How To Recognize Pain In Cats

Cats are masters in hiding pain and discomfort. They won't complain or draw attention to the problem like a human will. As a result, cats can suffer from an ailment for a long time before we notice something is wrong.
Luckily, there are other signals that can tell us our cat is in pain. As cat owners, it is important that we learn how to read our cat's body language and behavior so we can quickly recognize pain and get appropriate help.

Why Do Cats Hide Pain?

Hiding pain and discomfort caused by injury or disease is natural cat behavior. This instinctive reaction is part of feline survival strategy. In a wild cat colony a weak cat loses status and power. This means the weak cat will have to survive on less food, have to give up the best hunting grounds and drinking places. The cat will be chased away from the safest sleeping spots. Stronger cats in the colony pose a threat to its survival. This is one reason cats hideweakness.