Cats are hardwired to hide pain — a survival instinct left over from being both predator and prey in the wild. Rather than limping or crying out, a cat in pain is more likely to show subtle changes: hesitating before a jump they used to make easily, grooming less (or obsessively over one spot), missing the litter box, or simply withdrawing and hiding more than usual. It's easy to mistake these signs for a cat 'just slowing down' or 'getting particular' with age, when they're often the clearest clue that something hurts.
Our approach starts with a hands-on exam and structured pain scoring to pinpoint where the discomfort is coming from and how severe it is. From there we build a feline-safe treatment plan using medications formulated and dosed specifically for cats — dog pain medications and unprescribed human NSAIDs can be toxic, even fatal, to cats and should never be given without our guidance. Depending on the cause, we may add joint supplements, weight management, or simple environmental changes like ramps and low-sided litter boxes, and we recheck regularly to adjust the plan as your cat's needs change.
Signs your cat may be in pain
- Hesitating to jump up or down
- Grooming less — or overgrooming one spot
- Litter box accidents or straining
- Hiding, irritability, or reduced play
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Stiffness after resting
If your cat just doesn't seem like themselves, trust that instinct — schedule a pain assessment and let's find out why.
Cat Pain Managementguides & handouts
Take-home guides from our resource library related to this service.
Ready to schedule?
Request an appointment at our Glendale clinic or call our team — we serve pets and their people across the surrounding communities.