How to Know If Your Cat Is in Pain (And What to Do About It)
In this article
<h1>🩺 How to Know If Your Cat Is in Pain (And What to Do About It)</h1>
<p>Cats are incredibly good at hiding pain. 😿 Unlike dogs, who often whimper or limp, cats tend to suffer in silence. This means <strong>pain often goes unnoticed</strong> until it becomes serious — especially in senior cats.</p>
<p>In this article, we’ll break down the <strong>subtle signs of pain in cats</strong>, what causes it, and how to support your cat’s comfort with <strong>vet-approved solutions</strong> like orthopedic beds and environmental changes.</p>
<hr>
<h2>🔍 Common Causes of Pain in Cats</h2>
<ul>
<li>🦴 <strong>Arthritis</strong> – common in cats over 8 years old</li>
<li>🦷 <strong>Dental disease</strong> – tooth resorption, gingivitis</li>
<li>🧠 <strong>Injury or trauma</strong> – even minor ones can cause lingering pain</li>
<li>🩺 <strong>Chronic illness</strong> – kidney disease, pancreatitis, cancer</li>
<li>💔 <strong>Stress-related inflammation</strong> – including FLUTD or behavioral changes</li>
</ul>
<p>✅ <strong>Early detection</strong> can prevent long-term discomfort and increase quality of life.</p>
<hr>
<h2>🚩 Signs Your Cat Might Be in Pain</h2>
<h3>1. 🛏️ Changes in Sleeping Habits</h3>
<ul>
<li>Sleeping less (restlessness = discomfort)</li>
<li>Sleeping more (to escape pain)</li>
<li>Refusing to use usual bed or perch</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. 🐾 Mobility Changes</h3>
<ul>
<li>Hesitating or refusing to jump</li>
<li>Stiff walking or limping</li>
<li>Increased difficulty using stairs or litter box</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. 🍽️ Appetite or Grooming Decline</h3>
<ul>
<li>Not grooming certain areas (painful to twist)</li>
<li>Eating less or dropping food (possible dental pain)</li>
</ul>
<h3>4. 😾 Behavior & Personality Shifts</h3>
<ul>
<li>Hiding more than usual</li>
<li>Increased aggression or irritability</li>
<li>Loss of interest in play or affection</li>
</ul>
<h3>5. 😿 Vocalizing or Subtle Whimpers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Growling when touched</li>
<li>Excessive meowing during movement or use of the litter box</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>If you notice 2 or more of these changes</strong>, your cat might be experiencing chronic discomfort.</p>
<hr>
<h2>🛏️ Vet-Approved Ways to Help a Cat in Pain</h2>
<h3>1. Create an Orthopedic Comfort Zone</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://purrz.com/products/3-in-1-cat-cube-cave" target="_blank">3-in-1 Cube Cave</a> – adjust for low entry or flat recovery mat</li>
<li><a href="https://purrz.com/products/uluru-felt-cat-cave" target="_blank">Uluru Felt Cave</a> – retains warmth and cushions sore joints</li>
<li><a href="https://purrz.com/products/xl-felt-pad" target="_blank">XL Felt Pad</a> – pairs perfectly with heated pads or vet wraps</li>
</ul>
<p>Felt is firm yet soft — ideal for cats that need <strong>support without sinkage</strong>. Plus, it's quiet and secure for cats in stress or recovery mode.</p>
<h3>2. Talk to Your Vet</h3>
<ul>
<li>Ask about cat-safe pain relief like meloxicam, gabapentin, or joint supplements</li>
<li>Request a pain assessment if your cat is over 7 years old</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Support Low-Stress Environments</h3>
<ul>
<li>Use ramps or stools to avoid jumping</li>
<li>Place beds in warm, quiet corners</li>
<li>Offer gentle wand toy play to maintain mobility</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>💬 Vet Quote: Dr. Duncan Houston</h2>
<blockquote>
"Pain in cats is often mistaken for laziness or age. But most of the time, they're trying to tell you something. A better bed, a calmer space, and the right treatment can make a world of difference."
— <strong>Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc</strong>
</blockquote>
<hr>
<h2>🛒 Shop Comfort Essentials for Cats in Pain</h2>
<ul>
<li>🔁 <a href="https://purrz.com/products/3-in-1-cat-cube-cave" target="_blank">3-in-1 Adjustable Cube Cave</a></li>
<li>🌋 <a href="https://purrz.com/products/uluru-felt-cat-cave" target="_blank">Uluru Supportive Felt Cave</a></li>
<li>🛏️ <a href="https://purrz.com/products/xl-felt-pad" target="_blank">Flat Orthopedic Pad</a></li>
</ul>
<p>🌿 <strong><a href="https://purrz.com/collections/felt-caves" target="_blank">Explore all vet-approved pain relief products here</a></strong></p>
<hr>
<h2>📚 Up Next in the Vet Series:</h2>
<ul>
<li>💤 “Signs of Poor Sleep in Cats & How to Fix It”</li>
<li>🌡️ “How to Set Up a Healing Zone for Post-Op or Arthritic Cats”</li>
<li>🧼 “Cat Hygiene When They Can’t Groom: What to Do”</li>
</ul>
<p>🐾 Got a senior cat or one recovering from illness?
Make them a comfort zone they’ll love at <a href="https://purrz.com" target="_blank"><strong>Purrz.com</strong></a></p>
