Cats have a way of hiding any pain they’re feeling. This ability probably stems from the fact that in the wild, felines that look sick or injured are easy targets for predators. There may not be any predators in your home, but your kitty might feel compelled to follow her instincts anyway. It’s up to you to figure out how to tell if your cat is in pain.
But you don’t have to do it alone. The team at Cat Care of Vinings would like to share tips for identifying and treating cat pain.
How to Tell if Your Cat is in Pain
You know your cat better than anyone else, and one of the first signs a cat is in pain is a change in behavior.
Does a typically friendly kitty suddenly start hissing and growling at you? Does your usually snuggly cat seem to resist being held or carried all of a sudden? Or does your cat with a cranky personality suddenly become a barnacle attached to your body?
These are all cues to call your veterinarian. Other behavior changes to watch out for include:
Failing to use the litter box
Excessive sleepiness
Infrequent grooming
Frequent urination
Increased meowing, hissing, growling, or purring
Difficulty moving around
Limping or favoring a leg
Licking, scratching, or biting herself
Restlessness—frequently standing up and lying down in an attempt to feel comfortable
Drinking less water than usual
Eating less food than usual
Even though they can’t cry tears like humans or yelp loudly like dogs, cats give plenty of signs they’re in pain. You can see the American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) full list of symptoms here.
We can’t emphasize this enough: If you notice any of the above signs of cat pain, call your veterinarian right away.
How to Treat a Cat in Pain
The only acceptable way to treat cat pain is to call your veterinarian. Above all else, do not try to treat your cat’s pain at home. Human medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be fatal to kitties.
Of course, if your cat is in pain because she just underwent surgery, you can follow your veterinarian’s treatment plan and administer any prescribed medications.
But otherwise, give your vet a call and get your cat seen as soon as possible when you notice signs of cat pain. Your cat could be sick or have an injury that you can’t see.
Your veterinarian can get to the bottom of your kitty’s pain and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Our team at Cat Care of Vinings, a certified fear-free, cat-friendly, and AAHA-accredited practice, is here for you and your furry friend.
If you’re wondering, “Is my cat in pain?” and you’re just not sure, give us a call at (404) 792-0700.