These subtle signals may indicate pain in your cat

You won’t be able to catch cats with poseritis anytime soon. If they’re in pain, they don’t show it so easily. This has everything to do with the fact that cats are naturally used to living alone. They cannot afford to be vulnerable, because then they can suddenly become the prey instead of the hunter. In addition, a cat does not have to expect help from others of its kind. Pain actually equates to weakness, which is why a cat will do anything to hide pain.

Change in eating behavior

Is your cat suddenly eating much less? Or has he even stopped eating altogether? This can be an important indication of pain. If you notice this, it is important to visit the vet. In cats, little food within a short time can cause problems, because they use fat reserves in the body. If they suddenly eat little, this can cause fatty liver, which can be fatal.

Sudden weight loss or weight gain

If your cat suddenly eats much less, he will also lose a lot of weight. Weight loss is therefore also an important indicator. Weight gain too: If your cat suddenly gains weight while still eating the same thing, it may be because he is suddenly less active, which in turn could be caused by pain.

Behavioral changes

In addition, there are also a number of behavioral changes that can occur:

  • Different character: if your cat suddenly becomes a lot more aggressive or very jumpy, this can be a sign of pain.
  • Lethargy: Your cat seems to have less meaning in life or seems a bit depressed.
  • Pointing to the area of ​​pain: Your cat may suddenly start washing, touching or scratching a specific spot. It just might be the sore spot.
  • Walking differently: If your cat suddenly limps or jumps differently, this could also indicate pain.
  • Changes in urination: If your cat is normally potty trained, but now suddenly pees all over the house, this could be a sign of pain or stress.
  • Restlessness: Does your cat seem unable to find the right position? This form of restlessness can indicate pain.

Different attitude

We had it as if not being able to find the right position, but a sitting or squatting position with the legs pressed against the stomach can also indicate pain. Just like when your cat keeps its head lower than its shoulders, has a rounded back and can no longer assume the ‘normal’ position.

Other facial expressions

Your cat may suddenly have flat or sideways ears. Or regularly (half) closed eyes. The muzzle can also change: for example, your cat can suddenly get a tightened mouth, making his nose suddenly appear smaller and his mouth wider. Finally, the whiskers can also stand differently than normal, if they suddenly stand straighter or pointed forward, this can indicate pain.

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Source: LICG/marguerite

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