Arthritis & Chronic Pain in Cats
Pain doesn’t look like you think it does
- Meowing or crying are the least common signs of pain in pets.
- The most common signs of pain are sleeping more and interacting less.
- Cats most frequently have arthritis in the lower back and the elbows. Less jumping up, jumping down or going up or down stairs may be noticed. Lack of grooming may mean back pain is making it hurt to twist or bend.
Symptoms of pain (at any age):
- Slowness, stiffness, difficulty rising or jumping up
- Did your cat used to race up or down the stairs but now she goes slowly?
- Did he stop climbing up to a favorite high perch or counter?
- Sleeping more, less responsive to activities going on (it’s not just “old age!”)
- Playing less often or for shorter amounts of time
- Unkempt fur from not being able to twist and bend to groom
- Missing the litter box due to difficulty squatting or getting in or out
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Eating slowly or showing a new preference for canned food may indicate oral pain