Did you know that 61% of cat owners miss early signs of pain in their pets? A groundbreaking 2025 study by the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Science revealed that cats are masters at hiding discomfort, often until the problem becomes serious. In this article you’ll discover the seven subtle behaviours that signal your cat is suffering — and why recognising them early could save your cat’s life. The most shocking sign? It’s something your cat does every single day, and most owners never connect it to pain.
📊 Key Figures 2026
- 61% of cat owners fail to recognise pain behaviours in their cats, according to the 2025 University of Bristol study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine.
- Over 90% of cats aged 12+ experience chronic pain from arthritis, yet fewer than 20% receive treatment, per RSPCA data 2025.
Sources: University of Bristol, RSPCA, 2025–2026
1. Excessive Grooming in One Spot
If your cat licks or bites the same area repeatedly, it’s often a direct sign of localised pain. This behaviour differs from normal grooming — it’s obsessive, frantic, and sometimes leaves the fur matted or missing. Cats with arthritis in their hind legs, for example, will often over-groom the joint.
2. Reluctance to Jump or Climb
A cat that once leapt effortlessly onto the wardrobe but now struggles with the sofa is showing clear pain signals. Joint pain, spinal issues, and muscle injuries make jumping uncomfortable. Watch whether your cat takes a different route to favourite spots or hesitates before jumping — both are red flags.
3. Changes in the Litter Box
Pain often manifests as bathroom behaviour changes. Your cat might avoid the litter tray because climbing in or adopting the crouching position causes discomfort. You may also notice straining, accidents outside the box, or reluctance to dig. These changes warrant an immediate vet visit.
✅ Expert Tip
Keep a two-week behaviour diary before your vet appointment. Note specific changes: when your cat avoids activities, how many times they visit the litter box, and whether they favour one side of their body. This data helps vets diagnose faster. Mittens, a 9-year-old tabby from Manchester, was diagnosed with early arthritis only because her owner documented that she climbed stairs one step at a time rather than two.
4. Reduced Appetite or Pickiness
Cats experiencing pain often eat less or refuse their favourite foods. Some will approach the bowl, sniff it, and walk away. This isn’t always about the food — it’s about the effort required to eat or the discomfort of holding their head at a certain angle (common with dental pain).
5. Withdrawn Behaviour and Hiding
A sudden shift from social to solitary is one of the most overlooked pain signals. Cats in pain retreat to dark, quiet places to feel safe and protected. If your normally affectionate cat spends hours under the bed or stops greeting you at the door, don’t assume it’s a personality change — consider pain as the culprit.
6. Increased Vocalisations or Unusual Silence
Some cats become vocal when hurt, meowing more frequently or with a different tone. Others go completely silent. Both extremes signal something’s wrong. Listen for changes in pitch, frequency, or context — particularly if meowing happens when moving or being touched.
7. Altered Sleep Patterns and Restlessness
Painful cats often struggle to find comfortable positions and may sleep more during the day to cope with discomfort. You might notice them standing and shifting weight constantly, lying on unfamiliar surfaces, or waking suddenly as if startled by pain. A cat sleeping 20 hours daily isn’t necessarily healthy — it could signal chronic pain.
⚠️ Warning
If your cat shows sudden inability to use hind legs, complete loss of appetite lasting over 24 hours, or difficulty breathing, contact an emergency vet immediately. These are not gradual pain signals — they require urgent treatment. Never give human painkillers to cats; paracetamol and ibuprofen are toxic to felines.
Why Cats Hide Pain So Well
In the wild, displaying pain signals weakness to predators. This instinct remains hardwired in domestic cats, meaning they suffer silently until pain becomes unbearable. The 2025 Bristol study found that cats mask discomfort behaviourally for an average of 8–12 weeks before physical symptoms become visible.
What to Do If You Suspect Pain
Schedule a vet appointment within 48 hours of noticing changes. Bring your behaviour diary. Your vet will perform a physical exam and may recommend bloodwork, X-rays, or ultrasound depending on your cat’s age and symptoms. Modern pain management for cats includes prescribed medications, physiotherapy, and environmental modifications — all remarkably effective when started early.
The most surprising revelation from recent research? Many cats show pain through what owners mistake for laziness or old age. Your 10-year-old cat isn’t just slowing down — they may be struggling with treatable arthritis or dental disease. Have you noticed any subtle changes in your cat’s daily routine? It’s worth mentioning to your vet at the next check-up.