Think Your Cat Is Fine? Hidden Signs of Pain You Might Be Missing

Cats are natural “actors”—even when they’re not feeling well, they often pretend everything is fine. As a cat parent, learning how to tell if your cat is in pain by spotting the little signs your cat gives off is the best way to catch problems early and help them feel better.

Before we dive in, let’s do a quick test: Look at these two cats—can you tell which one is in pain?

At first glance, both cats look like they’re just resting with their eyes closed. But if you look closer, you’ll notice the cat on the left has tightly shut eyes, droopy ears, a curled-up body, and seems a bit down. The cat on the right looks relaxed and peaceful, just enjoying a nap. If you guessed the left cat is hurting, you’re right. If not, don’t worry—learning to read your cat’s face, ears, body language, and mood is key. Even the toughest cat will show tiny changes when they’re not feeling well, quietly asking for your help.

Common Signs of Pain: Using the Cat Grimace Scale and More

Remember these classic signs—they’re your best clues for how to tell if your cat is in pain:

Tense face, dull or half-closed eyes A healthy cat’s face is relaxed with bright, alert eyes. If your cat’s cheeks, mouth, or nose look tight, their eyes seem dull or half-shut, they might be hurting.

Ears flattened to the sides, not forward.Relaxed cats have ears that point forward. Cats in pain flatten their ears like little fans—an immediate sign of stress.
Hiding or avoiding people.Cats hide when they feel weak. If your usually social cat suddenly disappears under the bed or into closets, pay attention.

Moving slowly or acting extra quiet—or suddenly cranky.Some cats in pain barely move all day, while others get irritable or even aggressive.
Sensitive to touch, especially in favorite spots.If your cat used to enjoy scratches and now dodges you or swats your hand, pain may be the reason.
If your playful, friendly cat suddenly acts totally different—quieter, meaner, or just “off“ - there’s a strong chance pain is the cause.

How Do Cats Lie When in Pain?

Pain often changes how your cat sits or sleeps. Look for:

Look for these unusual positions:

Arched back, head down, body curled up.
Legs tucked tightly under the body like a chicken sit.
Staying in one position for hours, not moving.
Avoiding jumps or landing awkwardly.
Limping or shifting weight off a sore leg.

These postures are your cat’s way of coping with pain. Spotting them early helps you act fast.

Related Reading: How to Care for a Cat with Arthritis – Joint pain in cats can seriously affect posture and movement.

Eating Habits: Another Clue

Pain doesn’t just change how your cat rests—it can also show up at mealtime.

Sniffing food but walking away.
Dropping food or chewing slowly.
Refusing kibble but eating soft or wet food.
Frequent lip licking or pawing at the mouth.

Appetite changes are a huge warning sign. If your cat eats less for more than a day, call your vet. This is especially relevant for senior cats, who are prone to dental and chronic issues.

Related Reading: Senior Cat Care Tips – Special ways to keep aging cats comfortable and healthy.

What Should You Do If Something Seems Off?

Trust Your Gut First

You know your cat best. If your usually cuddly, playful cat suddenly seems distant, moody, or not themselves, don’t brush it off.

Here’s what you can do:

Record the changes: Take photos or videos of posture, eating habits, or odd behaviors. Vets find these super helpful.
Make their space comfy: Give your cat a quiet, warm spot away from others.
Make life easier: Place food, water, and the litter box somewhere easy to reach. For stiff or older cats, try a low-entry litter box that’s gentle on their joints.
Help with grooming: Painful cats may stop cleaning themselves. Use gentle, pet-safe wipes to keep their fur and bottom fresh—comfort makes healing easier.
Never give human medicine: Human painkillers can be toxic. Always ask your vet first.

Most importantly, if symptoms last more than a day, see your vet right away.

FAQ: How to Tell If a Cat Is Suffering

How to tell if a cat is suffering?
When cats are in pain, they don’t act like their usual selves. They might hide, stop eating as much, or seem unusually irritable. If something feels “off” to you, it usually means something is wrong.

How do cats lie when in pain?
Instead of flopping comfortably, a cat in pain often curls up tightly, arches its back, or stays in one stiff position for hours. It looks more like they’re bracing themselves than relaxing.

What position do cats sit in when in pain?
You’ll often see a hunched posture with their legs tucked under and head lowered, as if they’re trying to guard a sore spot on their body.

Will a cat still eat if it’s in pain?
Sometimes yes, but many cats will only nibble or avoid harder foods. Walking away after sniffing the bowl is a common red flag.

Can pain make a cat aggressive?
Definitely. Even the friendliest cat may hiss, swat, or bite if being touched hurts. Aggression can be their way of saying, “Don’t touch me, I’m sore.”

Is pain in cats linked to dental problems?
Very often. Dental disease is one of the biggest hidden sources of pain in cats and can make eating difficult. Cats that suddenly become picky or drop food from their mouths may actually be dealing with sore teeth or gums.