One of the hardest parts of loving a pet is knowing when they are hurting. Unlike people, dogs and cats cannot tell us verbally when they are in pain. Instead, they often communicate through subtle changes in their behaviour, movement, and daily routines.

Instead of looking for obvious signs, it is often the small changes that tell the real story indicating your pet is in pain.

Learning to recognise the early signs of pain can help you seek veterinary care sooner, improve your pet’s comfort, and support a better quality of life.

Why Pets Hide Pain

Dogs and cats often mask pain surprisingly well. This natural survival instinct means that even pets experiencing significant discomfort may continue eating, greeting family members, or carrying on with their usual routines.

Instead of looking for obvious signs, it is often the small changes that tell the real story.

Pay attention if your pet begins behaving differently from what is normal for them.

Common Signs of Pain in Dogs and Cats

Pain affects every pet differently, but there are several common signs that may indicate something is wrong.

Changes in Mobility

A pet experiencing pain may:

• Walk more slowly
• Limp or favour one leg
• Struggle to climb stairs
• Find it difficult to jump onto furniture
• Be reluctant to go for walks
• Have trouble standing after resting

These signs are often associated with arthritis, injuries, muscle pain, or neurological conditions.

Changes in Behaviour

Pain can affect your pet’s personality.

You may notice they become:

• Quieter than usual
• Less interested in playing
• Withdrawn from family members
• More anxious or restless
• Irritable when touched
• Unusually clingy

Some pets become less social, while others seek extra comfort and reassurance.

Changes in Appetite

Pain may reduce your pet’s desire to eat or drink.

Watch for:

• Eating less than usual
• Difficulty chewing
• Dropping food
• Weight loss
• Reduced interest in treats

Loss of appetite should always be discussed with your veterinarian, particularly in senior pets.

Changes in Sleeping Patterns

A pet in pain may:

• Sleep more than usual
• Struggle to settle comfortably
• Frequently change positions
• Wake during the night
• Pace around the house

Changes in sleeping habits often indicate underlying discomfort.

Changes in Grooming

Cats, in particular, may stop grooming painful areas.

You might notice:

• A scruffy coat
• Matted fur
• Excessive licking of one area
• Hair loss from repeated licking

Dogs may also lick or chew painful joints or wounds.

Changes in Breathing

Pain can sometimes affect breathing.

Look for:

• Faster breathing while resting
• Panting without exercise
• Laboured breathing
• Shallow breaths

Breathing difficulties should always be treated as urgent and assessed by a veterinarian.

Changes in Toilet Habits

Pain may make it difficult for pets to:

• Squat comfortably
• Climb into a litter tray
• Ask to go outside
• Control their bladder or bowels

These changes may indicate arthritis, spinal problems, neurological disease, or other medical conditions.

Signs of Chronic Pain in Senior Pets

Older pets often develop chronic conditions that progress slowly over time.

Common causes include:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Dental disease
• Hip dysplasia
• Cognitive decline

Because these conditions often worsen gradually, families sometimes mistake the signs for “just getting old.”

However, ageing itself should not cause pain. Many conditions can be managed successfully when recognised early.

Pain Can Look Different in Cats

Cats are particularly skilled at hiding illness and discomfort.

Signs of pain in cats may include:

• Hiding more often
• Sleeping in unusual places
• Avoiding jumping
• Reduced grooming
• Changes in litter tray habits
• Becoming less affectionate
• Growling or hissing when handled

Even subtle behavioural changes deserve attention.

Pain Can Affect Quality of Life

Pain does not only affect movement.

It can also reduce your pet’s:

• Happiness
• Confidence
• Appetite
• Sleep quality
• Interest in family life
• Ability to enjoy favourite activities

Assessing your pet’s overall quality of life can help determine whether current treatments are providing enough comfort.

When Should You See a Veterinarian?

Arrange a veterinary appointment if your pet:

• Shows persistent signs of pain
• Stops eating
• Struggles to walk
• Cries out when moving
• Has sudden behavioural changes
• Experiences breathing difficulties
• Appears distressed or withdrawn

Early diagnosis often allows more treatment options and can significantly improve your pet’s comfort.

When Pain Can No Longer Be Controlled

For some pets living with advanced illness, there may come a time when medication and treatment are no longer enough to provide comfort.

If your pet experiences ongoing pain despite treatment, has more difficult days than good ones, or no longer enjoys the activities they once loved, it may be time to have an honest conversation with your veterinarian about their quality of life.

Making this decision is never easy. It is one of the most compassionate choices a family can make when suffering can no longer be relieved.

A Compassionate Final Thought

Knowing whether your pet is in pain can be difficult, but recognising the signs early allows you to seek help before their comfort and wellbeing decline further.

Every pet deserves to live with dignity, comfort, and as little pain as possible. Whether your companion needs treatment, supportive care, or help at the end of life, you do not have to face these decisions alone.

If you are concerned about your pet’s comfort or quality of life, our compassionate vets at The Kindest Goodbye are here to provide guidance, support, and gentle care every step of the way.

More to Read

Continue learning about recognising pain, supporting senior pets, and making informed decisions about your pet’s wellbeing.

Related Articles

• Senior Dog Care: Common Health Conditions and Quality of Life
• Senior Cat Care: Common Health Conditions and Comfort Support
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Care
• Helping Children Cope with Pet Loss

Trusted External Resources

• RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase
  https://kb.rspca.org.au
• Australian Veterinary Association
  https://www.ava.com.au