Pets and Their People Blog

Did you know cats instinctively hide signs of pain, often leaving pet parents unaware of serious health issues?

Unlike dogs, who might whimper or limp noticeably, cats tend to rely on quiet behavioral changes to communicate their discomfort. These changes can be easy to overlook but can provide crucial clues that something isn’t right. Recognizing these signals can make all the difference in ensuring your feline friends receive the care they need.

The Link Between Behavior and Pain

Understanding the connection between your cat’s behavior and their physical state is key to recognizing pain. Cats don’t usually vocalize or display obvious signs of discomfort. Instead, their behavior changes subtly, often reflecting their effort to cope with the pain or avoid exacerbating it.

For example, a cat experiencing joint pain may stop jumping onto high surfaces or might avoid climbing stairs. Similarly, a cat with dental pain might show a reduced interest in food or chew on only one side of their mouth. Behavioral changes like these aren’t random; they are adaptive responses to pain designed to minimize discomfort.

Not only can pain cause physical limitations, but pain can affect your cat’s emotional state. Chronic discomfort may lead to increased irritability, aggression, or anxiety. A once-sociable cat might begin hiding more often, signaling they feel vulnerable or stressed. These emotional shifts can be a direct reflection of the toll pain takes on their overall well-being.

Why It’s Important to Investigate Medical Reasons First

When a cat exhibits behavioral changes, it’s natural to assume they’re “acting out” or responding to external stress. However, many behavioral issues have medical roots that must be ruled out before attributing them to environmental or psychological factors alone. Ignoring the possibility of an underlying health issue can delay essential treatment and potentially worsen your cat’s condition.

For instance, a cat urinating outside the litter box might be perceived as displaying a behavioral problem, but this behavior is often linked to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, arthritis, or other conditions that make accessing or using the litter box painful.

Similarly, increased aggression could stem from undiagnosed dental pain or joint discomfort rather than a sudden personality change out of the blue.

Veterinary evaluation is crucial in these situations. A thorough exam, combined with diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, X-rays, and/or urinalysis, can identify medical conditions contributing to the behavior. Once a health issue is addressed, many seemingly “behavioral” problems resolve on their own.

Common Behavioral Changes

Cats communicate their discomfort through behavioral shifts that can appear subtle at first. Learning to recognize these changes is essential for identifying pain early. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:

• Reduced grooming
• Hiding or avoidance
• Changes in appetite
• Increased aggression or irritability
• Altered mobility
• Changes in litter box habits
• Vocalization

Tips for Pet Parents:

• Create a journal: Keep track of any changes you observe in your cat’s behavior. Note when they started, how frequently they occur, and any potential triggers.
• Observe daily habits: Pay attention to your cat’s eating, grooming, sleeping, and litter box routines. Even minor deviations can provide clues.
• Perform gentle checkups: Carefully run your hands over your cat’s body to check for areas of sensitivity or discomfort. Be mindful of their reactions.
• Watch for changes in interaction: Notice if your cat is less interested in playing, cuddling, or engaging with household members. Reduced social behavior can signal discomfort.
• Consult your veterinarian: If you notice persistent or concerning changes, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Your vet can help pinpoint whether the issue is medical, behavioral, or a combination of both.

Cats are experts at masking their pain, which makes it all the more important for pet parents to be vigilant in observing behavioral changes. By understanding the connection between behavior and pain, and by addressing medical causes for a behavioral issue, you can provide the care and attention your cat needs to live a healthier, happier life.

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About the Author

Mary Stevens is a new cat behavior consultant with nearly two decades of experience as a veterinary technician. In 2022, Mary received her cat training certificate from Animal Behavior College. Since January 2023, she has been under the mentorship of Laura Cassiday at Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior and Training. In the past year, she has become a Certified Cat Friendly Professional, a certified Fear Free Professional, and has started her own consultations for minor behavioral problems for Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior and Training. Mary’s extensive experience in veterinary medicine, combined with her specialized training in feline behavior, brings a unique and valuable perspective to her consultations.

You can find her cat behavior services, Minis with Mary, at www.pawsitivevibescats.com.