Feline Signs of Pain

Cats and dogs manifest pain in different ways. Cats tend to become quiet and withdrawn. They are extremely good at hiding their pain. Here is a list of signs to watch for if you are unsure if your cat is in pain.

• Almond shaped eyes caused by pain facial tension
• Droopy head
• Droopy ears
• Tucked tail
• Does not want to play
• Lack of social interaction with owners, visitors, other pets
• Does not enjoy playing with toys or usual activities
• Subtle lack of alertness (early) gradually increasing to a deep apathy
• Diminished appetite
• Body tension
• Facial tension
• Accepting treats or food gingerly
• Lack of interest in walks, swimming, chasing the ball
• Doesn’t respond when called
• Worried or sad facial expression
• Ears pulled back or flattened
• Eyes wide open to expose “whites of eyes”
• Avoidance of direct eye contact, when talking to them
• Lips slightly retracted in a “grin”
• Whiskers pulled back against cheeks caused by facial tension
• Uncomfortable when resting
• Shifts frequently while resting
• Difficulty getting up
• Excessive panting (particularly when not hot)
• Head held abnormally low
• Shivering/trembling/shaking
• Unsettled
• Pacing
• Difficulty moving after a long rest
• Difficulty laying down
• Slow or abnormal gait
• Limping
• Hunched back
• Compulsive licking or rubbing of certain body part
• Looking at sides or other body part suddenly and/or worriedly
• Suddenly running away from “nothing in particular”
• Can’t jump on bed or couch
• Reluctance to lie down
• Sleeps in a position that avoids a certain body part from touching ground or bed
• Purplish tongue colour (not gums)
• “Guards” a certain part of body
• Reluctance to touch
• Reluctance to be picked up
• Isolating themselves from other family members
• Disinterested in surroundings
• Unusual attention seeking
• Flinching when touched a certain area
• Unusual aggressive behaviour in an otherwise docile pet
• Moaning or whimpering
• Refusal to eat
• Unable to get up
• Crying out in pain
• Clenching of teeth, biting down on an object
• Howling
• Urinating or defecating in house, where normally would not happen

If you are seeing these signs, or have concerns of other symptoms, please call 604-854-2313 or email us at FVAH@live.ca and we will help you with your cat’s comfort.

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