Help! I Am Worried My Cat is Hiding His Pain! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hey Dr. Paola,
What are the signs that my cat Billy might be in pain but hiding it? He recently took a big jump out of a tree in our yard (and landed on his feet). He is seemingly OK, but I know cats tend to hide their pain, so I want to be sure I’m doing the right things to care for him. “ – Chris
Quick Info about Billy
Hi Chris,
You’re absolutely right to be cautious. As you mentioned, cats are incredibly discreet by nature and often mask discomfort, especially when it’s musculoskeletal. Even if Billy landed on his feet, a hard landing can still lead to sprains, strains, or subtle injuries that don’t show up right away. The fact that you’re tuned into his behavior is already a great start; close observation will give you the clues.
Some of the more subtle signs of pain in cats include changes in posture, reluctance to jump or climb, some cats will avoid their regular height-up hangout spots, hesitation before movement, or becoming less playful. Other signs might be becoming unusually quiet or withdrawn. On the flip side, some cats become irritable or vocal when touched in a painful area. Watch closely for any changes in how Billy moves, rests, or interacts with you. If he starts limping, favoring one side, or holding himself stiffly, those are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored.
You might also notice him grooming less, or overgrooming, especially in areas that hurt. What makes it tricky is that not all cats react the same way. While some may overgroom, others might avoid grooming entirely if it’s painful to move a certain part of their body. So both overgrooming and undergrooming can be signs of discomfort, and the context really matters. If Billy has started focusing intensely on a specific limb or joint since his jump, that could point to a localized issue.
Since this could be a minor issue or something requiring more attention, a tele-triage service like PangoVet could help assess his risk based on what you’re observing. However, if you notice ongoing changes in his mobility or comfort, I do recommend a physical exam with your vet. Injuries like hairline fractures or soft tissue damage can be hard to detect without a hands-on evaluation and diagnostic imaging. You’re doing the right thing by staying observant and proactive. Billy’s lucky to have you watching out for him. I hope this helps!
– Dr. Paola