Knowing how to tell if a cat is in pain is harder than it sounds. Cats hide discomfort well, and many suffer quietly for a long time before anyone notices. Learning the four main areas where pain shows up can help you catch problems early and get your cat help.
Researchers developed the Feline Grimace Scale to help recognize pain from a cat’s expression. Signs include:
Compare your cat’s face to how it looks when they are relaxed and content.
Arthritis is very common in older cats and often missed. See arthritis in dogs and cats.
Our guide to signs of stress in cats explains how stress and pain can look similar.
See dental disease in cats for mouth pain clues.
Get urgent care if your cat:
Never give your cat human pain medication. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be deadly. See ibuprofen and Tylenol poisoning.
For cats with long-term illness, pain is a key part of quality of life. Our pet quality of life scale can help you think through difficult decisions.
Sometimes. Cats may purr to comfort themselves, so purring does not always mean a cat feels fine.
Nothing without a vet’s advice. Many human and dog medications are toxic to cats.
Talk to a licensed vet 24/7, even on holidays, by chat, voice call or video call. Your first month is free with code FREEMONTH, then US $9.99/month, at nyptelevet.com/. One membership covers up to 6 pets, and you can cancel anytime.
Our vets can’t prescribe medication, but they’ll tell you what’s likely needed and when an in-person visit is the next step.
⚠️ Disclaimer: NYP TeleVet is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. For emergencies (trouble breathing, seizures, severe bleeding, collapse), go to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately.
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