Domestic cats exhibit a variety of behaviors that allow them to hide their discomfort. As an adaptation to their past life as predators and prey, cats will attempt to appear uninjured in order to avoid being detected and harmed. By identifying such behaviors, pet owners can intervene earlier rather than later and improve their cat's overall health.
Evolutionary Roots of Pain Masking
Wild cats have to appear strong to avoid predators and other rival cats. The same instinct remains active in domestic cats; they will continue to hide their injury in order to protect themselves from being injured by others. A cat experiencing acute pain will show obvious signs of the pain experienced by the injury (e.g., limping) while chronic conditions such as arthritis produce more subtle manifestations of the discomfort experienced by the animal.
Physiologically, when a cat experiences pain, the nociceptors send a signal to the cat's brain, which will elicit an appropriate response. When a cat experiences pain, the cat produces endorphins and cortisol to reduce the perception of the pain experienced by the animal. This reduction in the perception of pain by the animal masks its distress and reduces the likelihood of its owner recognizing that something is wrong with the animal. Therefore, the owner may delay seeking medical attention for the animal, thereby increasing the severity of the problem experienced by the animal.
Identifying Behavioral Signs of Underlying Pain
Owners should recognize deviations from normal behaviors that a cat may exhibit without complaint of being uncomfortable.
- Cats withdraw or hide in secluded, dark places and become unresponsive to social contact.
- Cats reduce their level of physical activity (e.g., they jump less or do not play).
- Cats eat less or avoid eating altogether, which is an indicator that a cat is experiencing nausea or has some form of pain in the mouth.
- Cats display aggressive behavior such as hissing, swatting at the owner, or nipping/biting when the owner touches them, particularly in areas of the body that are painful.
- Cats groom themselves excessively over the area, causing pain, or have so much difficulty grooming themselves that the hair becomes matted.
Physical Signs Owners Should Monitor
In most cases, these changes in behavior are indicative of minimal levels of pain where the cat conserves its energy rather than clearly demonstrating it through obvious distress.
Owners should be aware of all of the physical signs of discomfort, as they can indicate that an owner is in pain and may show discomfort through their behavior.
- A change in posture when resting (e.g., hunching over, lowering of the head, or tucking in of limbs)
- Visual cues (squinted eyes, flattened ears, tight whiskers, dilated pupils)
- Pain associated with mobility (limping, stiffness after rest, or reluctance to climb stairs)
- A change in vocalization (excessive meowing, growling, or a sudden and/or prolonged silence)
- Avoidance of litter boxes (straining, accidents outside the litter box, abnormal positioning in the litter box when eliminating)
The above physical signs are a result of pain associated with movement and the physical tension caused by pain (which could be caused by something such as dental disease or arthritis).
Expert Consensus and Research
Pain in cats can be detected by 25 behaviors that collectively indicate pain but no one behavior alone is required for a veterinary professional to determine if a cat is experiencing pain; however, as noted by studies that have used Delphi methods, which include experts and use the method of the Delphi study to identify observable behaviors as opposed to making assumptions about them will aid in developing scales to assess the level of pain in cats;
The Dr. from Modern Dubai Vet Clinic states, "Since cats are naturally stoic animals, it is up to their owners to vigilantly watch for these subtle indicators to allow prompt examinations to help prevent chronic pain and suffering."
When Multiple Signs Are Indicative of A Need for Veterinary Care
Multiple signs such as persistent lethargy, weight loss, or lack of attention to personal grooming, require prompt evaluation by a veterinarian as treatment of chronic pain by an owner can lead to toxicity from human medication. Blood tests, imaging tests, or pain scales can help determine what is causing the animal to exhibit the various signs of chronic pain, which will allow the veterinarian to prescribe targeted therapy, such as anti-inflammatory medication or supplements for joints.
If you notice several signs of chronic pain in your pet, schedule an appointment at a reputable veterinary clinic to have them evaluated. Early diagnosis and treatment will improve the quality of your pet's life. Consult a reliable source such as Dubai Vet Clinic, whose staff of specialists are trained to identify and treat chronic pain in pets.
Pain Management Strategies at Home
Help your cat's vet work with you by adjusting the environment: soft blankets, ramps to reach high areas, and puzzle toys that encourage calm movement.
Keep an eye on what happens after treatment; if your cat is moving around better or interacting more socially than before, then they are getting better.
Wellness check-ups help detect hidden health problems before they become serious. When owners have this information, they become the advocate between their cat's instincts and their need for medical attention.
Conclusion
As a survival method, cats will naturally hide their pain from humans. Therefore, it may be difficult for pet owners to recognize pain in their pets until the cat begins to exhibit noticeable behavioral, postural, or eating habits changes.
If owners notice their cat has changed behavior, posture, or appetite and seek immediate veterinary care, they may be able to avoid worsening the condition of their cat and provide them with a better quality of life.
Since regular evaluations of your cat and your veterinarian are important to managing your cat's chronic pain, please stay observant about your cat's behavior and contact your veterinarian immediately when you begin to notice something is wrong with your cat.