In the wild, cats that appear sick or injured are vulnerable to predators. For this reason, cats often disguise the fact they are in pain. Cat pain can be caused by a variety of problems such as arthritis, abscesses, dental disease, urinary tract infections, bone disease, cancer and can occur after a surgical procedure.

As a cat owner, you are in the best position to look for the subtle changes in behaviour that may indicate your cat is suffering. The sooner your cat's pain is diagnosed and treated, the sooner they can heal and resume a normal, happy life.

Here are just some of the behaviours your cat may exhibit if they are in pain. If you suspect your cat is in pain notify your vet immediately.

* Vocalising

        Meowing

        Purring

        Hissing

        Growling

* Daily habits

        Withdraws from social interaction

        Decreased appetite

        Changes in sleeping or drinking

        Fails to use the litter box

        Urinates frequently

        Won't groom or grooms less, looks unkempt

        Sleeps more

* Self Mutilation

        Licking

        Biting

        Scratching a particular part of its body

* Activity Level

        Restless

        Reluctant to move

        Has difficulty getting up from a laying position

        Repetitively gets up and lies down

        Trembles or shakes

        Limps

        Can't leap as high

        Seeks more affection

        Avoids being petted or handled

        Hides

* Posture

        Generally lays with feet underneath

        Arches back or tucks in abdomen

* Facial Expression

        Grimaces, furrowed brow, vacant stare

        Glazed, wide-eyed or looks sleepy

        Enlarged pupils

        Flattened ears

        Pants when at rest

* Self Protection

        Protects a part of its body

        Doesn't put weight on a limb

        Doesn't want to be held or picked up

* Aggressive

        Acts out of character

        Growls, hisses, bites

        Pins ears back

        Especially a previously friendly cat

Treating Pain

Please do not try and treat pain yourself. Many forms of human pain relief are poisonous to cats. In particular ibuprofen such as Nurofen. Pain occurs for many different reasons and this means there are many types of treatment. Your vet is in the best position to recommend treatment and if required tests so your pet can remain as comfortable as possible.

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