Common signs of pain in your cat

There could be many signs that your cat is in pain, so it's well worth noting any behaviours that seem out of the ordinary.

Signs of pain include any of the following:

• becoming less tolerant of people
• becoming more withdrawn or hiding more than usual
• sleeping more than usual, or slowing down
• becoming more reluctant or hesitant in jumping down from furniture or going through the cat flap
• being stiff after resting, or using a particular leg when going up and down stairs
• crouching in a hunched up position with squinty eyes
• reduced eating or drinking
• increased anxiety or fear
• sleep disturbance
• pacing, circling or restlessness
• a scruffy or matted coat
• vocalisation, especially when moving or using the litter tray
• overgrooming
• some cats will purr in pain