The Purrfect 10: Signs Your Cat Is In Pain

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

None of us can stand the thought of our beloved pets being in any sort of pain or discomfort, and since cats are notorious for masking signs of illness, it's up to us as pet parents to pick up on any subtle clues they may be giving us that all is not well. In honor of Animal Pain Awareness Month, here's a list of 10 things to be on the lookout for...

1) Biting and scratching: When you're in pain and not feeling well, you're not at your best. The least little thing grates on your nerves and you're prone to lashing out, even at those your love. Our pets are no different than we are, and in their case they may react by biting or scratching, especially if you touch the area that hurts.

2) Excessive purring: Cats purr when they're content, but they also purr when they get hurt or are in pain. It may simply be a way to soothe themselves, but research suggests the low frequency of purrs causes a series of vibrations within their body that can act as a healing mechanism. It requires energy to purr, so why would a cat do it if it wasn't beneficial in some way?

3) Breathing pattern changes: A cat in pain may breathe faster or more shallow than usual. Be on the lookout for abdominal breathing (movement of the stomach and chest muscles) and panting, neither of which are normal in cats.

4) Changes in eating and drinking: Pain can make cats lose their appetite. Refusal to eat or drink can indicate problems with their teeth or gums. A cat with a painful mouth may drop their food and water when trying to eat or drink.

5) Changes in grooming habits: A cat who doesn't feel well is likely to neglect regular grooming duties. On the other hand, they may over-groom a wounded area or if they're experiencing a skin irritation.

6) Hiding & acting withdrawn: Cats in pain tend to want to hide and withdraw from everyday activities. If you notice kitty hiding out in closets or under couches and beds, it's a very telling sign that something is wrong. Cats instinctively know that in the wild, a sick animal is a target, so they are likely trying to protect themselves by “hiding” from any threat that might take advantage of them in their compromised state.

7) Lack of energy and mobility changes: If a cat is in pain they may be less active and sleep more. Depending on where the pain is they might walk with a limp, go up and down the stairs more slowly, and be less likely to run around the house, jump and play the way they normally would.

8) It's all in the eyes: You can learn a tremendous amount about how your cat is feeling by looking in their eyes. Painful eyes can cause smaller (constricted) pupils, squinting and a bloodshot appearance. Pain in other parts of the body will result in larger (dilated) pupils.

9) Changes in litter box habits: Older cats who are arthritic may find it painful to defecate in the box regularly, thus holding their stool longer, drying it out, and causing constipation. They may also have a hard time getting in and out of their litter box and start going outside the box.

10) Lumps and bumps: Always keep an eye out for signs of swelling on your cat's body that may indicate a painful abscess, inflammation, or even cancer.

Anytime you believe your feline friend may be in pain it's important to have them checked out by a veterinarian. The sooner you realize something may be amiss, the sooner you can get them the help they need to start feeling better!