Cats will go to great lengths to hide any discomfort they may be experiencing. The good thing about being their owner is that no one knows them better than you. Our vets in Nashua talk about the signs of pain in cats, what can be done to help them feel more comfortable and when it might be a veterinary emergency.
How to Tell if a Cat Is in Pain
The signs of pain in cats can be difficult to spot as it varies based on their personality and the type of pain they are experiencing.
While acute pain from an injury or accident is usually more noticeable, chronic pain like arthritis or gum disease can be harder to detect.
Cats tend to hide their pain, so pet owners need to monitor any unusual behavior, changes in personality, limping, or changes in appetite.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Pain in Cats
Some of the most common signs that a cat is in pain include:
- Frequent meowing or howling
- Not using their litterbox
- Tail flicking
- Won't eat or reduced appetite
- Poor grooming, scruffy-looking
- Lethargy
- Excessive hiding
- Limping
- Avoiding being handled
- Behavioral changes
- Irritability
- Uncharacteristic hissing/growling/spitting
- Unusual vocalizations
- Excessive grooming
- Panting
- Patchy fur
How to Help Relieve Your Cat's Pain
There are a few different ways you can help to provide your feline friend with some relief from pain and discomfort. These include:- Provide a safe and calm environment. This can include the use of synthetic pheromones around your home to help them feel more relaxed.
- Make your home easier to navigate. Provide stairs or ramps to get upstairs or onto furniture or beds.
- Give your cat an orthopedic bed. This can help to distribute their weight.
- Offer them supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Speak with your vet about the different options.
- Pain medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
Acupuncture for Pain Relief & Healing
Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into an animal's body at precise points called meridians, where the blood vessels converge with the nerves.
The needles help guide vital energy along these meridians, supporting the nervous system and promoting circulation while enhancing the body's healing abilities.
Acupuncture for pets provides several benefits, including:
- Pets in poor health will benefit from the lack of systemic side effects
- Lowers the amount of waste products produced
- Helps relax muscles and relieve pain
- Improves metabolic waste removal from the body
- Promotes an increased blood flow which boosts oxygen in tissues
When to Seek Veterinary Care for Cats in Pain
Often signs of pain in cats are missed until the cat's condition is advanced. Regarding your cat's long-term health, it's always best to err on this side of caution. Some signs like vomiting, lethargy, and trouble breathing can all indicate that your cat is in medical distress.
If your feline friend is displaying signs of pain, contact your vet right away to schedule an examination or seek emergency veterinary care. Pain management and treatment of painful conditions early are essential to help preserve your cat's good quality of life.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.