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Cats possess an innate ability to conceal their pain and discomfort, unlike humans who readily express their discomfort. Consequently, cats may endure an ailment for an extended period before we become aware that something is wrong.
Fortunately, there are alternative signals that can help us determine whether our feline companions are experiencing pain. As cat lovers, it is crucial that we familiarize ourselves with deciphering their body language and behavior, enabling us to promptly recognize signs of distress and provide appropriate help.
Why Do Cats Hide Pain?
The inclination of cats to hide pain and discomfort is deeply ingrained in their nature. This behavior stems from their survival instincts. In a feral cat colony, a weak cat loses its status and power, forcing it to endure with less food, relinquish prime hunting grounds and water sources, and be driven away from secure sleeping spots. Stronger cats within the colony pose a threat to the survival of weaker individuals, hence the tendency to hide weakness.
Additionally, cats' feeding patterns contribute to their inclination to conceal pain. Cats require daily sustenance and, even when unwell or in pain, they instinctively need to hunt to secure their survival. As our domestic cats are descendants of their wild counterparts, they exhibit similar behavior.
Understanding Your Cat's Normal Behavior
When cats fall ill or experience pain, they display subtle or sometimes pronounced changes in behavior. They may even adopt entirely new behaviors.
Often, cat owners fail to notice anything is wrong until the cat's behavior undergoes such drastic alterations that it becomes alarming. For instance, the cat may suddenly become aggressive or exhibit inappropriate elimination outside the litter box. Yet, some owners may perceive such behavior as mere acting out or misbehavior, without associating it with potential discomfort.
Behavioral changes associated with various illnesses or pain can vary among cats. Similarly, not all cats affected by a particular condition will exhibit identical behavioral changes. It is crucial to distinguish between alterations in normal behavior and entirely new or abnormal behaviors.
Common Changes in Behavior:
- Reduced playfulness
- Increased withdrawal or aloofness
- Decreased grooming (resulting in fur matting and felting)
- Decreased activity level
- Decreased appetite and/or water intake
- Alterations in sleeping patterns
Examples of New or Abnormal Behavior:
- Constantly seeking attention
- Urine marking indoors
- Growling or hissing
- Anxious behavior
- Excessive grooming, particularly in a specific area that may correspond to the source of pain
- Increased aggression towards people or other pets
- Avoidance of physical contact
- Restlessness
- Attacking the food bowl, possibly indicating dental problems
- Heightened sensitivity to noise
- Excessive purring without apparent cause (when accompanied by drawn-back whiskers, it may indicate fear or pain)
Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. Any change in behavior can potentially signal illness or pain.
Observing Changes in Body Language and Posture
Changes in body language and posture can provide additional clues for cat owners to identify potential issues. Similar to humans, distressed or depressed cats may exhibit visual signs of discomfort. They might huddle in a corner, beneath furniture, or in secluded spots, which can indicate pain, illness, or general distress.
Alterations in your cat's posture can offer insights into the location of discomfort. For instance, a cat tilting its head or ears to the side may be experiencing an earache. Similarly, a cat arching its back could be suffering from back pain, arthritis, or abdominal discomfort.
Even the condition of their fur can reveal valuable information about your cat's health. A healthy cat typically boasts smooth and well-groomed fur. Fur that stands on end or appears matted could indicate physical pain as well as emotional issues like stress and anxiety.
Treating Pain and Caring for a Sick Cat
Once you suspect pain or discomfort, it is crucial to seek prompt veterinary attention—the sooner, the better. Long-term pain can have severe consequences for your cat's overall well-being. Prolonged pain induces stress, which can significantly weaken their immune system. It may also lead to neurological changes, rendering painkillers ineffective, causing enduring pain even after the underlying cause is resolved, and intensifying pain responses to physical contact.
When caring for a sick cat, ensure they have a warm and secure resting place. While the desire to comfort your cat is natural, providing them with peace and quiet is more beneficial for their well-being. Make physical contact as comfortable as possible for your cat.
If your cat experiences difficulty walking, consider providing additional litter boxes with low edges. Ensure an ample supply of water is available. If mobility is limited, place a food bowl close to their resting area, but avoid unnecessarily restricting their activity. Even when unwell, cats appreciate elevated spots. Use a stool or narrow wooden planks to help them access their favorite areas—it may require a bit of creativity.
As cat lovers, we understand the challenges of recognizing pain or illness in our feline friends. By familiarizing ourselves with what constitutes "normal behavior" for our cats, we can better detect any deviations, allowing us to take appropriate action.
