Cats are good at hiding pain. Wild ancestors that showed weakness became prey, so a cat in discomfort tends to go quiet rather than complain. Research over the past decade has given vets and owners a much clearer picture of the subtle signs to look for, and spotting pain early makes a real difference to a cat's quality of life and stops conditions getting worse.

Cat showing signs of discomfort

How Cats Show Pain

Cats show pain through changes in their normal behaviour rather than through obvious signs like crying or limping. Researchers asked experts across the world which behaviours they agreed point to pain, and these are the ones that came out on top.

Position and Movement Changes

🏠 Hiding more than usual, or staying at the back of a carrier or hiding place.

🚶 Difficulty jumping, or hesitating before moving in a way that used to be easy.

👣 Walking oddly while still using all four legs.

🙇 A hunched or crouched posture with the head held low.

🛏️ Lying in unusual positions, with the back legs stretched out or tucked tightly in, which is especially common with tummy pain.

Activity and Behaviour Shifts

📉 Less interest in the things they usually do each day.

😣 Restlessness, as though they can't get comfortable.

🧼 Less grooming overall, sometimes with extra attention to one painful spot.

👥 Less interest in playing or in company.

😴 Appearing to sleep but with half-closed eyes and a tense face.

Close-up of cat facial expressions

Reading Your Cat's Face and Body Language

Research has picked out particular facial expressions and body postures that go with pain. These small changes are often the first thing an owner notices.

Facial Expression Changes

👀 Squinted or partly closed eyes, frequent blinking or a twitching eye.

📍 The head held lower than normal, often with the chin tucked towards the chest.

👂 Ears flattened or turned outwards from their usual position.

Body Language Signals

⚡ A tense body throughout the day.

📐 Time spent crouched, with both front and back legs bent under the body.

🛌 A change in their usual sleeping position.

⚖️ Shifting weight away from a painful area when standing or walking.

Behavioural and Emotional Changes

😔 Becoming withdrawn, low or unusually quiet.

🛡️ Reacting aggressively when approached or touched in certain places.

🗣️ Growling or hissing, especially in a cat who doesn't normally.

🍽️ Eating differently, or finding it difficult to eat.

Cat owner observing their pet

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Spotting pain comes down to knowing what's normal for your cat and noticing when it changes. Some patterns are more telling than others.

Red Flag Combinations

🚨 Several of the signs above appearing together, which means far more than any one on its own.

💥 A sudden change in personality or usual behaviour.

🪜 Trouble with routine things like jumping onto the sofa or using the litter tray.

🔄 A change in eating, grooming or sleeping habits.

🚪 A noticeable shift in how your cat behaves with the family, whether more aggressive or more withdrawn.

The Importance of Early Detection

By the time pain is obvious to us, a cat may have been uncomfortable for some time. That's why the small changes in behaviour deserve attention.

Regular check-ups can pick up painful conditions before the signs show at home. Many of the conditions that cause pain, such as dental disease and arthritis, develop gradually and are far easier to manage when they're caught early.

Key Takeaways

🤫 Cats hide pain naturally, so subtle changes are the ones that matter.

🔍 Several small changes together mean more than any single one.

📊 Knowing your cat's normal is what makes a meaningful change stand out.

😿 Squinted eyes, a lowered head and flattened ears can all point to discomfort.

🐈 Reluctance to jump, an odd walk or an unusual posture are all worth noticing.

🕰️ A sudden shift in personality or behaviour is a reason to see the vet.

🎯 Pain caught early is treated more easily and keeps a cat more comfortable.

The Bottom Line

No single behaviour proves a cat is in pain. Researchers have identified 25 different behavioural signs, from obvious changes in movement to tiny shifts in facial expression, and it's the combination that tells the story.

You know your cat better than anyone. If something seems off, even if you can't say exactly what, that observation is something your vet will want to hear.

Research rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 of 5). Last updated 25 August 2026.

Sources