Unveiling the Hidden Pain: How Cats Conceal Their Discomfort with Behavior Changes

by Dr. Wailani Sung

Today I want to shed light on an important yet often overlooked aspect of feline health: how cats mask their pain through subtle behavioral changes, and what you, as a veterinarian, can do to help.

The Stealthy Nature of Feline Pain

Cats are masterful at concealing their discomfort, a trait that can make it challenging for even the most attentive owners to notice when something is wrong. Unlike dogs, who might limp or vocalize when in pain, cats typically do not show obvious signs. Instead, they exhibit changes in behavior that are frequently mistaken for normal aging.

Identifying the Signs

Common indicators of pain in cats include decreased agility, reduced mobility, and alterations in grooming habits. These cues are often subtle and can be easily overlooked, leading to the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis. Recognizing these behaviors is crucial for differentiating pain from the natural aging process in cats.

The Prevalence of Feline Osteoarthritis

Feline osteoarthritis is a condition that often remains hidden because cats instinctively mask their pain. It affects over 60% of cats over the age of six and a staggering 90% of cats over twelve. Despite its prevalence, diagnosing osteoarthritis in cats is challenging due to their adeptness at concealing discomfort.

Challenges in Diagnosis

Several factors contribute to the difficulty in diagnosing feline osteoarthritis. Cats tend to visit the vet less frequently than dogs, and many cat owners are unaware of the specific behaviors indicating pain in their pets. Additionally, assessing a cat's movement during an exam can be tricky. Overcoming these challenges requires a proactive approach to screening cats for osteoarthritis during regular vet visits.

Tools for Monitoring and Diagnosis

Fortunately, there are tools available to help monitor your cat's health at home. One such tool is the Zoetis Feline Osteoarthritis Checklist. This checklist covers six key behavior areas and 14 simple data points, helping you recognize changes in your cat's daily life. It assists in assessing your cat's difficulty with normal physical actions, such as jumping and running, and scoring their health and behavior across vital categories.

Proactive Health Management

By using this checklist and discussing it with your veterinarian during annual exams, you can help identify signs of osteoarthritis pain early on. Low scores on emotional well-being or vitality can alert you and your vet to underlying discomfort that might otherwise be dismissed as "laziness" or "old age."

The Importance of Early Detection

Recognizing and addressing feline pain is crucial for your cat's well-being. By paying attention to subtle behavioral changes and utilizing systematic screening methods, you can ensure early detection and better management of osteoarthritis pain in your beloved pet.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about this important aspect of feline health. By being vigilant and proactive, you can help your cat live a more comfortable and pain-free life.