in gesturing. That might help. If that doesn’t work, then you should be grateful when we speak. Maybe? just a little squeak? <3
OMG!
This is a “cry me a river day” over the stories here.
I so glad we have POC to go to with our heartaches.
It is just that Dee. I guess pain and death go together.
A trusting non-judgemental community makes it safe Dee! I feel safe here.. very safe.
Same here i feel so safe and it really is my family. I feel at ease great to be somewhere where we arent judged and are appreciated. I love this place so much.
Kayleen,
I feel so for you. That your beloved kitty lived such a long life, with the best of care attests to what a wonderful kitty “mom” you are- and have been to this precious little soul.
No matter how old (or young) they may be, when they become so desperately ill, and with the tender, loving release we give them- (with many tears flowing at the same time), I think we all go through that “what if” “I missed something” and blame ourselves. It think that is natural- since we want to give them the best of care. You did!
Your post is incredibly touching- and must touch the hearts of everyone here at PoC. We will all face that heart-wrenching decision at one time or another… and it is never easy.
You absolutely have it right- she didn’t want YOU to beat yourself up and go through the pain of second guessing… she waited for both of the people she loved the most in the world and knew that you would give her that final act of devotion and love- the release to the Rainbow Bridge. She has healed now- she is happy and playing again- and as I write this my tears are flowing- but as a dear friend once told me- our tears are liquid love.
I am sure that your cat wants you to know that she was cared for in an extraordinary manner- and that your relationship was powerful. What a blessing to have had that many years together.