Would you know if your cat was stressed or in pain?
You might expect the signs to be obvious but far too frequently a cat is silently suffering until pain becomes acute and more pronounced.
Cats are incredibly good at masking signs of pain which can often result in delayed treatment and prolonged suffering. It’s not because owners don’t care or vets are negligent - it’s because the signs are easy to miss or misinterpret.
Which is why as vets we’re writing this blog to help you identify the subtle signs early so you can get the support your cat needs.
15 subtle signs your cat is in pain (or stressed)
Mobility & movement
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Hesitating or refusing to jump (especially onto sofas or windowsills)
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Slipping, losing balance, or misjudging landings
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Changes in posture or gait
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Restlessness, pacing, or circling before lying down
Behaviour changes
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Less interest in play or interaction
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Hiding more or seeking less affection
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Aggressive behaviours like swiping, scratching, or hissing
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Avoiding touch or flinching when handled
Vocal, toilet & appetite clues
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Excessive meowing or vocalising
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Inappropriate toileting (like avoiding the litter tray)
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Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)
Grooming & appearance
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Over-grooming or neglecting grooming
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Coat changes (dullness, matting, or change in texture)
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Tense facial expression (e.g. squinting, tight muzzle, curved or straight whiskers)
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Sleeping more than usual - or struggling to get comfortable
Is my cat stressed or in pain?
Most of these signs can also be present in cats who are stressed - in fact the symptoms of stress in cats are remarkably similar to the symptoms of pain in cats.
So how do you know what the cause of your cat's symptoms are?
1.Become a keen observer & keep records
We’ve said the signs are often subtle, but now you have a list of what to look for, pay close attention. Have there been environmental changes that may have affected your cat’s behaviour or emotional state? Things like a house move, a new cat in the neighbourhood, or building works?
If there’s no clear external trigger, it’s possible that pain is playing a bigger role. But don’t panic - this is your chance to become a detective, not a doctor. Watch, record, and gather clues.
2. Take video footage and write things down
Because the expression of pain and stress in cats are easy to miss, it can be incredibly helpful to record video footage. This will allow you to build a fuller picture for professionals which will help them build a recovery or treatment plan for your cat.
Video is great because you can slow it down and notice the small details - and your vet, physio or feline behaviourist can review it with a trained eye.
3. Don’t give up
It’s well documented that assessing pain in cats can be tricky. A 2022 study conducted by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) recognised that pain in cats is still widely under diagnosed - and that many vets lack access to effective tools and treatments:
“Pain has traditionally been under-recognised in cats. Pain assessment tools are not widely implemented, and signs of pain in this species may be subtle. The unique challenges of feline metabolism and comorbidities may lead to undertreatment of pain and the development of peripheral and central sensitisation. Lack of availability or experience with various analgesic drugs may compromise effective pain management.”
Steagall PV, Robertson S, Simon B, Warne LN, Shilo-Benjamini Y, Taylor S. 2022 ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Acute Pain in Cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2021;24(1):4-30. doi:10.1177/1098612X211066268
What else can you do?
1. Try a natural cat supplement
If your cat’s struggling with arthritis or suspected joint pain, Zooomy can help ease discomfort without adding stress to your daily routine (or needing a prescription).
Zooomy is a liquid treatment for cats with arthritis and joint pain. It removes the stress of trying to give pills and is safe to give even to cats with special dietary requirements or who are on medications.
Zooomy has zero sugar, protein or fat. If your cat has health conditions like pancreatitis, diabetes or allergies - it’s safe to give. And it won’t interfere with other medications either.
👉 Try Zooomy - gentle joint support cats can’t taste
2. Try the Feline Grimace Scale
The Feline Grimace Scale has been developed in partnership with researchers at the Université de Montréal. The researchers recognised that in order to improve cat welfare and pain management, better diagnostic tools and assessments were needed.
You can use their fast, reliable and easy-to-use pain assessment tool for free to help you gather information to share with your vet.
3. Speak to your vet
We know that assessment for pain in cats can be difficult in a clinic setting. Your cat’s adrenaline and stress levels are likely to be raised which can mask pain during a physical examination. So when you visit your vet, take your video footage and notes so you can give them the information they need to make a realistic assessment.
You may also find a feline physio is a good source of support and information. They’re specialists in areas that general practitioners aren’t - so take a team based approach for the best care for your cat.
Arthritis in cats
A 2011 study of 100 cats found that arthritis was more common than most people realise. Among the 100 cats studied, 61% of cats had OA in at least one joint and 48% in more than one joint.
They found arthritis was often age related. Decreased mobility and grooming, as well as increased inappropriate elimination were all common signs.
“It was concluded that the prevalence of Osteo Arthritis in cats is strikingly high and increases with age. OA in cats seems to be associated with behavioural changes.”
L.I. Slingerland, H.A.W. Hazewinkel, B.P. Meij, Ph. Picavet, G. Voorhout, Cross-sectional study of the prevalence and clinical features of osteoarthritis in 100 cats. The Veterinary Journal, 2011,
If your cat seems to have an aversion to using their litter tray - joint pain could be the cause. Especially if this is a new behaviour or they’re getting older. This is because litter trays with high sides or a closed lid can become tricky to use if jumping or crouching causes discomfort.
Signs of arthritis or joint pain aren’t always immediately obvious.
Cats are champions at hiding pain and putting on a stoic performance. But we hope this blog has helped you spot the signs and has given you a plan for what to do about it.
