How do you tell if a senior cat is in pain when they hide it so well?

If you’ve ever lived with an older cat, you know they can be masters of disguise—especially when it comes to pain. Unlike dogs, cats often conceal discomfort as a survival instinct, which can make it tricky to spot when something’s wrong. But subtle changes in behavior, body language, and daily habits can reveal a lot. Here’s how to recognize pain in senior cats, what to watch for, and what you can do to help.

Why senior cats hide pain

Cats are both predators and prey in the wild. Showing weakness could make them vulnerable, so they’ve evolved to mask pain and illness. As cats age, degenerative conditions like arthritis, dental disease, and kidney problems become more common. The result: your cat may be uncomfortable long before they “tell” you in obvious ways.

Subtle signs your senior cat may be in pain

Pain in cats often looks like changes in routine rather than dramatic limping or vocalizing. Keep an eye out for these patterns:

1) Changes in mobility and activity

• Hesitating to jump onto furniture or counters they used to reach easily
• Using new routes (e.g., stepping on intermediate surfaces) to get up or down
• Stiffness after resting, especially in the morning
• Slower movements, shorter play sessions, or increased sleeping
• Reluctance to use stairs or a sudden preference for lower resting spots

2) Grooming differences

• Overgrooming painful areas (often the joints or belly)
• Matted fur or greasy patches, especially along the lower back and hindquarters—signs they can’t comfortably reach
• Dandruff on the back due to decreased grooming

3) Litter box and toileting changes

• Accidents near the box because stepping over high sides hurts
• Straining or crying in the box (can be pain or a urinary issue—both urgent)
• Constipation from reluctance to posture due to hip or back pain

4) Appetite and drinking shifts

• Eating less because it hurts to crouch or due to dental pain
• Preference for softer foods or dropping kibble while eating
• Increased water intake (could signal kidney disease or diabetes) and may worsen arthritis if they move less to drink

5) Behavior and mood

• Hiding more, sleeping in unusual places, or being less social
• Irritability, especially when touched in certain areas
• Reduced purring or unusual vocalization when moving or being handled
• Changes in facial expression: narrowed eyes, flattened ears, tightened whiskers—collectively called a “pain face”

6) Posture and body language

• Hunched posture with tucked abdomen
• Reluctance to stretch, or a stiff, guarded gait
• Tail held low or wrapped tightly around the body

Common pain sources in older cats

• Osteoarthritis (very common but often undiagnosed)
• Dental disease: resorptive lesions, gingivitis, fractured teeth
• Kidney disease: nausea, ulcers, dehydration-related discomfort
• Pancreatitis or gastrointestinal issues
• Cancer (e.g., lymphoma, oral tumors)
• Injuries or soft-tissue strain from slips and missteps

If your cat is 10+, assume arthritis is a possibility—even if they don’t limp.

A simple home checklist: the “JUMP-CAT” guide

Use this weekly to track changes and spot trends.

• J – Jumps: Are jumps lower, fewer, or hesitant?
• U – Use of litter box: Any misses or difficulty getting in/out?
• M – Movement: Stiffness, slower pace, or altered gait?
• P – Posture: Hunched, tense, or avoiding stretches?
• C – Comfort with touch: Flinching, sensitivity, or irritability?
• A – Appetite: Eating less, favoring soft food, dropping kibble?
• T – Tidiness: Grooming quality; new mats, dandruff, or overgrooming?

Bring notes or videos to your vet—short clips of jumping, walking, and grooming are incredibly helpful.

When to call the vet (and what they may do)

Call promptly if you notice:
- Sudden behavior change, severe lethargy, or hiding
- Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or straining in the litter box
- Crying when moving, handling, or using the box
- Marked reduction in appetite or weight loss
- Swelling, wounds, or visible injuries

Your veterinarian may recommend:
- Physical exam with joint palpation and dental check
- Bloodwork and urinalysis to screen for kidney, thyroid, and systemic issues
- X-rays to evaluate arthritis or injuries
- Pain trials: a short course of safe pain medication to see if function improves

Never give human pain medications to cats—many are toxic, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Easing pain at home: practical adjustments

Small changes can make a big difference for a sore senior.

• Make movement easier

  • Provide ramps or pet stairs to favorite spots
  • Offer stable, low-perch beds and heated pads with auto shut-off
  • Place rugs or yoga mats on slippery floors for traction

• Rethink the litter box

  • Choose large, low-entry boxes (front cut-outs help)
  • Use fine, soft litter that’s gentle on paws
  • Place multiple boxes on each floor to reduce travel

• Support grooming and comfort

  • Brush gently where they struggle to reach; use a soft brush
  • Trim nails regularly to improve traction and comfort
  • Maintain a warm, draft-free environment—cold worsens stiffness

• Meal and hydration tweaks

  • Elevate bowls slightly to reduce neck/back strain
  • Warm food to boost aroma; consider softer textures
  • Add water fountains or multiple bowls to encourage drinking

• Enrichment at their pace

  • Use shorter, gentler play sessions with wand toys
  • Provide puzzle feeders that don’t require big jumps or pounces

Veterinary pain management options

• NSAIDs formulated for cats: used carefully and monitored, especially with kidney disease
• Gabapentin: helpful for neuropathic pain and arthritis-related discomfort
• Buprenorphine: short-term relief for moderate pain
• Joint support: omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), glucosamine/chondroitin, green-lipped mussel extracts
• Disease-modifying therapies and injections (e.g., monoclonal antibody for osteoarthritis where available)
• Dental care: professional cleanings, extractions when needed
• Weight management: even small weight loss reduces joint stress
• Physical therapy and acupuncture: some cats benefit from laser therapy, acupuncture, or gentle exercises

Your vet will tailor a plan based on your cat’s overall health, especially kidneys, liver, and thyroid.

How to monitor progress

• Keep a simple pain diary: note jumping ability, play, grooming, appetite, and mood
• Use video before and after treatment changes to compare mobility
• Recheck with your vet regularly; adjust meds and supplements as needed

Bottom line

Senior cats often whisper their pain rather than shout it. Watch for changes in mobility, grooming, litter habits, appetite, posture, and mood. Make home adjustments that reduce strain, and partner with your veterinarian to build a safe, effective pain management plan. With attention and early intervention, most older cats can stay comfortable—and keep enjoying their favorite sunny spots—well into their golden years.