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 Cats tend to become quiet and withdrawn.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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